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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-03 South Bend Common Council, Area Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Informal " Feting of a §5out Ottal Common tomtit, iirta elan Commission an4 Voarti of Zoning `tivi alz The September 18, 2003 informal meeting of the South Bend Common Council, Area Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals began at 1:45 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 4th Floor County-City Building. Robert Stante, Executive Director of Area Plan welcomed everyone to the meeting. He noted that they were currently experiencing technical difficulties but would proceed ahead with a presentation of the proposed zoning ordinance for the City of South Bend. Mr. Sante stated that a Steering Committee has been meeting for the last year or year and a quarter. He noted that members on the Steering Committee included Council President White who is the former Zoning and Annexation Chairperson, Council Member Ervin Kuspa who is the current Zoning and Annexation Chairperson, and Council Member Karl King who is the President of the Area Plan Commission. Building Commissioner Don Fozo,Assistant Director John Byorni,Larry Magliozzi of Neighborhood Planning, Bill Schalliol or Economic Development, and Director of Public Works Gary Gilot are also members of the Steering Committee. Mr. Sante then introduced Mr. Eugene Valanzano of the Indianapolis office of Baker & Daniels, who is the Sr. Land Use Consultant who has worked with the Steering Committee. Mr. Valanzalo noted that the new security protocols may have caused problems with his computer which he was to utilize as part of the power point presentation, but that he would proceed ahead. He noted that a draft of the proposed zoning ordinance was presented in a power point presentation in July to Mayor Luecke and the department heads. Mr. Valanzalo noted that the Steering Committee's first goal was to build a consensus with regard to policy directions. The Steering Committee looked at what they liked in the current zoning ordinance and what they did not like. They then set goals and developed common practices. Mr. Valanzalo was then able to proceed ahead with the power point presentation. One of the first changes proposed is to eliminate "height and area districts", and to utilize development standards which are specifically tailored to permitted uses. The following Residential Districts are recommended to be created: SF1 Single Family Residential MF1 Multi-Family Residential SF2 Single Family Residential MF2 Multi-Family Residential Seven(7) Commercial/Mixed Use Districts are recommended to be created: OB Office Buffer CB Community Business MU Mixed Use CBD Central Business District O Office GB General Business LB Local Business There would be architectural requirements for the commercial/mixed use districts. Two(2) types of Industrial Districts are recommended to be created: LI Light Industrial GI General Industrial Other districts would include Planned United Development District (PUD), Historic Preservation Overlay District, and University District. Mr. Valanzalo stated that the historic preservation regulations have not been reviewed and would continue in the current form. He then summarized the proposed landscaping, bufferyards, screening, lighting and signage regulations. informal Ivieeting of me Joutn tsena common Leanest,Area run Lommissron aria tsoara or z.omng Appeals aeptemoer io, zuii rage z Mr. Valanzalo stated that the wireless telecommunications regulations are those winch the Common Council recently passed. Mr.V alanzalo stated that the proposed controlled use regulations would be "'similar to existing regulations-- and would include "adult businesses, but that family restaurant regulations are proposed to be modified. Charlotte Sobel, a member of the Area Flan Commission voiced concern that the proposed regulations would not permit a use like a grocery store in the downtown. She noted that the downtown design group and the commercial comdor committees should be involved in the process and have input Into the proposed regulations. Ms. Sobel noted that the Lincoln Way Steenng Committee In t cu ar should be involved. Ann Fuzzello, a member of the board of Coning Appeals voiced concern about the proposed buttering between residential and oInce uses. In response to a comment that there are signs now which cover the entire front side or a building, Mr. V alanzalo stated that window signs may not cover more than 25v/o of the area. Mr. Don 1-ozo stated that tacade sign regulations regulate signs on the building itself, and that banners and streamers would be treated as signs. Mr. Valanzalo stated that the zoning process is proposed to be changed. The new zoning ordinance would not require a site plan. He stated that commitments may be used, however they can only be required by the Area Flan Commission. He turther noted that the Common Council would receive proposed zoning documents Trom the Area Flan Commission as certified", therefore permitting the Common Council to either vote "Yea or Nay", without the ability to modify. Mr. Valanzalo noted that improvement location permits would be used Ior enforcement,and would be done at the time of reviewing the requirements Tor a building permit. Charlotte Sobel voiced concern that the proposed zoning regulations as all of the action taking place at the start level". She noted that as a member of the Area Flan Commission she is to "protect the public good and that she represents the public on the Commission". She stated that she is"Tinmly against" not having a site plan. Director or Fublic Works Clary (Mot, a member of the Steenng Committee and the Area Flan Commission, stated that the Steenng Committee were attempting to be "developer tnendly" when reviewing the proposed regulations. Mr. Lloyd Taylor, a member of the Area Flan Commission, voiced concern over the buttering regulations. Mr. John liyorm stated that the proposed regulations should not be seen as a"power grab", noting that the county zoning regulations will soon be reviewed also. Council Member James Aranowski suggested that if the Area Flan Commission will be the only entity to require commitments, that they will have to meet at"/ p.m., so that the public may attend informal meeting of the tsena Lommon council,area rtan Lommtsston and tsoara of zoning Appeals aeptemner 15, LOW rage 3 their meetings. council Member Karl lung stated that the new regulations Will force me council Members to read a proposed zoning ordinance before it is reterrea to the area Tian commission. In response to a question from L)r. Varner, Mr. v alanzaio stated mat since me Area elan commissions action will be -certiiiea' , me common council wilt only be able to pass or aeteat an ordinance. tie further notes mat me Area Han commission will be governed by their own bylaws. cnariotte Sobel asicea wnere tne zoning maps are t Nlr. vaianzalo stated tnat tney are still being worxea on in me area elan oliice. ivn- stated mat me entire zoning dnance can be accessed at: . Dante std g or www.baKeraaniels.coin/soutnbend.ntm Icatnieen ceKansKi-rarrana, me council attorney stated mat she nas places two (L) paper copies oI the arait ordinance on file in me uilce of tne city clerK. council Member Icing suggested mat the applicable provisions of inaiana state law snoula also be _Kept on file witn the arans of me oramance in me city clerics office. Mr. uilot stated mat tne city is grateful to Mr. vaianzaio for me --aeptn and breaatn of his _Knowledge in me zoning area. He aaaea that fie nas guided the steering committee for over a year and nas(tone a"temf is ion ivlr. Dante maimed everyone for coming. 1 ne meeting was adjourned at 5:tD p.m. attachment