Request for Qualifications

Unified Development Ordinance Update

City of Valparaiso, IN

The City of Valparaiso is seeking qualified professional consultant(s) to assist in the process of updating the City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The current UDO, was adopted in 2009.

All qualifications shall be submitted by June 27, 2025 by 4:30 PM Central time to planningdepartment@valpo.us Questions may be submitted to Bob Thompson, Planning Director at bthompson@valpo.us

The City of Valparaiso is located in the Northwest corner of Indiana and is the capital seat for Porter County, IN. The population for the city is approximately 35,000. From the U.S. Census: total households are 14,350 with homeownership rate at 59%. The median household income is $67,664. The city growth is steady at 1% to 2% per year.

The City of Valparaiso is a vibrant place to live, work and play. Much of the city's success is founded on the strong downtown, quality schools including Valparaiso University, its proximity to Chicago and the natural areas in and around the city. The city has a great business community ranging from service to manufacturing, art and cultural offerings, and beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the historic downtown.

The planning documents for the City of Valparaiso can be found on the city's website at: https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/258/Planning-Documents

Project Objectives

The goal of this project is to develop updated zoning and development procedures within a UDO. In coordination with the City administration and staff, the following broad objectives are driving forces for the updates. This is not an all-inclusive list.

• Remove or change existing code regulations that are inconsistent with State Statues or relevant case law.
• Improve the organization of the ordinance and group related topics so that information is easier to find and simplify the regulations to make it more accessible and easier to understand for the typical layperson.
• Update and modernize definitions for improved clarity and ensure consistent terminology is used throughout.
• Incorporate graphics where appropriate to improve clarity and understanding.
• Review zoning map
• Review and update zoning districts and update zoning district standards, such as setbacks, height, building coverage, etc.
• Review the list of permitted, limited use and special uses.
• Review development procedures as needed.
• Evaluate whether residential and non-residential setbacks, heights, and coverage are leading to desired development patterns.
• Review and update landscaping for developments, residential and non-residential
• Review current downtown business district standards and develop codes as needed for desired outcome.
• Digital option for easy online access by the public.

The Request for Qualifications shall contain the following at a minimum:

• Introductory letter
• Lead firm's history, experience, expertise, and current projects
• Project leader, Point of Contact
  • Name of the individual and firm
  • Contact information for the person to serve as point of contact during the RFQ evaluation process and to negotiate on behalf of the firm or team if selected for the project.
  • Experience on similar projects
• Project team and structure
  • Identification, qualifications, expertise, and availability of the key staff proposed to be assigned to the project.
  • Identification of proposed subconsultants that may be used.
  • Location of project team members and their applicable licensure and certifications with experience.
  • Team availability for the project.
• Relevant Project Experience in the past 5 years
  • Specific examples of projects that are relevant and similar to this project, please provide reference information and links to the documents.
  • Identification of which key personnel were involved with the specific examples.
  • Experience with high-quality, interactive, and dynamic graphics, maps, etc.
• Project approach and public participation plan
  • Description of project approach
  • Description of innovative ideas or strategies for project.
• Public participation Plan
  • Briefly describe a public participation plan used for a previous plan development.
• Professional references: List of a minimum of three (3) references for each firm with contact information.
• RFQs shall be limited to 15 pages.

Qualifications will be evaluated by a selection committee consisting of city administration and staff. The committee may request interviews as they deem necessary. In order to be considered for selection, respondents must submit a complete response to the Request for Qualifications. Failure to submit all information may result in the submittal being considered nonresponsive, and therefore, rejected.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate and rank the submittals received.

• Project Approach and Content 30%
• Qualifications and Demonstrated Experience 40%
• Past Project Experience and Client References 20%
• Availability of Team for Project 10%

The city may request to interview top ranked firms and respond to questions of the selection committee. The top ranked finalist will be invited to negotiate an agreement with the city. A detailed scope of work will be developed by the selected firm and the city. The detailed scope of work will be part of the agreement with the associated fee. The city reserves the right to negotiate with any single firm or multiple firms to provide the desired services at its discretion. Additionally, the city reserves the right to reject, any and all submittals received.

Tentative Timeline

RFQ Release Date: May 28, 2025

Responses Due: 4:30 PM Central, Friday, June 27, 2025

Requested Interviews: The week of Monday, July 14, 2025

Anticipated Project Start: Monday, September 1, 2025

Qualifications shall be addressed to:

Bob Thompson
Planning Director
City of Valparaiso
166 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383

Electronic Qualifications Submittal: planningdepartment@valpo.us

Questions:

Bob Thompson
Director of Planning
bthompson@valpo.us
219.462.1161 ext. 3316

The city is requesting qualifications from consultants currently and is looking for a consultant that is experienced in developing ordinances that regulate and incentivize the development of private property within a city's jurisdiction. A new UDO will not be limited to a static text document. It must incorporate graphics-based illustrations.