HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.03.24 MinutesSOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
MINUTES
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 4th Floor, Council Chambers
4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Francisco Fotia
Kaine Kanczuzewski
Kathy Schuth
Caitlin Stevens
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
County -City Building, South Bend, IN
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mark Burrell
ALSO PRESENT:
Tim Corcoran
Mike Divita
Amani Morrell
Kari Myers
Jenna Throw
The petition of NOBLE AMERICAS SOUTH BEND ETHANOL LLC seeking the
following variance(s): To allow a roof mounted sign on a building in an I Industial
zoned parcel, property located at 3201 CALVERT ST. Zoned I Industrial.
(Audio Position: 6:50)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Analysis: Allowing a roof sign on this property would not be out of character for the general
vicinity as a building can be up to 60' in height in the I Industrial district and the building with
the 6' sign will still be well below the maximum allowed building height.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board approve the variance as presented.
PETITIONER
Garry Potts, Professional Permits, 58171 Dragonfly, Osceola appeared 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:
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Francisco Fotia and unanimously
carried, a petition by NOBLE AMERICAS SOUTH BEND ETHANOL LLC seeking the
following variances: To allow a roof mounted sign on a building in an I Industial zoned parcel
was approved as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell -Absent
Kathy Schuth -Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
2 The petition of MATTHEW OSMER seeking the following variance(s): To allow a
second accessory structure, property located at 4022 EASTMONT DR. Zoned S1
Suburban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 14:30)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: A 12x24' shed would be out of character with the neighborhood and would not meet
the intent of the ordinance. A 1 Ox12 shed or an addition to the existing garage would be
permitted by right and increase the storage capacity at the property.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board deny the variance as presented.
PETITIONER
Matthew Osmer, 4022 Eastmont Dr appeared in person to present.
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 Francisco Fotia and unanimously
carried, a petition by MATTHEW OSMER seeking the following variances: To allow a
second accessory structure was denied as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell -Absent
Kathy Schuth -Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
3 The petition of SBW INVESTMENT LLC seeking the following variance(s): From the
maximum wall signage area on the north facade of 223.8 sq ft to 339 sq ft and from the
maximum wall signage area on the west facade of 310 sq ft to 339 sq ft, property
located at 4444 W WESTERN AVE. Zoned C Commercial. (Audio Position: 23:35)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Kari Myers.
Analysis: There are no practical difficulties or unique characteristics that warrant the request for
the variance. The petitioner has other options to install code compliant signs that do not require
a variance.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board deny the variance as presented.
PFTTTTONFR
Charles Schalliol, Sight Enhancement Services, 600lNimtz Pkwy appeared in person on behalf
of 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 Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Francisco Fotia and carried, a
petition by SBW INVESTMENT LLC seeking the following variances: From the maximum
wall signage area on the north facade of 223.8 sq ft to 339 sq ft and from the maximum wall
signage area on the west facade of 310 sq ft to 339 sq ft was tabled as presented.
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell -Absent
Kathy Schuth -Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
4 The petition of ST JAMES PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH seeking the
following variance(s): From the maximum front facade setback in a DT zoning district
of 10' to 161, property located at 111 LAFAYETTE BLVD and 101 N. LAFAYETTE
Boulevard. Zoned DT Downtown. (Audio Position: 42:10)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: The variance allows for the construction of a narrow vestibule with an entrance lobby
and elevator, ensuring safe and equitable access by meeting modern accessibility standards. The
increased setback will allow the addition to be both functional for accessibility and harmonious
with the existing building. With long term plans to enhance the courtyard space between the
addition and the street, the intent of the ordinance is met to create a pedestrian -oriented
environment that offers street front activation.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public hearing, Staff
recommends the variance be granted as presented.
PETITIONER
Joe Dzierla, Architect, 319 S Main St, South Bend, IN 46601 appeared in person on behalf of
Elizabeth Burman.
