HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.20.21 - PC Agenda Packet
County-City Building
227 W. Jefferson Blvd. 1400S
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-7627
www.southbendin.gov/zoning
City of South Bend
PLAN COMMISSION
Tim Corcoran
Planning Director
Angela Smith
Zoning Administrator
AGENDA
Monday, September 20, 2021 - 4:00 P.M.
County-City Building
Fourth-Floor Council Chambers
Virtual Option: www.tinyurl.com/southbendplancommission
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS:
A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. REZONINGS
1. Location: 906, 912, 914, and 918 DUBAIL AVE and 1703, 1705, 1711, 1715,
and 1717 DALE AVE PC#0065-21
Petitioner: 2010 INVESTMENT GROUP
Requested Action:
Rezoning: From U1 Urban Neighborhood 1 to U3 Urban Neighborhood 3
Request by petitioner to withdraw.
2. Location: Southwest corner of Adams Road & St.Joseph Valley Parkway
PC#0067-21
Petitioner: INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY
Requested Action:
Rezoning: From NC Neighborhood Center to I Industrial
Variance(s): 1) from the required durable dust free surface for outdoor storage to
gravel
B. MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS - None for consideration
C. TEXT AMENDMENTS
1. Requested Action: PC#0068-21
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE
TO MAKE MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES FOR CLARIFICATION AND
CONSISTENCY TO SIMPLIFY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, City of South Bend
2. Requested Action: PC#0071-21
A PROPOSED ORDINANCE ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE
SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM BUILDING
HEIGHT IN THE U3 URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD 3 DISTRICT, UF URBAN
NEIGHBORHOOD FLEX DISTRICT, NC NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER DISTRICT,
AND C COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, City of South Bend
County-City Building
227 W. Jefferson Blvd. 1400S
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-7627
www.southbendin.gov/zoning
City of South Bend
PLAN COMMISSION
Tim Corcoran
Planning Director
Angela Smith
Zoning Administrator
D. DEVELOPMENT PLANS – None for consideration
ITEMS NOT REQUIRING A PUBLIC HEARING:
A. MINOR SUBDIVISIONS
1. Name: WALNUT STREET AND SAMPLE STREET MINOR SUBDIVISON
PC#0063-21
Location: SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAMPLE STREET AND WALNUT
STREET
2. Name: Hill Street Minor Subdivision PC#0067-21
Location: 920 N HILL ST
B. FINDINGS OF FACT - None for consideration
C. UPDATES FROM STAFF
D. MINUTES – August 16, 2021
E. ADJOURNMENT
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 1 of 5
Staff Report – PC#0067-21 September 20,
2021
Property Information
Location: southwest corner of Adams Road and St. Joseph Valley Parkway
Owner: INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY
Requested Action
Rezone from NC Neighborhood Center to I Industrial
Variance(s): 1) from the required durable dust free surface for outdoor storage to gravel
Project Summary
AEP wishes to construct a new service center in South Bend, Indiana. This includes an approzimately
98,000 SF office and garage building and 15,000 SF detached vehicle storage building. A substation will
also be located on the NE corner of the site.
Location Map
Recommendation
Staff Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the staff
recommends the Plan Commission send the rezoning petition to the Common Council with a
favorable recommendation.
Staff Report -PC#0067-21 9/20/2021
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 2 of 5
Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report -PC#0067-21 9/20/2021
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 3 of 5
Land Uses and Zoning:
On site: The site is currently vacant and is heavily wooded in some sections while other sections
have been used for agriculture purposes recently.
North: To the north, across Adams Road, is a tilled agriculture field zoned NC Neighborhood
Center.
East: To the east, across the St. Joseph Valley Parkway (bypass), are industrial warehouses
zoned I Industrial
South: To the south are residential properties zoned R Residential in the County.
West: To the west are residential properties zoned R Residential in the County.
District Intent:
The I District is established to provide a location for medium- to high intensity industrial uses,
typically grouped along highways and major streets and separated from residential uses.
Site Plan Description:
The current site plan shows a new service center including approximately 98,000 SF office and
garage building and 15,000 SF detached vehicle storage building. A substation will also be
located on the NE corner of the site.
Zoning and Land Use History and Trends:
The property was initially annexed into South Bend in the early 2000s and included as part of the
Portage Prairie PUD. The development was predicated on a proposed interchange at Adams
Road and the the US-31 bypass with the intention of creating a mixed use development to
support apartments and other mixed use growth west of the interchange. This development did
not materialize leading to the property remaining agriculture in use despite being zoned mixed-
use.
