FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How can I get a copy of the Zoning Ordinance?

A: The Unified Development Ordinance is NOW available online. Click here to view / print down a copy of the complete ordinance.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the Zoning Map?

A: The Zoning Map is NOW available online. Click here to view / print down a copy of the City Zoning Map.

Q: Can I get a copy of Valparaiso's sign ordinance?

A: The sign ordinance is available on online. Click here to view / print down a copy of the complete sign ordinance.

Q: How do I know what sign requirements apply if I do not know the zoning of my property?

A:Zoning can be verified by the Planning Department.

Q: How tall can my sign be?

A: For signs in the Residential zoning districts, click here to go to the sign ordinance.

A: For signs in the Commercial zoning districts, click here to go to the sign ordinance.

A: For signs in the Industrial zoning districts, click here to go to the sign ordinance.

Q: Where am I limited to a monument only sign?

A: Signage is limited in the SR 49 Overlay, US 30 Overlay, and along Signature Streets. Signature Streets are: Washington Street from Morthland to Lincolnway; Lincolnway from Center to LaPorte and the 49 Bypass; Morgan/Calumet from Lincolnway to Burlington Beach Road; 700N from State 149 to State 49; Calumet from Burlington Beach Road to 700N; Burlington Beach Road from Calumet to Bypass 49; State Route 2 from 150W to Morthland (US 30); Campbell St. from Lincolnway to 700N; Bypass 49 from Division to 700N; State 149 from US 30 to 700N; and US 30/Morthland Drive from Joliet to Porter/LaPorte County.

Q: Can I erect a pole sign for my business?

A:Pole signs may be erected in the proper zoning districts provided that they meet the standards set for that district. To look at this information click here to go to the sign ordinance. However, if your business is located along a Signature Street or within the US 30 or SR 49 Overlays pole signs are not permitted.

Q: How many signs can I have on my property?

A:Total signage is limited to the surface area restriction for the zoning district your property is located in. If the property is located in a Commercial zoning district, click here to go to the sign ordinance. If the property is located in an Industrial zoning district, click here to go to the sign ordinance.

Q: There is all ready a sign on my property. Can I replace it with a new sign?

A:The sign can be changed as long as it meets the current standards for the zoning district. If the sign is along a signature street, the face of the existing sign may be changed, but any alteration to the structure of the sign will trigger the Signature Street restrictions on signage. In that case, signage is limited to a monument type of sign at a maximum height of six feet.

Q: What constitutes a Home Occupation?

A: The Valparaiso Zoning Ordinance defines a home occupation as "Any occupation or professional activity which is conducted entirely within the dwelling and carried on exclusively by the inhabitants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not change the character thereof, and provided further, that no article or service is sold or offered for sale on the premises, except such as is produced by such occupation." Home Occupations may require a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to allow it.

Q: How can I get a BZA petition?

A: BZA petitions can be obtained from the Planning Department. There is a $50 filing fee and along with the petition, the names and addresses of all property owners within 300 feet, a complete site plan, and a legal description are required.

Q: I want to put a fence up on my property, how tall can it be?

A: Fences can be a maximum of 6 feet tall, except in the front yard, where it can only be 4 feet. On a corner lot, both yards that front a street are considered front yard, and a fence can only be 4 feet tall on both of those sides.

Q: What is Site Review?

A: The Site Review Committee meets on Thursday mornings at City Hall. The Committee reviews proposed projects within the City and advises on the steps that need to be taken before applying for a building permit or opening a business and any issues that there may be. To set up a Site Review contact the Planning Department at least one week before you would like to be on the schedule.

Q: When do I need to go to Site Review?

A: New developments, expansion projects (except single-family), redevelopment projects, subdivisions, and change of use of a building or part of a building all require site review.