Laserfiche WebLink
Criteria for Decision Making <br /> Variance(s) -if applicable <br /> State statutes and the Zoning Ordinance require that certain standards must be met before a <br /> variance can be approved. Please address how the project meets the following criteria: <br /> (1)The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general <br /> welfare of the community, because: <br /> Communities that have and support urban agriculture benefit in many ways <br /> environmentally, economically and socially. By growing fruits and vegetables in <br /> urban areas, it places the food closer to the consumer and helps reduce the <br /> transport costs and carbon footprint. In my situation, urban agricultural is in a <br /> food desert where food insecurity is prevalent. <br /> (2)The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will <br /> not be affected in a substantially adverse manner, because: <br /> Integrating urban farming to an existing neighborhood creates value. Once <br /> unused or underutilized areas, these ground spaces now have the opportunity <br /> to become a green oasis, where fresh and healthy food grows. In addition to <br /> positioning cities and neighborhoods as innovative and sustainable, urban <br /> agriculture initiatives benefit not only the occupants of these neighborhoods, but <br /> the whole society. <br /> (3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical <br /> difficulties in the use of the property, because: <br /> No permanent changes to the property will take place by using the property for <br /> urban agriculture. <br /> (4)The variance granted is the minimum necessary, because: <br /> The city of South Bend has not yet approved Urban Agriculture Zoning <br /> Ordinances. <br /> (5)The variance does not correct a hardship caused by a former or current owner of <br /> the property, because: <br /> not applicable <br />