HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.05.2023 MinutesSOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
MINUTES
Monday, June 5, 2023
4:00 p.m.
4th Floor, Council Chambers
County-City Building, South Bend, IN
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Burrell
Kaine Kanczuzewski
Kathy Schuth
Caitlin Stevens
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Kyle Copelin
ALSO PRESENT:
Angela Smith
Kari Myers
Kate Bolze
Jenna Throw
1.The petition of RICHARD & EMILY SPAULDING seeking the following
variance(s): 1) from the maximum lot width of 70' in the NNZO to 93.47', property
located at 1225 and 1229 CORBY BLVD. Zoned Ul Urban Neighborhood 1.
(Audio Position: 03: 14)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Angela Smith.
Analysis: There is no practical difficulty on the property that would warrant the
variance request. The property is located in an overlay district which intentionally
adopted a maximum lot width in order to avoid the suburbanization of their
neighborhood. Approving a variance to allow a lot to be greater than the 70'
maximum would be detrimental to future development of the area.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board deny the variance, as requested.
PETITIONER
Emily and Richard Spaulding, 1225/1229 Corby Blvd, South Bend, IN presented in
person.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Two letters were received in opposition of the petition.
Bill Stenz, 1020 E Colfax, South Bend, IN appeared in person and spoke in
opposition of the petition.
REBUTTAL
Emily and Richard Spaulding provided rebuttal to the public comments
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and
unanimously carried, a petition by RICHARD & EMILY SPAULDING seeking
the following variances: 1) from the maximum lot width of 70' in the NNZO to
93.47' was denied as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
2.The petition of RJ & L LANDSCAPING seeking the following variance(s): 1) to
allow an accessory structure without a primary, property located at 501 and 509
DUNDEE ST and the vacant lot north and adjacent to 509 Dundee. Zoned Ul
Urban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 22:27)
PFTITIONFR
The petitioner was not in attendance in person or virtually at the time the petition was
to be heard
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, a petition by RJ & L LANDSCAPING seeking the
following variances: 1) to allow an accessory structure without a primary was
tabled to be heard after petition 12 to give the petitioner time to appear.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
3.The petition of AARON W & JAMIE L DECOCKER seeking the following
variance(s): 1) From the 3' maximum fence height in the established corner yard to
6', property located at 1204 ALTGELD ST. Zoned Ul Urban Neighborhood 1.
(Audio Position: 28:09)
STAFF REPORT
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The staff report was presented by Angela Smith.
Analysis: There are no practical difficulties for the petitioner that would necessitate a
6' fence in this location. The proposed fence is not consistent with the intent of
the ordinance. The site is already elevated above the street. A code compliant
fence could provide the security and privacy desired by the applicant.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board deny the variance as requested.
June 5, 2023
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
PETITIONER
Aaron DeCocker, 1204 Altgeld St, South Bend, IN presented in person.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Mark Burrell and carried, a
petition by AARON W & JAMIE L DECOCKER seeking the following
variances: 1) From the 3' maximum fence height in the established rear/comer
yard to 6' was approved as presented, subject to a 1 O' setback from the property
line along S Marine St, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -No
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
4.The petition of LIFE TREATMENT CENTERS INC seeking the following
variance(s): 1) from the minimum 50% visible light transmittance to 48%, property
located at 1402 MICHIGAN ST. Zoned NC Neighborhood Center.
(Audio Position: 45:00)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Analysis: The windows being replaced are on the upper floor of the building. The
variance requested is only slightly less than what is required by the Ordinance.
The difference will be indistinguishable to the public and will still allow for
sufficient light transmittance consistent with the intent of the Ordinance.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board approve the variance as requested.
PETITIONER
Jonathan Rios, 1258 E Colfax, South Bend, IN presented virtually on behalf of the
petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Mark Burrell, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and
unanimously carried, a petition by LIFE TREATMENT CENTERS INC seeking
the following variances: 1) from the minimum 50% visible light transmittance to
48% was approved as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
5.The petition of JOHN R MCCULLUM seeking the following variance(s): 1) to
allow parking in the established corner yard; 2) from the minimum 5' setback
behind buiiding facade to 6' from the property Hne on the south; and 3) from the 24'
minimum drive aisle width to 22', property located at 324 and 328 OLIVE ST.
Zoned NC Neighborhood Center. (Audio Position: 50:21)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Analysis: The variances will allow for the redevelopment of the site in a way that will
benefit the neighborhood. Activation of a currently vacant building to a new use is
consistent with the character of the district and surrounding area. Though parking
is not required, providing some off-street parking would be practical for the
business.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public
hearing, Staff recommends the Board approve the variances as requested.
