Goshen, Indiana
Unified Development Ordinance
What is a UDO?
The City of Goshen is overhauling its existing zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations and organizing them into a single document. This document is called a Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO. Ultimately, the UDO will be a simplified, user-friendly document with updated and consistent regulations that reflect the community’s desired development patterns.​​
Who is guiding the development of the UDO?
The City of Goshen has formed a working group of individuals that frequently utilize development regulations and understand their impacts. This group includes members of the City Council, Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Planning & Zoning Staff. The city has also organized meetings with local developers, local officials, city administrators, and stakeholders from the Chamber of Commerce, local schools, and other community institutions. These individuals are sharing thoughs, comments, and input that are tailoring the UDO to Goshen's unique needs.​
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In addition, all residents of Goshen will also have opportunities to provide comments and input for the UDO. To learn more about oppotunities for public engagement, please see the "How can I Participate?" section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will the new UDO be different from the current zoning and subdivsion regulations?
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The organization and formatting of the UDO will be more user-friendly.
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All public development regulations, including zoning codes and subdivision ordinances, will be organized into one document.
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The UDO will incorporate graphics and charts that will make it easier to find and understand the regulations.
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The UDO will streamline the current regulations or processes, where appropriate, to reduce additional steps if they are not necessary.
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Existing regulations that conflict with other ordinances or regulations that are not functioning as intended will be revised as necessary.
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Modern land uses and standards will be evaluated and incorporated where appropriate.
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Amendments to the existing ordinances that have occurred over the years will be incorporated so they are not standalone documents.
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How will the new UDO impact me or my property?
Most people will not be impacted by the new UDO. The goal is not to create a completely new set of standards, but rather streamline standards and reduce conflicts or existing issues in the regulations. ​​
If an applicant has submitted an application before the new UDO is adopted, they will follow the regulations that were in place when their application was filed. If an application is submitted after the UDO is adopted, the new UDO will apply.
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When can I review a draft of the complete UDO?
The UDO task force will be working throughout the first half of 2026 to develop the draft UDO.​ Unfortunately, it is difficult to share a draft of each individual chapter. Updates to one regulation in one part of the UDO can impact regulations from previous and subsequent chapters. Therefore, the draft document will be available for public comment in the Fall of 2026 with some elements displayed at a public meeting.
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How will the UDO be adopted?
The Plan Commission will hold a public hearing in the Fall of 2026 and then make a recommendation (favorable, unfavorable, or no recommendation) to the City Council. The City Council then has the final decision on the adoption of the UDO.
How Can I Participate?
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If you wish to provide comment or input for the UDO, please attend the public meeting in Fall 2026. Please note that this meeting has not yet been scheduled. If you would like to receive email updates about the UDO development process and be notified when the public meeting is scheduled, please share your email address in the box to the right.
Subscribe to receive email updates about the UDO!