HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.01.21 BZA AGENDA PACKET
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City of South Bend
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
AGENDA
Monday, November 1, 2021 - 4:00 p.m.
County-City Building
Fourth-Floor Council Chambers
www.tinyurl.com/sbbza
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Location: V/L REAR OF 1705 SO BEND AV and 1705 SOUTHBEND AVE BZA#0090-21
Owner: 1710 TURTLE CREEK LLC
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) From the 120' maximum building width to 350'
Special Exception: Shared Housing
Zoning: U3 Urban Neighborhood 3
2. Location: 52610 PORTAGE RD BZA#0084-21
Owner: CENTIER BANK
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) From the required 10' bail out lane for the drive-through to
none; and 2) From the 10' minimum front setback for parking and drives to 0'
Zoning: C Commercial
3. Location: 309 TAYLOR ST BZA#0086-21
Owner: ST PATRICK CHURCH DIOCESE OF FT WAYNE
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) From the 4' maximum in a corner or front yard to 6'; and 2)
To allow a wire fence material in the NC district
Zoning: NC Neighborhood Center
4. Location: 5735 IRONWOOD Drive (2010 Farnsworth Dr.) BZA#0087-21
Owner: ADEC INC
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) To allow a parking lot in the established front and corner
yards; and 2) From the 4' maximum fence height to 4'-2.5"
Zoning: UF Urban Neighborhood Flex
5. Location: 1527 COLFAX AVE BZA#0088-21
Owner: MATTHEW AND HANNAH DEPUTY
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) To allow access from the street where alley access is
available
Zoning: S1 Suburban Neighborhood 1
6. Location: 4555 S MICHIGAN ST BZA#0089-21
Owner: CHICK-FIL-A INC
Requested Action: Variance(s): 1) To allow a drive-though facility in the established front yard
Zoning: C Commercial
City of South Bend BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
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7. Location: 2614 FORD ST BZA#0085-21
Owner: MURPHY'S CAPTIAL LLC
Requested Action: Special Exception: a Duplex
Zoning: U1 Urban Neighborhood 1
ITEMS NOT REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Findings of Fact – October 4, 2021
2. Minutes – October 4, 2021
3. Other Business
4. 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 4
Staff Report – BZA#0090-21 November 1, 2021
Property Information
Location: V/L REAR OF 1705 SO BEND AV and 1705 SOUTHBEND AVE
Owner: 1710 TURTLE CREEK LLC
Project Summary
Proposed redevelopment of 1710 North Turtle Creek Drive (Campus View). The proposed project
includes townhouses, three-story garden buildings, three-story wrapped buildings, and a three and
a half story parking garage. The project would include a mix of studios, one, two, and four bedroom
units.
Requested Action
Special Exception: Shared Housing
Variance(s): 1) From the 120' maximum building width to 350'
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
Based on the information available prior to the public hearing, the Staff recommends the Board
send the Special Exception to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. The staff
recommends approval of the variance for buildings not fronting on a public street.
Staff Report – BZA#0090-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 4
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0090-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 3 of 4
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 public health, safety, or general welfare of the
community. The site is well suited for Shared Housing as it is near to the Notre Dame
campus. This site is currently being used for student rentals, with the majority of the units
occupying more than 2 unrelated individuals. The demolition of the current older units for
new apartments used in a similar manner should not have an injurious impact on the
general welfare of the community.
(2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or
property values therein;
The proposed use will lead to a large investment in a property which is nearing the end of its
forecasted life cycle. The proposed use of Shared Housing is consistent with the use
currently on the site. Developed in compliance with the ordinance, the proposed
development will allow reinvestment in the property, which should not adversely impact 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 Shared Housing is consistent with the character of the surrounding
area which has a large presence of existing apartments and student rentals. The
redevelopment of the site will further bring the property inline with the new zoning standards
in place since 2020.
(4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive
Plan.
The proposed use is compatible with the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan
recommends "Encourage residential developments to contain a mix of housing types,
densities, price ranges, and amenities. (Policy H1.1) This proposed development is in line
with the recommendation from the Comprehensive Plan by helping establish a mix of
housing types across several different size options ranging from studios to four bedroom
apartments.
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
Criteria for Decision Making: Special Exception
Criteria for Decision Making: Variance(s)
Staff Report – BZA#0081-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 4 of 4
The proposed variance should not affect the public health, safety or general welfare of the
community. The proposed variances are for portions of the site not visible from public right-
of-way. All buildings will be designed to current building and fire codes.
