05-26-15 Agenda, Packet & Committee Meeting Notice

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Staff Report 5/8/2015 The petitioner is also requesting the following variances: 1) From the required Minimum Lot Width of 40' to 29' for Parcels B & F; 2) From the required 25' minimum front yard building setback to 15' for Parcels A - F; and 3) From the required minimum side yard of 5' or 10% of lot width, whichever is greater, to 4' for Parcels A - F. State statutes and the South Bend Zoning Ordinance require that certain standards must be met before a variance can be approved. (1) The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community. The project is establishing new lots for residential development. Many of the lots in the surrounding neighborhood have setbacks consistent with the proposed development. While the reduced lot widths will increase density, it will not negatively impact the general welfare of the community because the appropriate infrastructure is already in place. (2) The use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a substantially adverse manner. The residential development is surrounded by a mix of uses. The low impact of the development should not affect surrounding property values. (3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical difficulties in the use of the property. The strict application would prevent the development from instituting a neighborhood layout appropriate to this specific location. It's close proximity to downtown and the river support the request for a more urban residential pattern. Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends that the rezoning petition be sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. The staff recommends approval of the variances, subject to the rezoning. . Analysis: Redevelopment of this site for single family residential will strengthen the existing Howard Park Neighborhood and address a demand for urban housing as identified by local developers, real estate professionals, and the Howard Park Neighborhood Plan. APC # 2735 -15 Page 3 of 3