Elkhart historic commission approves rooftop solar for La Casa Inc. at 215 East Indiana Avenue

The Elkhart Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission voted to approve Certificate of Appropriateness 26-COA-02 on March 19, 2026, clearing the way for rooftop solar panels at 215 East Indiana Avenue, a building owned/occupied by petitioner La Casa Inc.

Kyle, a commission staff member, told commissioners the proposal calls for a roof-mounted solar array on the original school roof and said panels already exist on rear additions installed around February 2013. “Staff recommends approval of the request,” Kyle said, citing district guidance that roof installations may be permitted when ground locations are unsuitable and when equipment is installed out of public view and in a reversible manner.

In presenting the staff analysis, Kyle said the proposed panels would sit further back than the existing rear panels, would not extend above the roof ridgeline, and therefore would not be visible from the public street. He also noted a permit application was filed on December 17 and that staff had approved the work under the district guidelines.

The commission had no substantive questions during the presentation. After a motion and second to approve the COA, commissioners present voiced their support and the chair announced, “Motion has been carried.” The transcript records the commission reading roll call earlier in the meeting and shows commissioners Bobby Glassburn, Jay Whitmer, Bill Zimmerman and Doug Mulvaney present; the motion passed by voice vote.

Kyle also used the meeting to thank commissioners for attending and said staff intends to convene the commission only when COAs that require board action are on the agenda, rather than holding quarterly meetings consisting only of staff reports. “I was just thanking you all for showing up,” Kyle said as he noted the change in meeting cadence.

The commission approved the minutes from its February 19, 2026 meeting earlier in the session, heard no public comment or visitors, and adjourned at 6:09 p.m.

What happens next: the approved COA allows the petitioner to proceed with the described roof-mounted installation subject to the permit and any building or electrical inspections required by city staff.