15-26 Special Exception at 1245 East Madison Street

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Staff Report— BZA#0407-26 April 6, 2026 Criteria for Decision Making: Special Exception A Special Exception may only be granted upon making a written determination, based upon the evidence presented at a public hearing, that: (1) The proposed use will not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community moral standards, convenience or general welfare; Approval of this Special Exception should not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community. The new two unit dwelling would replace an existing one unit dwelling, providing more housing units in the neighborhood and helping to increase the general welfare of the community. (2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or property values therein; Building this two unit dwelling should not injure or adversely affect the uses or values of adjacent properties and the area around the building. As proposed, it is consistent with the scale, character, and land use of the surrounding neighborhood. (3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is located and the land uses authorized therein; This two unit dwelling would complement the existing housing stock in the neighborhood, which is made up of predominantly one and two unit dwellings, while matching the scale and character of surrounding structures. (4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. The petition is consistent with Objective H1.1 from the city's comprehensive plan, which is to encourage residential developments that contain a mix of housing types, densities, price ranges, and amenities. It also aligns with the 2022 Northeast Neighborhood Plan, which suggested lower density residential uses in the section of the neighborhood where this property is located. Analysis & Recommendation Analysis: The construction of a new duplex will provide additional housing units for the neighborhood while matching the existing scale and character. Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends the Board send the petition to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 4 of 4