PETITIONER
Chester Gamble, 823 Academy Rd, Culver, IN presented in person on behalf of the
petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
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After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, a petition by JOHN R MCCULLUM seeking the following
variances: 1) to allow parking in the established comer yard; 2) from the
minimum 5' setback behind building facade to 6' from the property line on the
June 5, 2023
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
south; and 3) from the 24' minimum drive aisle width to 22' was approved as
presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
6.The petition of GLC PORTAGE PRAIRIE LLC seeking the following variance(s):
1)to allow an accessory structure in the established front yard, property located at
5448 Dylan Drive. Zoned I Industrial. (Audio Position: 55:58)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Analysis: The proposed variance will allow for the construction of a secured
employee entrance as required by the Federal Government contract. While
technically a building, the structure is open sided and not out of character for the
industrial area in which it is located.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board approve the variance as requested.
PETITIONER
Chris Godlewski, Abonmarche, 315 W Jefferson, South Bend, IN presented in person
on behalf of the petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
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After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Kaine Kanczuzewski and
unanimously carried, a petition by GLC PORTAGE PRAIRIE LLC seeking the
following variam:es: 1) lo allow an a<.:<.:essury slrudure in Lhe eslablishe<l front
yard was approved as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
June 5, 2023
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
7.The petition of HP MARIETTA STORAGE LLC seeking the following variance(s):
1)to allow standard, fluted, or split face concrete masonry units (CMUs) where
prohibited., property located at 851 MARIETTA ST. Zoned I Industrial.
(Audio Position: 1:01:19)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Angela Smith.
Analysis: The petitioner states that due to supply chain issues the specified designer
block was not available. The variance would allow the masonry to be covered
with a mural instead of a traditional material, creating a more vibrant facade.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board approve the variance as requested,
subject to a City approved mural being installed over the CMU.
PETITIONER
Paul Phair, Holladay Properties, 3454 Douglas Rd, Suite 250, South Bend, IN
presented in person on behalf of the petitioner and provided a document with
renderings of potential murals.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Kaine Kanczuzewski and
unanimously carried, a petition by HP MARIETTA STORAGE LLC seeking the
following variances: 1) to allow standard, fluted, or split face concrete masonry
units (CMUs) where prohibited was approved as presented, subject to a city
approved mural over the CMU, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
8.The petition of UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC seeking the following
variance(s): 1) from the 20' minimum rear yard setback to 10', property located at
1007 and 1011 HOWARD ST. Zoned NC Neighborhood Center.
(Audio Position: 1 :07:47)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Angela Smith.
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Analysis: The variance requested is appropriate for the area and is consistent with the
intent of the Ordinance. The petitioner owns the adjacent property to the north and
plans to incorporate the property into this development,
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board approve the variance as requested.
PETITIONER
Wayne Richardson, Bertsch-Frank & Associates, 811 Lawrence Dr, Fort Wayne, IN
presented in person on behalf of the petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Mark Burrell, being seconded by Kaine Kanczuzewski and
carried, a petition by UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC seeking the
following variances: 1) from the 20' minimum rear yard setback to 10' was denied
as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -No
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
9.The petition of ROSE MWANGI seeking a Use Variance to allow Urban
Agriculture, and seeking the following variance(s): 1) to allow the keeping of
chickens on a lot without a 1 unit or 2 unit dwelling, property located at 1436
BOWMAN ST. Zoned Ul Urban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 1:39:09)
STAFF REPORT
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The staff report was presented by Angela Smith.
Analysis: Granting the Use Variance for Urban Agricultun: will allow fur the
adaptive reuse of the vacant lot at this location. Approving the variance for
chickens on a lot without a one or two unit dwelling would set a precedent
whereby allowing owners of chickens to not live on site and tend the chickens.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to public hearing,
the Staff recommends the Board send the Use Variance to the Common Council
with a favorable recommendation subject to the site adhering to the required Ul
Urban Neighborhood 1 building setbacks. The Staff recommends the Board deny
June 5, 2023
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
the variance to allow keeping chickens on a lot without a one or two unit
dwelling.
