Procedure for DORA application/designation.
Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code § 820-106
in effectSec. 820-106. - Procedure for DORA application/designation.
(a) The district councilor shall be the only councilor allowed to introduce a proposal for a general ordinance designating a DORA. No proposal shall be in order without review and submission as described above.
(b) Persons desiring to establish the designation of a DORA shall have their area councilor file an application for a proposal with the clerk of the council in support of the designation. The application process shall consist of the following:
(1) The application shall designate one (1) person as the spokesperson (applicant) for the application.
(2) The applicant shall be responsible for providing the city with all of the following information prior to a proposal being drafted for consideration by the full city-county council:
a. A map of the DORA area in sufficient detail to identify:
1. The boundaries of the DORA by street address.
2. The tentative location of exit signs.
3. The tentative designated permittee locations.
4. The tentative vendor locations.
b. The names and locations of the tentative designated permittees and vendor locations within the DORA;
c. In the event the DORA is in violation of IC 7.1-3-21-11, a written statement from the authorized representative of the church or school stating expressly that the church or school does not object to the approval of the DORA;
d. Copies of the completed state applications from the retail permittees to participate in the area as designated permittees;
e. Sample signage:
1. For participating and non-participating retailers.
2. For cup decals.
3. For Any other sample signage.
The cost of all signage including, but not limited to, any signage manufactured and installed by the city, shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant.
(c) The application shall be submitted by the applicant to the councilor who will coordinate with the city for internal processing. The city shall designate an individual (or department) to coordinate the following processes and to submit the final information to the state ATC. The following departments shall review the materials and sign off on the information as described:
(1) Signage. The department of public works (DPW) shall review the submitted map and indicate the location and number of DORA entrance and exit signs needed. All cost associated with the signs and their installation shall be borne by the applicant. A check for the cost of the signage and installation shall be submitted prior to the introduction of the proposal for the general ordinance establishing the DORA. The DPW's decision as to the number and placement of the signs shall be final.
(2) Sanitation plan. Each designated permittee approved by the council and the alcohol and tobacco commission shall continuously maintain a trash receptacle outside of all main entrances to their premises at its sole cost and expense and shall be responsible for the cleanliness of the outdoor portion of its premises. The DPW shall also review the DORA area to determine, whether a specific sanitation plan will be needed.
(3) Zoning compliance. The planning division of the department of metropolitan development shall review the location of the DORA and shall certify, in writing, that DORA is consistent with the city's zoning ordinance.
(4) Safety plan. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department shall determine whether a public safety plan will be needed for the area. Modification of this plan shall be allowed without the further amendment of the ordinance.
(d) After internal city processing by the departments, the materials, along with any sign offs or further instructions, shall be returned to the councilor and the applicant. The councilor shall provide the completed packet of information to the council office for the proposal for designation to be prepared after making any adjustments recommended by the departments.
(e) Once the ordinance has been approved and prior to any submission by the city to the ATC, the city, shall collect the below-described application, which may include a processing fee, and shall review for completion, accuracy, proper execution, and inclusion of all necessary documentation identified on the application form and/or as determined by the city based on specific circumstances of the particular application or the particular DORA. When an application form and/or packet is complete, the city shall submit the following to the ATC:
(1) The application for approval of the DORA;
(2) The completed applications received by the city from retailer permittees to participate in the DORA as Designated Permittees; and
(3) The designating ordinance adopted by the city under IC 7.5-3-31-8, which designating ordinance shall be reviewed by the ATC for compliance.
(G.O. 41, 2025, § 1)
Source: Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Revised Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/in/indianapolis_-_marion_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIVBUCORELI_CH820DEOUREARDO_ARTIGEDE_S820-106PRDOAPDEFetched: 10/27/2026