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 ST JAMES PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH seeking the
following variances: From the maximum front facade setback in a DT zoning district of 10'
to 16' was approved as presented, and will issue written Findings of Fact.
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell -Absent
Kathy Schuth -Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
5 The petition of ABYWESTERN INC seeking the following variance(s): 1) To allow 2.5
waiting spaces for a drive through facility in the front yard; and 2) To allow 0.5 waiting
spaces for a drive through facility in the corner yard, property located at 4902
WESTERN AVE. Zoned C Commercial. (Audio Position: 57: 09)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: Drive through facilities are permitted by right in the C Commercial zoning district, but
the shallow configuration of the corner lot creates design challenges for the proposed use. The
waiting spaces in the front/comer yard will be buffered by landscaping and the replacement of 3
existing curb cuts with new treelawn, limiting the impact on surrounding properties and
pedestrians.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board approve the variances as presented.
PETITIONER
Jay Cook 3333 Warrenville Rd, Lisle IL appeared virtually on behalf of Abywestern INC.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no one from the public to speak.
ACTTON
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Kaine Kanczuzewski, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and unanimously
carried, a petition by ABYWESTERN INC seeking the following variances: 1) To allow 2.5
waiting spaces for a drive through facility in the front yard; and 2) To allow 0.5 waiting
spaces for a drive through facility in the corner yard was approved as presented, and will
issue written Findings of Fact.
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Caitlin Stevens - Yes
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell -Absent
Kathy Schuth -Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
6 The petition of PINNACLE WEALTH INVESTMENTS LLC seeking a Special
Exception to allow Dwelling, 2 Units, property located at 1006 BEALE ST. Zoned U1
Urban Neighborhood 1. (Audio Position: 1: 04)
STAFF REPORT
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: The construction of a new duplex that is consistent with the scale and character of the
surrounding neighborhood will bring new residents to the area and provide additional housing on
a lot that is currently vacant.
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, as presented.
PETITIONER
Nick Benninghoff, part owner, 332 N Ironwood appeared in person to present.
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 Francisco Fotia and unanimously
carried, a petition by PINNACLE WEALTH INVESTMENTS LLC seeking a Special
Exception for Dwelling, 2 Units for property located at 1006 BEALE 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
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell - Absent
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Kathy Schuth - Yes
Francisco Fotia - Yes
7 The petition of LUIS CASTILLO AND FABIOLA GARCIA seeking a Special
Exception to allow a Retail and Service, General use, property located at 623 OLIVE
ST. Zoned OF Urban Neighborhood Flex. (Audio Position: 1:10)
STAFF REPO
The staff report was presented by Amani Morrell.
Analysis: The building was designed and has historically been utilized as a corner retail/service
space. The neighborhood scale retail space will enhance the surrounding area, offering a new
local amenity.
Staff Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the Staff
recommends the Plan Commission send the Special Exception to the Common Council with a
favorable recommendation.
PETITIONER
Fabiola Garcia, 623 Olive St appeared in person to present.
INTERESTED PARTIES
There was no one from the public to speak.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sheila Niezgodski 4942 Scenic Dr appeared in person to inquire if the special exception would
travel with the building if the proposed business does not open.
ACTION
After careful consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Francisco Fotia, being seconded by Caitlin Stevens and unanimously
carried, a petition by LUIS CASTILLO AND FABIOLA GARCIA seeking a Special
Exception for a Retail and Service, General use for property located at 623 OLIVE 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
Kaine Kanczuzewski - Yes
Mark Burrell - Absent
Kathy Schuth - Yes
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City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Francisco Fotia - Yes
ITEMS NOT REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING
1. Findings of Fact- July 1, 2024 and August 5, 2024
2. Minutes — July 1, 2024 and August 5, 2024
3. Other Business
4. Adjournment — 5:22 P.M.
RESPECXUI, j SUBMITTED,
Kathy
Chair
ATTEST:
TIM CORCORAN,
Interim Secretary of the Board
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