PETITIONER
Rose Mwangi, 1428 E Bowman St, South Bend, IN presented in person.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Mark Burrell, being seconded by Kaine Kanczuzewski and
unanimously carried, a petition by ROSE MWANGI seeking a Use Variance for
Urban Agriculture for property located at 1436 BOVv'MAN ST, City of South
Bend, is sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation, and will
issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
Upon a motion by Mark Burrell, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and
unanimously carried, a petition by ROSE MW ANGI seeking the following
variances: 1) to allow the keeping of chickens on a lot without a 1 unit or 2 unit
dwelling was denied as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
10.The petition of SALAMEH RAMADAN AND TAMI-LYN seeking a Special
Exception to allow Vehicle Sales or Rental, property located at 3003
LINCOLNWAY. Zoned NC Neighborhood Center. (Audio Position: 1:48:51)
PETITIONER
The petitioner was not in attendance in person or virtually at the time the petition was
to be heard
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, a petition by SALAMEH RAMADAN AND TAMI-LYN
seeking a Special Exception for Vehicle Sales or Rental for property located at
3003 LINCOLNWA Y and the LOT WEST of 3003 LINCOLNWAY, City of
South Bend was tabled until the next meeting, August 7, 2023 due to the
petitioner not being in attendance to speak on the petition.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
11.The petition of FARGO LLC seeking a Special Exception to allow Major Vehicle
Service, property located at 1127, 1131 and 1135 WESTERN AVE. Zoned NC
Neighborhood Center. (Audio Position: 1:52:51)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Angela Smith.
Analysis: The use, as proposed, is not consistent with the intent or regulations of the
Ordinances. If the site is brought up to the current development standards as
required by the Ordinance and a commitment was placed on the property for no
outdoor storage, the use and development of the property would be compatible
with the surrounding area and intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board send the petition to the Common
Council with a favorable recommendation subject to a Written Commitment for
no outdoor storage of vehicles.
PETITIONER
David Farhan, Fargo LLC, PO Box 11664, South Bend, IN 46634 presented in
person.
INTERESTED PARTIES
Greg (?), Commander of the Army Navy Union, 1121 W Western Ave, South Bend,
IN spoke in favor of the petition.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
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After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, a petition by FARGO LLC seeking a Special Exception for
Major Vehicle Service for property located at 1127, 1131 and 1135 WESTERN
June 5, 2023
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
A VE, City of South Bend, is sent to the Common Council with a favorable
recommendation, subject to a written commitment for no outdoor storage of
vehicles, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
12.The petition of CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND seeking a Special Exception to
allow a Fire Station, and seeking the following variance(s): 1) from the 15' minimum
corner setback to 10' along York Rd; and 2) from the 20' minimum side parking
setback to 15' along the south and 0' on the east , property located at 2402
TWYCKENHAM DR. Zoned St Suburban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 2:05:38)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Angela Smith.
Analysis: The proposed Special Exception and vaiances will allow for the
reconstruction of the existing fire station, which offers a critical service to the
neighborhood and larger community.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public
hearing, the Staff recommends the Board send the petition to the Common
Council with a favorable recommendation. The Staff recommends the Board
approve the variances as requested.
PETITIONER
Mike Danch, Danch Harner & Associates, 1643 Commerce Dr, South Bend, IN
presented in person on behalf of the petitioner.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTION
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After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Mark Burrell, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and
unanimously carried, a petition by CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND seeking a
Special Exception for a Fire Station for property located at 2402
TWYCKENHAM DR, City of South Bend, is sent to the Common Council with a
favorable recommendation, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
June 5, 2023
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, a petition by CIVIL CITY OF SOUTH BEND seeking the
following variances: 1) from the 15' minimum comer setback to 10' along York
Rd; and 2) from the 20' minimum side parking setback to 15' along the south and
O' on the east was approved as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes
2.The petition of RJ & L LANDSCAPING seeking the following variance(s): 1) to
allow an accessory structure without a primary, property located at 501 and 509
DUNDEE ST and the vacant lot north and adjacent to 509 Dundee. Zoned Ul
Urban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 2: 17:09)
PETITIONER
The petitioner was not in attendance in person or virtually at the time the petition was
to be heard
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, a petition by RJ & L LANDSCAPING seeking the
following variances: 1) to allow an accessory structure without a primary is tabled
until the next meeting, August 7, 2023 due to the petitioner not being in
attendance to speak on the petition.
Caitlin Stevens -Yes
Kyle Copelin -Absent
Kaine Kanczuzewski -Yes
Mark Burrell -Yes
Kathy Schuth -Yes ITEMS NOT REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING 1.Findings of Fact -May 1, 2023
11 I Page
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, the Findings of Fact from the May 1, 2023 Board of Zoning
Appeals meeting were approved.
June 5, 2023
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
2.Minutes -May 1, 2023
Upon a motion by Caitlin Stevens, being seconded by Mark Burrell and
unanimously carried, the minutes from the May 1, 2023 Board of Zoning Appeals
meeting were approved.
3.Other Business
4.Adjournment - 6: 17pm
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
ATTEST:
A(J;,71!:t s�H, £,..; A
Secretary of the Board
12 I Page June 5, 2023