HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.03.23 BZA Agenda Packet1 | Page
City of South Bend
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
AGENDA
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 - 4:00 p.m.
County-City Building
Fourth-Floor Council Chambers
www.tinyurl.com/sbbza
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:
1.Election of Officers
PUBLIC HEARING:
1.Location: 815 ST LOUIS BLVD BZA#0165-23
Owner: SOUTH BEND REALTY LLC
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) From the 5' minimum side yard setback to 1'
Zoning: U1 Urban Neighborhood 1
2.Location: 825 POTTER POINT DR BZA#0166-23
Owner: MICHAEL D & TERESA L HARDY
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) From the maximum 1383.3 sq.ft. for an accessory structure
to 2400 sq.ft; and 2) From the maximum 4 car capacity for all garages and carports to 5
Zoning: S1 Suburban Neighborhood 1
3.Location: 2115 MORRIS ST BZA#0167-23
Owner: HERMELINDA DE LA CRUZ and JOSE T REYES
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) From the maximum 1 detached accessory structure to 2; 2)
From the 5' minimum side setback to 2' for the carport and 4' for the detached porch; 3) From
the 5' minimum rear setback to 0'; 4) From the 1,216 maximum square feet for detached
accessory structure to 1,565 square feet; and 5) To allow a garage door at a 0' setback
Zoning: U1 Urban Neighborhood 1
BZA#0139-22
BZA#0168-23
4.Location: 1502 MIAMI RD
Owner: SHARK INVESTMENTS LLC
Requested Action: Special Exception: Minor Vehicle Service
Zoning: NC Neighborhood Center
5.Location: 7468 AND 7686 VORDEN PKWY
Owner: 7468 VORDEN PARKWAY LLC
Requested Action: Special Exception: Heavy Industrial
Zoning: I Industrial
ITEMS NOT REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING: 1.Findings of Fact - December 5, 20222.Minutes - December 5, 20223.Other Business4.Adjournment
NOTICE FOR HEARING AND SIGN IMPAIRED PERSONS Auxiliary Aid or other services may be available upon request at no charge. Please give reasonable
advance request when possible.
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0165-23 January 3, 2023
Property Information
Location: 815 ST LOUIS BLVD
Owner: SOUTH BEND REALTY LLC
Project Summary
To construct a one car garage in line with the end of the driveway.
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) From the 5' minimum side yard setback to 1'
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends the Board
deny the variance as presented.
Staff Report – BZA#0165-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0165-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 3 of 3
State statutes and the Zoning Ordinance require that certain standards must be met before a
variance can be approved. The standards and their justifications are as follows:
(1)The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general
welfare of the community
Minimum setbacks are established to set the bare minimum needed in order to protect the
health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Approving a variance that is not
consistent with the character of the area or the intent of the Ordinance can be injurious to
the general welfare of the community.
(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 use and value of the adjacent property may be adversely affected if the variance is
granted. A smaller setback could lead to difficulties in maintaining both properties as well as
setting precedence for expanding all houses of the neighborhood into the side setback
without just cause.
(3)The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property
The strict application of the Zoning Ordinance would not result in practical difficulties in the
use of the property. There is nothing unique about the property that creates difficulty in the
residential use of the property. There is adequate space in the back yard to accommodate
the required 5' setback. The garage once served by the driveway no longer exists and is not
permitted under the Ordinance. There are no practical difficulties that prevent access from
the alley and the garage being placed at the appropriate setback.
(4)The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The variance granted is not the minimum necessary. The use and operation of the
accessory building can still be utilized while placed in its proper location. The alley that
serves this property is in good order and has been developed with other garages in
accordance with the Ordinance.
(5)The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
There is no practical difficulty or hardship that prevents a garage from being installed in a
code compliant location. The request is a self created.
Analysis: There are no practical difficulties that prevent the petitioner from placing the
accessory building in a code compliant location. The pattern of development in the area does
not supports the request. The petition does not meet the criteria for decision making. The use of
the alley should be restored to allow for a code compliant location.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board deny the variance as presented.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Variance(s)
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0166-23 January 3, 2023
Property Information
Location: 825 POTTER POINT DR
Owner: MICHAEL D & TERESA L HARDY
Project Summary
An addition to the existing garage
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) From the maximum 1383 sq. ft. for an accessory structure to 2400 sq.ft.
2) From the maximum 4 car capacity for all garages and carports to 5
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the Staff recommends the Board
approve the variances, as presented.
Staff Report – BZA#0166-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0166-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 3 of 3
State statutes and the Zoning Ordinance require that certain standards must be met before a
variance can be approved. The standards and their justifications are as follows:
(1) The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general
welfare of the community
The approval of the variances should not be injurious to the public health, safety and
general welfare of the community. The property is a large parcel isolated between a
suburban development and the US-31 Highway.
(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 structures are setback from the public street, so the use and value of the adjacent area
should not be affected in an adverse manner. Due to the large lot size and the rear property
line fronting a US highway their should be minimal impact on the surrounding properties.
(3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property
The strict application of the terms of this chapter would result in a practical difficulty in the
use of the property. The property is significantly larger than a typical City property. The
Ordinance does not anticipate lots of this size.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The variance granted is the minimum necessary to allow for expansion of a garage on the
lot. The lot could be subdivided in the future and meet the intentions of the ordinance.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The location of the rerouted US highway lead to the creation of a lot that has a rural size and
character. The location of the highway and resulting lot are not created by the current or
former owner.
