Plan Commission recommends fence, culvert ordinance change to town council

The Burns Harbor Plan Commission on a unanimous roll-call vote recommended that the Town Council consider an ordinance that would require permits for residential fences and add a violation fee for improper culvert work.

The recommendation followed a public hearing in which the commission reviewed a side-by-side comparison of the current code and the proposed changes. Commissioners sought clarity on whether responsibility for culvert installation and maintenance along Highway 20 falls to property owners or to the state; staff said the question will be resolved with the appropriate agency and noted that the ordinance text includes a penalty for violations.

The commission’s motion to recommend the ordinance to the council passed by roll call with all members voting yes. Staff was instructed to certify the commission’s recommendation to the Town Council and to circulate the finalized ordinance language and any clarifying guidance about culvert responsibility prior to the council hearing.

The commission did not adopt the ordinance itself; the measure will next be considered at the Town Council level. The commission asked staff to ensure that any jurisdictional questions about culverts along Highway 20 are clarified in writing for council review.