Merrillville, IN · Lake County
Application for a Special Exception
This application requests a special exception for a property and is filed with the Merrillville Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals by the petitioner and property owner.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this form to request a special exception for a property in Merrillville. It asks for property and zoning details, adjacent property uses, photographs, a plat, a legal description, and findings addressing the proposed use’s effects and required facilities. The petitioner submits the application and supporting materials to the Merrillville Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for review; the Board considers the findings before approving or denying the petition.
Who needs it
A petitioner seeking a special exception for Merrillville property, along with the property owner, completes and submits this application with the requested supporting materials.
Why it needs a notary
The form includes an acknowledgment block; the petitioner(s) and owner(s) named above appear before the notary and acknowledge signing the instrument voluntarily.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the Merrillville Application for a Special Exception.
- 2
Fill In the Application
Provide the proposed use, property details, adjacent uses, petitioner and owner information, and requested findings.
- 3
Gather Supporting Materials
Attach the complete legal description, photographs of the property and surrounding property, and a plat showing current and adjacent uses.
- 4
Book an Online Notary
Arrange an online notarization for the acknowledgment by the petitioner(s) and owner(s).
- 5
Sign on Video
Appear before the commissioned online notary and acknowledge signing the application voluntarily.
- 6
Submit to the City
Submit the completed form and supporting materials to the Merrillville Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Merrillville. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I submit a special exception application?
- Complete the application and findings, attach the legal description, property and surrounding-area photographs, and a plat, then submit the materials to the Merrillville Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Do I need to sign the application before a notary?
- Yes. The application includes an acknowledgment block stating that the petitioner(s) and owner(s) personally appeared before a notary and acknowledged executing the instrument voluntarily.
- Can I sign this application with a commissioned online notary?
- Indiana authorizes remote online notarization by a notary public with a remote notary public endorsement under IC 33-42-17. IC 33-42-9-8 recognizes notarial acts by a notary public or other authorized officer of another state.
- What should I do if I am unsure about filing requirements?
- The form requests supporting documents and sets out a filing fee, but confirm with the city or town if unsure about current submission instructions or required materials.
Application for a Special Exception in other Indiana cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.