Analysis: The 12 acre parcel is bound by a suburban residential development and US-31
Highway. The size of the property warrants considertion and relief from the strict application of
the Ordinance.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the
Staff recommends the Board approve the variances, as presented.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Variance(s)
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0167-23 January 3, 2023
Property Information
Location: 2115 MORRIS ST
Owner: HERMELINDA DE LA CRUZ and JOSE T REYES
Project Summary
To allow for a carport and detached porch for entertaining.
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) From the maximum 1 detached accessory structure to 2
2) From the 5' minimum side setback to 2' for the carport and 4' for the detached porch
3) From the 5' minimum rear setback to 0'
4) From the 1,216 maximum square feet for detached accessory structure to 1,565 square feet
5) To allow a garage door at a 0' setback
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the Staff recommends the Board
deny the variances as presented.
Staff Report – BZA#0167-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0167-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 3 of 3
State statutes and the Zoning Ordinance require that certain standards must be met before a
variance can be approved. The standards and their justifications are as follows:
(1) The approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general
welfare of the community
The proposed variances could be injurious to the public health, safety morals and general
welfare of the community. Setbacks are established to provided the minimum needed to
insure adequate access to the property and space for maintenance of the structures.
(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 use and value of the area adjacent to the property may be substantially impacted by the
requested varainces. The structures have expanded or been constructed closer to the
property line than permitted in a manner that is not consistent with the Zoning Ordinance or
Building Code.
(3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property
The strict application of the terms of this chapter would not result in practical difficulties in
the use of the property. There are no physical constraints from the sructures being built in
compliance with the Ordinance. The porch should either be structurally connected to the
primary building or existing detached accessory structure.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The requested variances are not the minimum necessary. There is adequate, unobstructed
area within the yard to build the structures in a code compliant location.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The variances requested are self created. There are no hardships that prevent the
structures from being built at the appropriate setback. The structures were built without
permits. If the petitioner had filed permits, proper setback and construction requriements
could have been addressed.
Analysis: Setbacks are established to provided the minimum needed to insure adequate
access to the property and space for maintenance of the structures. There are no practical
difficulties that prevent the structures from being constructed in accordance with the Ordinance.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the Staff
recommends the Board deny the variances as presented.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Variance(s)
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0139-22 January 3, 2023
Property Information
Location: 1502 MIAMI RD
Owner: SHARK INVESTMENTS LLC
Project Summary
Allow a car detailing/carwash
Requested Action
Special Exception: Minor Vehicle Service
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board send the Special Exception to the Common Council with a favorable
recommendation.
Staff Report – BZA#0139-22 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0139-22 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 3 of 3
A Special Use 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;
The proposed use should not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community
moral standards, convenience or general welfare. The building has been designed for
automotive services for several decades. All the vehicle service activities occur within the
fully enclosed building. There are not hazardous materials being used or fumes created by
this particular automotive service.
(2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or
property values therein;
Since all the vehicle service activities occur with the fully enclosed building, approval of the
Special Exception should not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area.
(3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is
located and the land uses authorized therein;
The Neighborhood Center Zoning District encourages pedestrian orientated development.
The use of Minor Vehicle Service is an Special Exception in the district for instances such as
this where the original intent of the building was for an automotive repair shop. Activation of
the building in a manner that is sympathetic to the surrounding neighborhood is consistent
with the character of the district.
(4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive
Plan.
The petition is consistent with City Plan (2006) Objective ED1: Stimulate the rehabilitation
and adaptive reuse of property in the City.
Analysis: Granting the Special Exception will allow for the reuse of a building that was originally
built for automotive purposes. Although the Neighborhood Center Zoning District outlines
pedestrian orientated development, the use of Minor Vehicle Service is an allowed Special
Exception in the district for such instances. With some minor landscaping improvements, the
building can be reactivated in a way that works well with the surrounding area.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the Board send the Special Exception to the
Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Special Exception
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0168-23 January 3, 2023
Property Information
Location: 7468 AND 7686 VORDEN PKWY
Owner: 7468 VORDEN PARKWAY LLC
Project Summary
Construction of a 94,000+ sq. ft. warehouse and distribution facility for Coast Southwest, a full-
service, chemical distributor. The facility will accommodate future expansion in phases up to
200,000 sq. ft. to potentially include space for research, development, and manufacturing.
Requested Action
Special Exception: Heavy Industrial
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the Staff recommends the Board
send the Special Exception to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
Staff Report – BZA#0168-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0168-23 January 3, 2023
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 3 of 3
A Special Use 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;
The proposed use is in an area comprised exclusively of industrial uses. A heavy industrial
use should not be injurious to the public health, safety, comfort, community moral standards,
convenience or general welfare.
(2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or
property values therein;
The property is located in an area that is exclusively industrially zoned and the proposed
heavy industrial use is located in the established rear yard. The proposed heavy industrial
uses should not adversely affect the use or value of surrounding properties.
(3) The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the district in which it is
located and the land uses authorized therein;
The proposed use of heavy industry is consistent with the character of the district in which it
is located and the surrounding land uses.
(4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive
Plan.
The petition is consistent with City Plan (2006) (Objective ED2) Retain existing businesses
and recruit new ones to the city. Allowing heavy industry use on this site will allow for the
addition of a business in the city in an appropriately located area.
Analysis: The proposed use is located in an industrial park. This is a suitable location for heavy
industrial uses which should not negatively impact the broader community and should help
recruit a new business to the city.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the
Staff recommends the Board send the Special Exception to the Common Council with a
favorable recommendation.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Special Exception