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SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 18, 2004 <br /> occasions to review and discuss the proposed replacement zoning ordinance for the City of South <br /> Bend. More specifically, the Zoning and Annexation Committee met on this proposed ordinance <br /> this calendar year on January 28, 2004; February 2, 2004; and February 11, 2004. These <br /> meetings were in addition to review and discussion which took place by the former Common <br /> Council last Fall. As a result of candid discussions and review of the draft ordinance, it was <br /> determined that several definitions which are found in the current zoning ordinance were omitted <br /> from the proposed new ordinance. This fact was brought to the attention of the Area Plan staff <br /> and their consultant. Following a series of discussions, the amendments specifically addressing <br /> definitions which have been included today are believed to be necessary and clarify terms or <br /> phrases in the new zoning ordinance. Our Committee also discussed at length the need for <br /> clarification of the zoning ordinance amendment procedures in the proposed ordinance. As a <br /> result of much discussion, the proposed amendments in that area have been included in the <br /> interest of setting forth clear information and the requirements expected of the petitioner, as well <br /> as the role of the Office of the City Clerk, the staff and Area Plan Commission, and the Common <br /> Council. Input was received from the Area Plan staff and their consultant in this area also,with <br /> the final version of the amendments in this area reflected a consensus of all parties affected by <br /> the regulations. In light of many concerns being raised by many Council Members with regard to <br /> the proposed flag regulations and the lack of problems or concerns in this area by the City, the <br /> Council has deleted those specific regulations from the ordinance. I believe that all of the <br /> recommended amendments have been throughly discussed and the strengthen the zoning <br /> ordinance. I respectfully request the Area Plan Commission to approve the amendments as <br /> passed by the South Bend Common Council on February 18, 2004. <br /> Councilmember Kuspa made a motion to consider the 2nd second Substitute Bill No. 81-03, <br /> with the amendments dated February 18, 2004 which are on file in the City Clerk's Office. <br /> Councilmember Puzzello seconded the motion, which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. <br /> Robert Sante, Executive Director, St. Joseph County Area Plan Commission made the <br /> presentation for this bill. <br /> Mr. Sante stated that on November 18, 2003 the Area Plan Commission sent forward to the <br /> Common Council the"Proposed New South Bend Zoning Ordinance"This bill came with a <br /> unanimous favorable recommendation. The purpose of the ordinance is to over the years be able <br /> to bring about many positive changes in the City. There will be regulations for architecture, <br /> landscaping, lighting, signage that will change the way the City of South Bend looks in the <br /> future. Mr. Sante noted that these changes will be a benefit to the City in the years to come. <br /> Mr. Sante further noted that the new ordinance will be much more user friendly than the old <br /> ordinance. Mr. Sante noted that this new ordinance will eliminate the height and area districts. <br /> Mr. Sante noted that under the old ordinance the Area Plan Commission was required to keep <br /> two (2) separate sets of maps one for zoning and the other for height and area district on the <br /> property. This new ordinance would eliminate all the height and area districts and all of the <br /> regulations that are contained in the height and area districts will be within each zoning district. <br /> Each zoning district will have its on requirements for set backs and heights. The other item that <br /> is being changed is the site plan requirements. There have been many discussions on site plan <br /> requirements. There will be a proposed site plan required to be submitted with the rezoning <br /> petition. There is a requirement of seventeen(17) copies of the proposed site plan. The site plan <br /> should have all the required information that the Area Plan Commission and the Common <br /> Council needs in order to make a decision on the proposed plan. At this stage the site plan does <br /> not require all the engineering and drainage documentation to be done. Following the approval <br /> -2- <br />