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Staff Report—BZA#0318-25 April 7, 2025 <br /> Criteria for Decision Making: Special Exception <br /> A Special Exception may only be granted upon making a written determination, based upon <br /> the evidence presented at a public hearing, that: <br /> (1) The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, <br /> community moral standards, convenience or general welfare; <br /> Approval of this Special Exception should not be injurious to the public health, safety, <br /> morals, and general welfare of the community. The building shall be a newly constructed <br /> duplex. A two unit dwelling will provide more neighbors to the neighborhood, which will <br /> increase safety and the general welfare of the community. <br /> (2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or <br /> property values therein; <br /> Building this duplex should not injure or adversely affect the uses or values of adjacent <br /> properties and the area around the building. As proposed, the duplex is consistent with the <br /> scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood, will bring new neighbors to the area, <br /> and will provide housing on a lot that is currently vacant. <br /> (3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is <br /> located and the land uses authorized therein; <br /> The use as a two unit dwelling will further complement the existing housing stock, match the <br /> scale and character of the neighborhood, and provide infill housing on a vacant lot. <br /> (4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive <br /> Plan. <br /> The petition is consistent with the City Plan, South Bend Comprehensive Plan (2006) <br /> Objective H1.1: Encourage residential developments to contain a mix of housing types, <br /> densities, price ranges, and amenities. The petition is consistent with the Northeast <br /> Neighborhood Plan (2022) Objective 3.5 Develop Housing: Support the production of a <br /> range of housing types including new construction and rehabilitation of market rate and <br /> affordable rental housing. <br /> Analysis & Recommendation <br /> Analysis: The construction of a new duplex that is consistent with the scale and character of <br /> the surrounding neighborhood will bring new residents to the area and provide additional <br /> housing on a lot that is currently vacant. <br /> Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff <br /> recommends the Board send the petition to the Common Council with a favorable <br /> recommendation. <br /> SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 4 of 4 <br />