Welcome to the City of Garrett Planning & Building Department!

The Planning Department is responsible for managing the growth and physical development of our community. We ensure that all new construction, land use changes, and development projects align with the Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

 

Core Responsibilities:

• Long-Range Planning: Updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and specialized corridor studies.

• Economic Development Support: We act as a bridge between the City and the investment community. By maintaining a streamlined permitting process, identifying shovel-ready sites, and ensuring infrastructure is ready for expansion, we actively work to attract new businesses and help local employers grow.

• Development Review: Evaluating site plans, subdivisions, and rezoning requests.

• Zoning Administration: Ensuring all land use complies with local law to protect property values.

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Department Leadership:

• Director: Madalyn Sade-Bartl, MSM, MPA, CMO

• Role: As the Planning & Building Director, Madalyn oversees all land use, development review, and building operations for the City.

• Expertise: With over 15 years of experience in municipal administration, Madalyn specializes in long-range strategic planning and complex project management. Her focus is on ensuring that today’s development projects align with the City’s future vision, while streamlining the administrative process to move projects from the drawing board to completion efficiently.

 

What Requires a Permit?

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Our department ensures that all construction within the City meets safety and zoning standards. Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you are planning any work on your property, we strongly encourage you to contact the Planning Department first to verify permit requirements.

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Building & Exterior Improvements:

• New Construction & Additions: All new residential, commercial, or industrial structures and any footprint expansions or interior remodels.

• Electric: Temporary/permanent service, rough electrical

• Roofing & Siding: Replacement or new installation of roofing materials and siding.

• Cosmetic Structural Changes: Major exterior alterations that affect the building’s appearance or structural integrity.

• Accessory Structures: Sheds, detached garages, carports, pergolas, and decks.

• Fencing: All new or replacement fencing to ensure height and setback compliance.

• Swimming Pools: Permits are required for both in-ground and above-ground pools to ensure proper setbacks, electrical safety, and required safety barriers/fencing

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Demolition & Site Work:

• Demolition Permits: Required before removing any primary or accessory structure.

• Right-of-Way (ROW) Permits: Necessary for any work performed within the city’s right-of-way or easements (e.g., utility work, curb cuts).

• Driveway Permits: Required for new driveways, expansions, or resurfacing that changes the driveway footprint.

• Private Sidewalks & Patios: All new or expanded concrete walkways and patios on private property.

• Earthwork & Drainage: Major grading, filling, or changes that impact how water leaves your property.

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Temporary & Operational Permits:

• Dumpster Permits: Required for placing a roll-off dumpster on or near public property/streets.

• Signage: Permanent business signs, wall signs, and temporary promotional banners.

• Change of Use: Before a new type of business moves into an existing space.

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What Do I Need to Obtain a Permit?

 

A successful project starts with a complete application. To avoid delays, please ensure your submittal includes all required forms and a clear Site Plan.

 

What’s a Site Plan?

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Most permits (including fences, pools, and additions) require a site plan. This is a "bird’s-eye view" drawing of your property that shows:

• Existing structures (house, garage, sheds).

• The proposed project location.

• Dimensions: Distances from the project to your property lines (setbacks).

• Note: Hand-drawn plans are acceptable as long as they are neat, legible, and drawn to scale.

 

Check the “Big Three”

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Don't guess where your project should go. Use beacon.schneidercorp.com to verify the following critical information:

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1. Zoning District:

   • Where to find it: Search for your address on Beacon and look for the "Zoning" layer.

   • Why it matters: Each district has different "setback" requirements (how far a structure must be from the front, side, or rear property lines). Knowing your zone helps you plan correctly.

2. Property Lines:

   • Where to find it: Use the parcel boundaries shown on the Beacon map.

   • Why it matters: Building over a property line is a major legal issue. While Beacon is a great guide, the only way to be 100% certain of your lines is a professional survey.

3. Easements & Rights-of-Way (ROW):

   • Where to find it: Look for dashed lines or labeled easements on the GIS map.

   • Why it matters: You cannot build or plant anything in an easement or the City’s ROW. Checking this early prevents your application from being denied later.

 

How much is a permit and how can I pay?

Most permits are $25, but there are some exceptions. Contact the Planning Department at planning@garrettindiana.us to confirm the actual cost.

Permit fess can be paid via cash or check at the City Hall during regular business hours. Credit cards are accepted online. Please scroll to the Municipay link at the bottom of the City’s website. Once there, select “Other permits and fees” and put in the cost of the permit. Put in your address in the “Permit/Application Number” field. Once payment has been remitted, submit your receipt to planning@garrettindiana.us . Permits cannot be released until payment confirmation is received.  

 

Application Forms

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• Improvement Location Permit (ILP) Application. This application is used for site improvements, new structures, and fences.

• Dumpster Permit Application

• Demolition Permit Application

• ROW Permit Application.  This aplication is used for any work being done in an easement or right-ot-way.  This includes driveways.

• UDO

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​Request for Dumpster Permit

ROW Permit Application

Request - Demolition Permit

Request - Improvement Location Permit

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Plan Commission

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The City of Garrett, Indiana Plan Commission is an advisory board whose function includes reviewing land use plans, zoning ordinance amendments and subdivision plats, and to pass recommendations regarding such plans and regulations to the Common Council for final action. The Commission has final authority for approving subdivision plats and development plans.

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Nine members sit on the Commission. The current members are: 

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Dave Demske, Common Council Rep, President
Chuck Ostman, Vice President 

Bobby Diedrich
Lincoln Shafer
Damen Miller
Dave Freed

Denny Davis 

Missy Schott - County Council Rep. ETJ Member

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DeKalb County Representative: Frank Pulver

The Garrett City Planner is Madalyn Sade-Bartl, CPM

The Plan Commission Attorney is Cherrie Wells

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The Plan Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. 

Click here for the schedule for 2026

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Click here to see the UDO

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