The Town of Yorktown’s Zoning & Planning function guides responsible growth, supports quality development, and preserves the character that makes Yorktown a great place to live, work, and invest. Through careful land use policies, thoughtful community planning, and clear development standards, Yorktown ensures that new investment enhances community identity while expanding economic opportunity.
Yorktown's Zoning Districts
The Town of Yorktown has 18 zoning districts. The primary purpose of zoning is to segregate uses that are thought to be incompatible; in practice, zoning districts are used as a permitting system to prevent new development from harming existing residents or businesses and to preserve the "character" of a community.
- PR Parks & Recreation.
- DD Downtown District.
- R1 Low Density Single-Family Residential.
- R2 Medium Density Single Family Residential.
- R3 High Density Single-Family Residential.
- R4 Heritage Residential (Old Town Residential Character).
- M1 Low Density Multifamily Residential (Duplex, Triplex and Quadplex).
- M2 Medium Density Multifamily Residential (5-16 Unit Apartment Complexes).
- M3 High Density Multifamily Residential (17+ Unit Apartment Complexes).
- MP Manufactured Home Park
- IS Institutional Use (Institutionally Owned Land).
- OC Office Commercial.
- HM Heritage Mixed Use (Existing Use Only).
- C1 Small/Medium Commercial.
- C2 Medium/Large Commercial.
- LI Limited Industrial.
- IN Industrial.
- FM Farming
Zoning and planning help shape how land is used within Yorktown. The Town regulates land use through the Zoning & Subdivision Control Ordinance, which organizes land into districts that reflect compatible uses and community goals. This system promotes orderly development, protects residential neighborhoods, supports commercial and industrial growth, and preserves key natural and cultural assets.
Yorktown’s zoning framework includes 18 distinct districts, such as residential (R1-R4), mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and special designations like the Downtown District and Farming District. Each district’s regulations guide permitted uses, development form, and transitions between uses.
Plan Commission
The Yorktown Plan Commission reviews zoning ordinance regulations, recommends updates to the Zoning Ordinance, and evaluates rezoning petitions and subdivision plats. The Commission also works to align new development with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Contact: Office of the Zoning Administrator / Building Commissioner at (765) 759.8521.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hears applications for use variances, design variances, and special exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance. These decisions help balance individual property needs with broader community goals.
Building Inspections & Permits
Building permits and inspections ensure that development meets safety standards and complies with zoning regulations. Inspections are required at key stages of construction and help protect residents, property owners, and investors.
For permitting questions, contact the Building Commissioner’s Office at (765) 759.8521.
Economic Development Connection
Zoning and planning play a central role in supporting Yorktown’s economic growth. By establishing clear land use expectations and promoting development-ready sites, these functions help attract new businesses and support reinvestment in existing commercial areas. Yorktown’s Economic Development team works closely with planning staff and the Redevelopment Commission to advance strategic opportunities, encourage private investment, and enhance the Town’s economic base.
The Town of Yorktown offers resources for prospective businesses, including site information, utility data, and support for incentive programs such as tax abatements and infrastructure assistance.
How to Get Started
Whether you are a property owner, developer, or resident, the Town encourages you to connect with staff early in your project planning. Before applying for permits or pursuing development approvals, contact the Building Commissioner / Zoning Administrator to:
- Confirm zoning designations and permitted uses
- Review subdivision and plat requirements
- Understand variance and special exception procedures
- Explore development support and economic incentive options
Contact:
Zoning Administrator / Building Commissioner
Phone: (765) 759.8521
Email: mray@yorktownindiana.org