Some southern Indiana residents fear proposed zoning ordinance will disrupt business, agriculture

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Some southern Indiana residents are raising concerns over a proposed zoning ordinance they fear could disrupt small businesses and agricultural livelihoods in Washington County.

Many community members believe the ordinance is unclear and could negatively impact their way of life. They're demanding more clarification from county leaders, who they claim have not provided sufficient information.

Among the concerned residents is Lucy Brenton, who operates a nursery from her home. She worries that the language of the ordinance implies that she may not be able to expand her business since it is on residential property.

“I think I speak for a lot of Washington County residents when I say that we were shocked, taken by surprise,” Brenton said.

The proposed ordinance lists nurseries as one of 18 types of businesses that could “increase beyond the limits” and potentially disturb neighbors. Also included in this category are houses of worship, raising concerns that home-based religious gatherings, such as Amish services, may be affected.

“People are up in arms because we’re all afraid that maybe home-based churches, a lot of people feel like the Amish may be targeted,” Brenton added. “Each Sunday they go to another home, and if there’s any ambiguity at all, it can be read for you or against you.”

Hundreds of residents attended a meeting last month to voice their concerns. Washington County Council District 4 Rep. Karen Wischmeier cautioned against passing the ordinance without fully addressing its vague language.

“We can fix it later. Let’s just pass it now because we need rules, but that’s not how government works,” Wischmeier said. “That’s a dangerous situation to put everybody in, and the legalities of it itself are scary because if you implement something like that now, knowing that it’s so vague, I feel like it could cost this county millions if not a billion dollars in lawsuits.”

However, former planning commission member Adam Dufour believes that much of the opposition stems from confusion. He acknowledges that the 114-page document is difficult to interpret and requires more explanation.

“Most of the unrest over this thing is due to confusion,” Dufour said, emphasizing that many residents have not checked the zoning map to determine whether the ordinance directly affects them.

Dufour also pointed out that both county officials and residents share responsibility for the current situation.

“The public does not get a get-out-of-jail-free card here,” he said. “Lots of people made lots of mistakes along the way, and it has resulted in a lack of community spirit and public trust.”

Two public meetings have been scheduled for February 18 and March 4 to gather further input. Residents hope the commissioners will provide necessary clarifications before moving forward with the ordinance.

Washington County commissioners have yet to respond to requests for comment.

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