Riverfront Development District

The City of Elkhart's Riverfront Development District is designed to encourage the revitalization of downtown Elkhart and the surrounding areas. Through this program, dining, entertainment, and cultural establishments located within the district can apply for a three-way alcoholic beverage permit for on-premises consumption. 

Established through state legislation and a resolution of the Elkhart City Common Council, the district helps attract new investment, expand dining and entertainment options, and strengthen the vibrancy of downtown Elkhart. 

Under Indiana Code, the Riverfront Development District must be: 

• Within 3,000 feet of the river, and 

• Located within a redevelopment district 

When establishing the boundaries, the City of Elkhart also reviewed land use patterns and zoning. 

Who can apply:
Dining, entertainment, or cultural establishments located within the designated Riverfront Development District. 

License availability:
There is no limit to the number of licenses that can be issued within the district. 

Issuing agency: 
Licenses are issued by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). 

Costs: 

• Three-way license (beer, wine, liquor): $1,000. Fees are payable directly to the State of Indiana.

Rules:

• Businesses with an existing two-way license may apply for a three-way license through the Riverfront Development District. 

• Existing three-way licenses cannot be sold or replaced with a Riverfront license. 

• Riverfront Development District licenses cannot be sold or transferred.  

Restrictions:

• Applicants must comply with all local and state regulations.

• If the building is within 200 feet of a church or school, a written statement of no objection from the institution is required. 

• All local Planning/Zoning, Building, and Health Department requirements must also be met.

Required Documents: 

• Copy of the local ordinance

• Aerial map showing district boundaries and business location

• Approval letter from the mayor

• Written statement of no objection (if building is within 200 ft. of a church or school)

Interested businesses pursuing a Riverfront Development license should first contact the City of Elkhart's Development Services team. 

• Our team can help you understand the incentive, answer questions, and provide all the materials needed to prepare your application. 

• Development Services will also coordinate a meeting with the Mayor's Office, which reviews each request and determines whether to issue the required formal letter of support. 

Once the Mayor's Office provides its approval, applicants submit their materials to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC). 

ATC application must include: 

• A copy of the City's Riverfront Development District ordinance 

• An aerial map of the district with the business location highlighted 

• A letter of support from the Mayor

The State fee for a beer, wine, and liquor license through the Riverfront Development District is $1,000. 

After submitting the application, applicants appear before the Alcoholic Beverage Board of Elkhart County for a recommendation. The ATC then votes to approve or deny the request, and the State Excise Police complete a final inspection before issuing the license. 

• Most applications take approximately 10-12 weeks to process once submitted to the State.