ST. JOHN | Plan commissioners on Wednesday held their proposed zoning ordinance up for public comment for the first time.

The ordinance, which has not been updated since the 1980s, will set new standards for the town's appearance and will define construction requirements.

Dave Carr, president of the Building Industries Association of Northwest Indiana, said the proposed minimum home square footage requirements are excessive.

The ordinance divides housing into three categories: ranch, 1-1/2-story and two-story. Ranch homes would require a minimum 2,250 square feet; 1-1/2-story homes would require a minimum 2,600 square feet; and two-story homes would require a minimum 2,800 square feet.

The BIA supports affordable building in Indiana, but it would be tough under the proposed changes.

"That really puts things into another realm for many of the home buyers looking to come into your community," Carr said.

Attorney Michael Muenich, who represents local developers, echoed that comment, saying the minimum cost of a ranch home would be between $250,000 and $275,000 under the proposed square footage requirements.

Carr also opposed the ordinance's proposed anti-monotony clause, which states that no two houses of the same style can be within a 10-house radius each other.

The ordinance not only would take away homeowners' choices in housing style, the town would have a difficult time keeping track of the houses to ensure they follow the ordinance, Carr said.

Muenich applauded the town for updating its ordinance but raised questions about accessory structures, landscaping plans, building height requirements and other proposed changes.

St. John is known among builders as an upper-end area, and Carr said he didn't understand the goal of having a new ordinance.

The town needs to have everything in writing so it can enforce its housing standards, Town Manager Steve Kil said.

The Plan Commission wants input from builders, Plan Commission President Dennis Wilson said.

Carr said he would find volunteers from the 450-member association to help give feedback to the town on its proposed zoning ordinance.