(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 properties should not be adversely affected by the
variance to allow the interior buildings to exceed 120' maximum width. This is a primarily
commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family residential area. The proposed development is
consistent with the surrounding area.
(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 ordinance would make it difficult to develop the interior portion of
the sign in a way that allows an adequate mix of parking and residential units. The largest
building interior to the lot surrounds a parking garage and will not be visible from the public
right-of-way.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The variance requested is based on the interior building, which is designed around a parking
garage. The buildings adjacent to the public right of way have been designed to comply with
the ordinance.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The hardship is generally created by the overall size of the parcel. The proposed variance
will allow the efficient development of the site without impacting the portion of the site visible
from the public street.
Analysis: Allowing the proposed use of Shared Housing will further the ability to redevelop the
site and add investment to the area. The site is currently used as student housing in a
development nearing the end of its life cycle. The proposed use will lead to a large investment
into the area without significantly changing the current land use. The redevelopment will bring
this 11 acre parcel into compliance with the updated development standards established in the
current Zoning Ordinance. Approving the variance for the interior portion of the site will allow for
more flexibility in design and support the construction of a garage to support the increased
density. By maintaining code compliant buildings on the interior of the lot, the development
reflects the intent of the Ordinance to the general public.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public hearing, the
Staff recommends the Board send the Special Exception to the Common Council with a
favorable recommendation. The staff recommends approval of the variance for buildings not
fronting on a public street.
Analysis & Recommendation
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0084-21 November 1, 2021
Property Information
Location: 52610 PORTAGE RD
Owner: CENTIER BANK
Project Summary
The proposed Drive-Through Car Wash facility is seeking relief from requiring Drive-Through
facilities to have a bailout lane that is the full length of the Drive-Through and to allow parking and
drives at the property line.
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) From the required 10' bail out lane for the drive-through to none
2) From the 10' minimum front setback for parking and drives to 0'
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#0084-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0084-21 November 1, 2021
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
Approval of the variances should not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and
general welfare of the community. The large right-of-way on Portage Ave mitigates negative
impacts in reducing the minimum front setback.
(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 should not be adversely impacted by
granting the variances. The site is located in a primarily commercial district and is consistent
with the style of development in the area.
(3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property
The unique shape of the property creates a practical difficulty in laying out the site for most
commercial uses without the need for variances. Strict application of the zoning ordinance
would reduce the use of the property, especially site circulation.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The proposed variances are the minimum necessary to allow for proper site circulation
without negatively impacting surrounding properties while preserving the intent of the zoning
ordinance. The petitioner is providing a bail out option prior to entering the car wash, which
meets the general intent of the ordinance.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The excessive right-of-way width predates the development of this site. This lead to the
irregular shaped narrow lot.
Analysis: Due to the excessive right-of-way width on Portage Avenue, reducing the front
setback for the access drive will allow for improved site circulation without having a significant
impact on adjacent properties. Due to the narrow width of the property, a proper bail out lane is
impractical. The proposed site plan still provides an avenue for exiting the queue before
entering the carwash.
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#0086-21 November 1, 2021
Property Information
Location: 309 TAYLOR ST
Owner: ST PATRICK CHURCH DIOCESE OF FT WAYNE
Project Summary
St. Thomas More Academy, a K-5 school, renting the property owned by St. Patrick's Catholic
Church, requests a fence to protect the school children during recess.
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) From the 4' maximum in a corner or front yard to 6'
2) To allow a wire fence material in the NC district
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
The staff recommends the Board deny the variance from the 4' maximum in a corner or front yard
to 6'. The staff recommends the board approve the variance to allow a chain link fence, subject to
the chain link being black vinyl coated.
Staff Report – BZA#0086-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0086-21 November 1, 2021
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 fence could be injurious to the public health, safety or general welfare of
the community. It is out of character for the area.
(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
Fences above the 4' maximum height in the established front yard create a character and
atmosphere that is not consistent with the intent of the Neighborhood Center District. If this
variance is granted at this location it will establish a precedent of larger fences of inferior
material, weakening the effectiveness of the ordinance, and ultimately impacting
surrounding residential properties in an adverse manner.
(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 ordinance would not result in practical difficulties in the use of
the property. Nothing on the property necessitates an increased fence height or a
substandard material.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
Because there is no hardship on the property and a 4' fence, as allowed by the ordinance,
would achieve the same purpose as stated in the petitioner's request. Granting a variance to
allow a 6' fence would not be minimum request necessary for the property.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The current owner installed the fence without a building permit at an height and material that
is not allowed per the ordinance. Due to this, approving this variance would correct a
hardship that was caused by the current owner or occupant of the property.
