PLANNING & ZONING
Scott Zimmerman
City Hall
One North Locust Street
PO. Box 607
Greencastle, IN 46135
szimmerman@cityofgreencastle.com
Office: (765) 653-7719
Fax: (765) 653-8707
The Greencastle Planning Department aims to provide accurate and helpful zoning information as well as planning resources for site development projects located in the City of Greencastle and two-mile fringe. Available information and resources include:
- Zoning Classifications and Permitted Uses
- Development Standards
- Permit Requirements
- Land Use Awareness and Education Materials
The mission of the Greencastle Planning Department is to not only provide information and resources to property owners and developers, but also to guide residents and petitioners through the process of development.
Positive customer service and effective communication increase the success of planning projects throughout the community!
The Greencastle Planning Department holds regular office hours at Greencastle City Hall from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. While an appointment is not necessary, response time can be lessened by calling or emailing the Planning Department; please direct inquiries to:
Scott Zimmerman
City Planner
I want to…
Learn about the zoning of my property
Each property in the City of Greencastle and the two mile fringe is given a zoning designation. A property can be located on the “Greencastle Zoning Map – Current Up to 2017” located in the RESOURCES section below. Information about each zoning designation can be found in the Greencastle Zoning Ordinance located in the RESOURCES section below.
Learn more about the city’s comprehensive plan
Links to the Greencastle Comprehensive Plan and the Greencastle Comprehensive Plan Maps can be found in the RESOURCES section below.
Learn more about planning and zoning regulations
The Greencastle Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Control Ordinance can be found in the RESOURCES section below. The Zoning Amendments should always be checked for recent updates to these documents.
File a complaint about a property
Please call the Planning Department at 765-653-7719 to discuss your concern. Some issues can be addressed by the city, others may need to be referred to the Greencastle Police Department or the Putnam County Health Department.
Install a new sign, what permits do I need?
The city does require a sign permit for new signs. If the sign is illuminated, an electrical permit may also be required. Please note that the Zoning Ordinance includes requirements for the size of a sign, its location, its fabrication and its installation.
Install a fence, what permits do I need? What are the rules?
Section 5.21, as amended, of the Greencastle Zoning Ordinance governs the installation of fences. Although the city does not require a permit, the structural side of the fence must face inward to the property of the person installing the fence. The Zoning Ordinance includes requirements about materials, height, installation standards and other details. For example, generally chain link fences are not permitted in residential front yards. Although a survey is not required, obtaining a survey may help to prevent legal challenges over the location of the proposed fence.
Get a county building permit in the 2 mile fringe
Contact the Putnam County Building and Planning Department at 765-301-9108 to apply for a building permit or visit their website - HERE. An Improvement Location Permit (ILP) will be required by the City to determine if the proposed improvements meet the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Look-up a property - Access the GIS map
Locations in the city and county can be researched on the county GIS system. The system can be accessed HERE.
Learn where I can place a shed or barn on my property
Section 5.3 as amended, of the Greencastle Zoning Ordinance governs the location of accessory structures. A shed or mini-barn is considered an accessory structure. Generally, in residential zoning districts, a shed or mini-barn must be located to the rear of the primary structure, set back 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and 10 feet from the primary structure. An Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is required for the placement of shed or mini-barn whether or not it is built on site or delivered.
Learn more about building setbacks on my property
Building setbacks vary by zoning district. To learn more about the setbacks for a property, first locate the property on the Zoning Map to determine the zoning district. Then review the setback requirements for the zoning district in the Greencastle Zoning Ordinance. Both the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance can be found in the RESOURCES section below.
Learn how to locate a property line
The city does not locate property lines. The best way to locate a property line is to engage a licensed surveyor and have the property surveyed. In some instances corner markers can be found to give an indication of the location of a property corner and a property line. However, finding a corner marker does not insure that the marker is in the correct location or is actually indicating a property corner. A survey is the best mechanism to confirm the correct location of a property line.
Know how many animals/farm animals I can have on my property
City Code provides that "No animals shall be allowed on any lot, other than a domesticated animal no larger than the largest of the registered dog breeds, and no more than two (2) animals may be kept outside of the dwelling whether in a pet house or otherwise."
Know where I can park my RV or travel trailer
Ordinance 2021-10 clarifies where an RV or travel trailer may be parked. Generally an RV or travel trailer may be parked in a rear yard of a residence. RVs and travel trailers may be parked in a side yard under certain circumstances. Please check with the Planning Office at 765-653-7719 for details.
Know how much gravel I can use for my driveway
Generally driveways must be paved with asphalt or concrete. Farm and farm dwelling uses are exempt from this requirement. Most existing gravel driveways were constructed prior to the adoption of the current Zoning Ordinance. Driveways for new construction must be paved.
Learn more about zoning requirements for a home based business
Section 5.9, as amended, of the Greencastle Zoning Ordinance governs Home Occupation Standards. Some home occupations are permitted in most all zoning districts while others require approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals for a special exception use.
Know how many garage sales I can have a year
Garage/Yard Sales are permitted for a total of 7 days per calendar year, per lot. Permits are not required for garage sales.
Know how I can park a food truck or sales wagon to sell from it
Commercial sales in a public street parking are illegal unless part of a city council approved event. If a commercially zoned lot is available, temporary use may be granted as part of an Itinerant Vendor permit through the city attorney.
Know how I can report a barking dog/animal nuisance
City code 6-26 deals with loud animal nuisances. Call 911 Dispatch at 765-653-3155 to report an animal nuisance.
Know how I can build a garage/storage shed on my lot before I build a house
The Greencastle Zoning Ordinance requires a Primary Use (such as a house) be established prior to incidental uses and accessory structures, such as a detached garage or storage shed.
RESOURCES
Big Walnut Watershed Management Plan
Greencastle Zoning Map – Current Up to 2017
Zoning Map Amendments 2002-2018
Greencastle Comprehensive Plan
Greencastle Comprehensive Plan Maps
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