Comprehensive Regional Plan - Northwestern Indiana Regional ...

Preserving the Region’s Rural Character and Resources
The CRP focuses on the protection of natural resources while
supporting the agricultural and rural economy, as well as
allowing for limited compatible nonfarm development.
REFORM UNINCORPORATED
LAND DIVISION
Undivided agricultural land
All three counties in Northwest Indiana allow for the division
of agricultural lands for nonfarm land uses - primarily singlefamily
residential uses. These land divisions do not require
the creation of a subdivision, the dedication of public ways
or the installation of utilities. The lack of control over these
land divisions has the potential for a number of negative
consequences:
• Roadway access issues/conflicts
• Groundwater contamination
• Stream and drainage way obstruction
• Soil erosion
• Unnecessary loss of productive farmland
31
The CRP recommends the creation of a development plan
review process that offers incentives for site planning to
avoid these conflicts. An example of a progressive strategy
would include clustering development away from sensitive
areas of a site.
Typical land division
PROVIDE PLANNING AND
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE
Recommendations for local assistance that would advance
the goals of the CRP include local area plans, corridor
studies, conservation design approaches and agricultural
protection tools.
Land division best practice