Analysis: There are no practical difficulties or unique characteristics that support the requested
variances. Wire fence material is not appropriate for either the zoning district or being placed in
the front/corner yards of the property.The intersection of Wayne and Scott is not a heavily
trafficked intersection. A 4' fence could be used to secure the property and meet the stated
intent by the petitioner. A 4' fence is not uncommon for playgrounds or schools in urban areas.
Staff Recommendation: The staff recommends the Board deny the variance from the 4'
maximum in a corner or front yard to 6'. The staff recommends the board approve the variance
to allow a chain link fence, subject to the chain link being black vinyl coated.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Variance(s)
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0087-21 November 1, 2021
Property Information
Location: 5735 IRONWOOD Drive (2010 Farnsworth Dr.)
Owner: ADEC INC
Project Summary
ADEC has acquired and is remodeling the existing building for use as an adult day care. As a part
of the project the existing parking lot is being replaced. Additionally, a portion of the existing parking
lot being removed for use as additional green space which will include a new perimeter fence.
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) To allow a parking lot in the established front and corner yards
2) From the 4' maximum fence height to 4'-2.5"
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#0087-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0087-21 November 1, 2021
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
Approval of the variances should not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and
general welfare of the community. The proposed variance is to allow the replacement of an
existing parking lot and would be appropriately screened.
(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
Because this is an existing development, the use and value of the area adjacent to the
property should not be adversely impacted by granting the variances.
(3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property
Strict application of the zoning ordinance would leave the property with no viable areas for a
parking lot. the building was constructed under a previous regulation. Strict application
would either require the demolition of the site or acquiring land to install the parking to the
north, which would negatively impact surrounding properties by pushing parking onto the
surrounding streets in a suburban setting. The fact that the property has streets on 3 sides
creates a practical difficulty in locating a fence on the property.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The proposed variances are the minimum necessary to allow the reconstruction of the
parking lot and install a fenced in area without encroaching into the neighborhood. The
parking lot is smaller than what existed before and will include additional screening when
reinstalled.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The property has an existing building surrounded by right-of-way on three sides, which
predates the current development of this site.
Analysis: Due to the property having street frontages on three sides, there are no good options
for placement of the parking lot or a fenced in area for client care. Granting the variances will
allow for redevelopment of the site in a manner that brings the site up to conformance with
drainage and screening while actually reducing the impact on the surrounding properties.
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#0088-21 November 1, 2021
Property Information
Location: 1527 COLFAX AVE
Owner: MATTHEW AND HANNAH DEPUTY
Project Summary
Seeking a curb cut on to Colfax Ace. to accommodate a new driveway and access to the home
from the street rather than from the alley.
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) To allow access from the street where alley access is available
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#0088-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0088-21 November 1, 2021
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 variance may not be injurious to the public health or safety of the
community as long as site visibility is preserved.
(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 north section of Colfax Avenue was developed in the early 1920s with an alley running
along the rear of the property for vehicular access. The houses were designed and the
separation between the houses was established with access remaining in the rear. Allowing
the access from Colfax Avenue could adversely affect the remaining character of the block
and hinder future development.
(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 of the terms of this Chapter would not result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property. The property has been in continued use for nearly a
century with access being achieved through the alley. There is sufficient room on the site to
construct a new garage while retaining the rear access.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
Since there is no practical difficulty to overcome, the variance requested is not the minimum
necessary. The petitioner can continue to utilize the alley for access to the property.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
There is no hardship on the property. The house was originally constructed with the
intended use of the alley for all access.
Analysis: There are no practical difficulties the prevent the petitioner from building a new
garage with continued use of the alley for access or to necessitate a curb cut on Colfax Avenue.
The primary house and original garage were built in 1928, during that entire time access has
been provided through the alley as originally platted.
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#0089-21 November 1, 2021
Property Information
Location: 4555 S MICHIGAN ST
Owner: CHICK-FIL-A INC
Project Summary
Remodel the parking lot and drive-thru to install a dual lane drive-thru with a freestanding canopy
over the order stations and a freestanding canopy over the pick up window. Associated grading and
utility work as well.
Requested Action
Variance(s): 1) To allow a drive-though facility in the established front yard
Site Location
Staff Recommendation
Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends the Board
approve the variance as presented.
Staff Report – BZA#0089-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0089-21 November 1, 2021
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
Approval of the variances should not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and
general welfare of the community. The drive through already exists in a similar configuration,
expanding the drive through should not have injurious effects.
