Steve Hardin Sees Some Merit in Fishers Development Exemptions

Fishers is considering exempting state and local governments and school buildings from following its development standards, the Indianapolis Star reported in its story "Fishers Considers Bending the Rules ... But Not for All." It's a move, officials say, that will save taxpayers money, according to the story.

Steve Hardin of Baker & Daniels said having an abbreviated review process for government entities and schools is a good idea, the story reported. But he is uncertain whether it's best to exempt those entities completely.

Hardin said developers sometimes shell out "a very, very large number" of dollars to adhere to Fishers' standards, and sometimes, those extra costs can come back to taxpayers through higher rent or sales prices and taxes, the Indianapolis Star reported.

The ordinance would exempt the town, Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Fall Creek and Delaware townships, Hamilton County, Hamilton East Public Library and the state from having to meet the standards, which cover everything from roof slopes to sidewalk sizes, according to the story. The federal government already is exempt.