Legal Department

The Legal Department at the City of Valparaiso provides legal services to the Mayor, City Council, and all City departments, boards, committees and commissions. The powers and duties of the City Attorney are outlined in IC 36-4-9-12.

The Department reviews all City contracts, drafts City ordinances and resolutions, reviews and drafts internal policies and procedures, represents the City and City Officials in litigation, manages City tax abatements, responds to City public records requests and oversees the historic downtown liquor licenses.

The City of Valparaiso Legal Department does not provide legal advice to members of the public.

Historic Downtown Liquor License

Emergency Disaster Resources

Political Signs

The City Attorney is occasionally asked about the display of political signs. Unlike commercial signs, political signs are provided enhanced legal protection as being an expression of a political opinion. That said, there are some reasonable rules.

As a starting point, political signs are prohibited on City property – including any portion of a public road. Signs placed on public property will be removed. Also, the City will seek the removal of any signs that creates a public safety hazard – especially for vehicular traffic. Indiana Code § 36-1-3-11 provides that within 60 days of an election (and 6 days afterwards), any City ordinance prohibiting the placement of a political sign (no greater than 32 square feet in surface area) is unenforceable.

If you live in a subdivision with covenants, your Association may adopt rules independent of the City. That said, Indiana Code § 32-21-13-4 prohibits your Association from preventing the placement of political signs on private property within 30 days before an election and 5 days afterwards. In addition Indiana Code § 32-21-13-7 prevents an Association from prohibiting candidates from entering a subdivision.

Keystone Property Acquisition For Road Extension

On December 13, 2024, the City’s Board of Public Works & Safety approved initiation of a condemnation action against the Keystone Property Owners Association (“Association”) to secure a small strip of land owned by the Association. This was not a decision taken lightly. Since the 2019 announcement of the extension of Vale Park Road between the Keystone and Beauty Creek subdivisions, the City has made it a priority to address the concerns of impacted residents. One concern that has been repeatedly raised was the increase of traffic through both subdivisions. Similarly, one solution that was often offered by residents was for the City to construct a connector road between Vale Park Road and Ransom Road – right at the entrance to The Brooks. Although it took time, the City was able to secure the funding and necessary property to make the connector road a reality.

Map

September 2024 Letter to HOA President

December 2024 Email to HOA President

December 2024 Property Acquisition Offer to HOA President

American Valuation Appraisal & Valuation Services Appraisal

December 13, 2024 Board of Works Meeting