(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 should not be adversely impacted by
granting the variances. The front yard is adjacent to limited access highway with no direct
access or sidewalks and adequate room for expansion.
(3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical
difficulties in the use of the property
Strict application of the zoning ordinance would reduce the use of the property as it is
currently being operated and prevent expansion of an existing use.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The proposed variance is the minimum necessary to allow for the expansion of the existing
use and drive through on the site without negatively impacting surrounding properties.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The existing drive through was established prior to the prohibition of a drive through in the
established front yard. There is sufficient room to allow for the expansion of the drive
through without impacting adjacent properties. The variance requested does not correct a
hardship as the original drive-through was permitted at the time of construction.
Analysis: The variance requested will allow for the installation of a second drive-through lane, a
standar operation across major fast food operations. The front yard, in this case, fronts a limited
access highway with no sidewalk or direct access. Allowing the continued use of the front as a
drive through should not have a negative impact on surrounding properties.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Board approve the variance as presented.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Variance(s)
Staff Report – BZA#0090-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 4 of 4
The proposed variance should not affect the public health, safety or general welfare of the
community. The proposed variances are for portions of the site not visible from public right-
of-way. All buildings will be designed to current building and fire codes.
(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 properties should not be adversely affected by the
variance to allow the interior buildings to exceed 120' maximum width. This is a primarily
commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family residential area. The proposed development is
consistent with the surrounding area.
(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 ordinance would make it difficult to develop the interior portion of
the sign in a way that allows an adequate mix of parking and residential units. The largest
building interior to the lot surrounds a parking garage and will not be visible from the public
right-of-way.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary
The variance requested is based on the interior building, which is designed around a parking
garage. The buildings adjacent to the public right of way have been designed to comply with
the ordinance.
(5) The variance does not correct a hardship cause by a former or current owner of
the property
The hardship is generally created by the overall size of the parcel. The proposed variance
will allow the efficient development of the site without impacting the portion of the site visible
from the public street.
Analysis: Allowing the proposed use of Shared Housing will further the ability to redevelop the
site and add investment to the area. The site is currently used as student housing in a
development nearing the end of its life cycle. The proposed use will lead to a large investment
into the area without significantly changing the current land use. The redevelopment will bring
this 11 acre parcel into compliance with the updated development standards established in the
current Zoning Ordinance. Approving the variance for the interior portion of the site will allow for
more flexibility in design and support the construction of a garage to support the increased
density. By maintaining code compliant buildings on the interior of the lot, the development
reflects the intent of the Ordinance to the general public.
Staff Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public hearing, the
Staff recommends the Board send the Special Exception to the Common Council with a
favorable recommendation. The staff recommends approval of the variance for buildings not
fronting on a public street.
Analysis & Recommendation
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 1 of 3
Staff Report – BZA#0085-21 November 1, 2021
Property Information
Location: 2614 FORD ST
Owner: MURPHY'S CAPTIAL LLC
Project Summary
Construct Residential Two-Story Duplex on recently cleared lot.
Requested Action
Special Exception: Two unit dwelling
Site Location
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.
Staff Report – BZA#0085-21 November 1, 2021
SOUTH BEND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 2 of 3
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report – BZA#0085-21 November 1, 2021
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;
Approval of the Special Exception will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals
and general welfare of the community. The scale of the proposed duplex is comparable to a
single unit dwelling and will be used for residential use. Reactivating a vacant lot will
provide more residents to the neighborhood which will increase safety and the general
welfare of the community.
(2) The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of the adjacent area or
property values therein;
Adding a two unit dwelling on a currently vacant lot should not injure or adversely affect the
use or value of the adjacent area or property values. New construction that fits the scale of
the current residential properties should strengthen nearby property values.
(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 current context of the neighborhood provides a mix of single family homes and small
scale multifamily apartments. This two unit dwelling will be consistent with the character of
the district and neighborhood in both uses and style of construction. Ford Street has a
history of small scale multi unit dwellings which this project will further compliment and
enhance.
(4) The proposed use is compatible with the recommendations of the Comprehensive
Plan.
The petition is consistent with the City Plan, South Bend Comprehensive Plan (2006)
Objective H1.1: Encourage residential developments to contain a mix of housing types,
densities, price ranges, and amenities.
Analysis: The proposed construction of a two unit dwelling will further compliment the existing
housing stock in the surrounding area, as well as providing more diverse housing types for
residents. Ford Street has a history of small scale multi-unit dwellings. The proposed two unit
dwelling will fit into that existing setting, as well as reactivating a vacant lot.
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.
Analysis & Recommendation
Criteria for Decision Making: Special Exception