News

New Zoning Administrator

The Clear Lake Town Council is pleased to announce the hiring of Amy Schweitzer as our new Zoning Administrator. The council was fortunate to have 9 applicants. The final four applicants all had prior experience in zoning administration. Amy's previous zoning and planning experience at the Town of Butler as well as her work with Ground Rules Inc. will provide valuable background for the zoning position at Clear Lake.   Amy will begin her orientation on Monday, August 9th and will be introduced at the Town Council meeting that evening.

The Town Council looks forward to working with Amy in her new position.

Bob Lewis, President
Clear Lake Town Council

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Golf Cart Registration Requirements & Application

From Marshal Gonya and the Clear Lake Police Department.  The Golf Cart registration requirements and Application to register your Golf Cart are now available via the following link: Golf Cart Regulations & Application.  To register your Golf Cart, bring the completed form and fee to Clear Lake Town Hall during normal business hours.  Upon receipt of the completed form at Town Hall, the Marshal will schedule a time to visit your lake home to inspect your Golf Cart, Gator, Ranger etc.  Upon successful inspection of your vehicle, you will be issued your registration sticker.

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Golf Cart Ordinance

The Clear Lake Town Council has enacted an ordinance governing the operation of golf carts on the town's roads. You may recall that a state law became effective on July 1, 2009 banning golf carts from operating on all Indiana roads and highways. However this law does allow individual cities and towns to enact local ordinances allowing golf carts to operate.

The complete ordinance and references to the state law definitions cited in the ordinance are available via the following link. Golf Cart Ordinance. 

Here are the highlights of the ordinance:

  • The operator must have a valid driver's license issued by the State of Indiana or any other state.

  • The owner must provide proof of financial responsibility (i.e. insurance coverage).

  • The golf cart must be inspected by the town Marshal or his deputies AND be registered with the Town of Clear Lake.

  • To pass inspection the golf cart must:
     - Have a slow moving vehicle emblem;
     - Have an amber or red flashing light;
     - If operated after sunset or before sunrise, have headlights visible 500 feet;
     - Have a rearview mirror  

• To be registered the owner must provide the town Marshals inspection report, the vehicle VIN number, proof of financial responsibility and pay a $40.00 fee. The registration sticker must be displayed at all times on the cart and is valid for one year from date of issue.

   • The number of occupants is limited to the number of factory installed seats (not to exceed 6) and all passengers 10 years or younger must ride in the front seat.

Other vehicles such as Gator's, Rangers etc. will be treated as golf carts while in the town limits. Outside of town limits, they are illegal because the county cannot adopt an ordinance allowing them at this time.

All vehicle operators shall obey all of the rules of the road and traffic regulations of the State of Indiana and the Town of Clear Lake. This includes speed limits, stop signs and safe operation.

For additional information contact Marshal Gonya or your town council representative.

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Message from the Zoning Administrator – Check before starting your project

Before starting your project, be it a deck, cement work, a fence, a shed, remodeling or rebuilding your cottage please check with me to make sure the project meets the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). There is nothing worse than to start your project only to learn that the project does not comply with the UDO. We all want to keep Clear Lake the greatest place to live.

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Unified Development Ordinance

The Unified Development Ordinance is available at the following link: Unified Development Ordinance (Amended 2/8/2010).  The Clear Lake Zoning Map is available on the Steuben County GIS System at this link: Steuben County GIS System

The Town of Clear Lake's Comprehensive Master passed in 2007 is available at the following link:  2007 Comprehensive Plan Link. 

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Message from the Marshal - - - BE NOSY! OBSERVE! REPORT!

Our Marshal & Deputy Marshals advise town residents and property owners to give your cottage a “lived in” look. You can do this by installing timers on interior lights in various rooms and having a neighbor check your cottage periodically. Also, it is a good idea to remove mailboxes and newspaper holders rather than placing tape on them to prevent papers and advertisement flyers from accumulating. The tape and/or accumulated papers shout “No One’s Home”!

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Please be sure to update your owner information if you have moved or changed any other important information. You may use our Owner Information Link to make any changes that are necessary. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your cooperation.

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