With the new Zoning Ordinance in 2020, any property zoned PUD was paired with the district
most closely related to the intended uses and development standards. Because the area west of
the bypass was intended to have a mix of uses, the properties were assigned to Neighborhood
Center District. The surrounding area east of the bypass has become heavily industrial with a
large increase in companies in the past decade.
Traffic and Transportation Considerations:
Adams Road is two lanes with no on-street parking. The St. Joseph Valley Parkway (bypass) is a
limited access freeway. At this time, there seems to be little interest from INDOT in constructing
the Adams Road interchange.
Agency Comments:
There are no additional comments at this time.
Staff Comments:
While AEP does not need to rezone the property to operate the substation, the I Industrial District
is appropriate for the adjacent service center. The property is centrally located for the AEP
service area with easy access to major roads, allowing them to service the public in a more
timely manner.
Agency Comments
Site & Context
Staff Report -PC#0067-21 9/20/2021
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 4 of 5
Per State Law, the Plan Commission and Common Council shall pay reasonable regard to:
1.Comprehensive Plan:
Policy Plan:
The petition is consistent with the City Plan, South Bend Comprehensive Plan (2006), Objective
ED 2: Retain existing businesses and recruit new ones to the city.
Land Use Plan:
The Future Land Use Plan identities this area for Mixed Use.
Plan Implementation/Other Plans:
There are no other plans specific to this area.
2.Current Conditions and Character:
While the proposed development was annexed with the intent of being a mixed use area, the
highway interchange needed to make that successful never materialized. The area is currently
rural residential and agricultural.
3.Most Desirable Use:
The most desirable use, as this time, is a use more compatible with the growing industrial and
distribution growth seen east of the bypass.
4.Conservation of Property Values:
The I Industrial District includes buffering requirements designed to mitigate the impact on
surrounding property values.
5.Responsible Development and Growth:
It is responsible development and growth to allow for the site to be used in a similar manner to
properties east of the bypass. As the land is already annexed into the City Limits, using the land
to its highest and best use is responsible development for the City.
Variance(s)
The petitioner is seeking the following variance(s):
1) from the required durable dust free surface for outdoor storage to gravel
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 will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the
community. Due to the distance of the parking lot from any accessible public right-of-way and
being bounded by a limited access highway with no direct access from the site, the negative
impacts of a gravel parking lot are mitigated and should not 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 parking lot will be a considerable distance and buffered from any privately owned adjacent
property. This should limit any adverse affects of the gravel parking. The existence of the bypass
to the east and large buffering on site should also limit any adverse affects.
(3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical difficulties
in the use of the property.
Criteria for Decision Making
Rezoning
Staff Report -PC#0067-21 9/20/2021
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 5 of 5
The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would require the developer to develop their
site to unnecessary standards. The site is far removed from adjacent uses and bordered by a
limited access highway.
(4) The variance granted is the minimum necessary.
The variance granted is the minimum necessary for the petitioner to develop the site in
accordance with the I Industrial District standards and taking into account the unique conditions
of the property.
(5) The variance granted does not correct a hardship caused by a former or current owner
of the property.
The variance granted does not correct a hardship caused by a former or current owner of the
property. Neither the current nor former owners are responsible for the bypass running alongside
the property or the rural nature of the surrounding properties.
Commitments: There are no written commitments proposed.
Analysis: While the NC Neighborhood Center District is the most closely related district to the original
uses of the PUD, it is not well suited for this area. The NC District is typically pedestrian-
orientated in scale and well connected to surrounding residential neighborhoods. The site will
most likely never meet those characteristics, and the mixed use development originally proposed
will likely never occur.
As a public utility regulation by the IURC, the AEP substation is permitted by right in any district.
The zoning ordinance cannot restrict the location of the proposed substation and utility lines.
Allowing the site be zoned to the I Industrial District will better suit the use and provide additional
protections for adjacent property owners through increased buffering.
Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends the
Plan Commission send the rezoning petition to the Common Council with a favorable
recommendation.
Analysis & Recommendation
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 1 of 1
Staff Report – PC#0068-21 September 20, 2021
Requested Action
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO MAKE MISCELLANEOUS
CHANGES FOR CLARIFICATION AND CONSISTENCY TO SIMPLIFY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Project Summary
Amend Chapter 21 of the South Bend Municipal Code to clarify, correct, or revise various sections to
assist in development of a more vibrant and resilient community while improving the ease of use of the
Zoning Ordinance.
Analysis: Continuing to monitor and improve the Zoning Ordinance is vital to maintaining growth and
development in a way that helps support economic growth and revitalizes neighborhoods.
Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends
the text amendment be sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
Analysis & Recommendation
Zoning Ordinance AmendmentsLast updated September 13, 2021Typographical, consistency, and cross reference errors are corrected in the following sections:
21-02.03(g), 21-08.01(g)(11), 21-09.04(j), 21-12.07(f)(3)(E), 21-12.07(f)(4)(E), 21-13.02(f)
Ordinance
Sections Item Proposed Change Rationale
21-02.02,
21-11.02(b),
21-11.04(b)
Subdivision Streets Clarifies that coordination of new and old subdivisions may require the extension of existing
streets, removes residential marginal access street (frontage road) and similar provisions,
requires street coordination with building types
Encourages stronger urban design of new subdivision layouts, eliminates
potential residential frontage road requirements in favor of more cost
effective and attractive alternatives
21-02.03(f)Façade Transparency Revises façade transparency diagram to be consistent with text definition regarding measurement
starting from finished floor level
Improves user understanding by more clearly showing existing rule
21-02.03(g),
21-03.01(i),
21-03.02(i),
21-03.03(i),
21-03.04(i),
21-03.05(i),
21-03.06(i),
21-03.07(i),
21-03.08(i),
21-04.01(h),
21-04.02(h),
21-04.03(h),
21-09.02(c)
Fence Open Percentage Reduces required open percentage for 4' fences in front and corner yards from 70% to 50%Allows for more 4' fence style options, such as traditional picket fences
21-03.01(f),
21-03.03(f),
21-03.04(f)
Ancillary Dwelling Unit
Maximum Height
Changes maximum height of a detached ancillary dwelling unit in S1, U1, and U2 districts from 24'
to 26'
Allows for more cost-effective construction of detached ancillary dwelling
units; creates consistent maximum ancillary dwelling unit maximum height
across all standard districts
21-03.03(e),
21-03.04(e)
Garage Access Clarifies allowable setback of garage from streets and alleys in U1 and U2 districts Improves user understanding by more clearly stating existing rule
21-04.03(d),
21-04.04(d)
Parking Lot Location Clarifies required setback of parking lots in C and I districts Improves user understanding by more clearly stating existing rule
21-04.04(h),
21-09.02(c)
Front/Corner Yard Fences in I
District
Limits solid fences in front and corner yards in I districts to 4' (from 6')Adds to pedestrian safety and comfort, makes rule more consistent with
(though still not as restrictive as) other districts
21-05.02(f)Garage Access Eliminates setback requirements for townhouse garages from private drives in the NNZO Eliminates rule that has no impact on use of public streets or alleys
21-05.02(g),
21-09.02(c),
21-09.02(e)
NNZO Privacy Fence Design Adds diagram illustrating privacy fence decorative design requirement in the NNZO, adds cross
references to frequently overlooked rule
Improves user understanding by more clearly showing existing rule
21-06.01(k)(6)Day Care Center Clarifies definition of day care centers based on state law on child care homes, permits Class I
child care homes in all districts
Improves user understanding by more clearly stating rule; eliminates need
for special exceptions for Class I child care homes
21-07.03(d)Parking Area Access Prohibits additional curb cuts for lots having street access via a cross-access agreement Avoids creating additional curb cuts, promoting pedestrian safety
21-07.03(g),
21-08.01(c)
Parking Garages Modifies rule requiring parking structures along streets to have active first-floor liner uses to allow
more types of uses, expands rule to U3 and UF districts
Provides more use options when providing active street frontages at
structured parking
21-07.03(h)Parking of Vehicles Clarifies that all types of vehicles may not be parked on a vacant lot States rule more explicitly to meet ordinance intent
21-07.03(i)Large Vehicle Parking Prohibits large vehicle parking in standard districts, whether or not the vehicle is left overnight Assists in enforcement of large vehicle parking rules by more closely
matching pre-2020 rule
21-08.01(g)(2)Awning or Canopy Clearance Removes rule concerning awning or canopy clearance height over driveways Eliminates rule that has no impact on use of public streets or sidewalks
21-08.01(g)(11)Garage Capacity Amends garage capacity limits to apply only to S1, U1, and U2 districts (not applying to larger
multi-unit dwellings)
Clarifies application of rule to better meet its intent
21-08.02(c)Number of Buildings Per Lot Clarifies how to determine the maximum number of primary buildings on a lot Improves user understanding by more clearly stating existing rule
21-08.02(i)Apartment House Adds required separation between apartment house building types on a lot, but removes limitation
on number of apartment houses in all allowable districts except U2
Allows apartment house building types to be constructed in manner
consistent with traditional development
21-09.01(k)Alternate Landscape Plan Clarifies how an alternate landscape plan may be used Improves user understanding by more clearly stating existing rules
21-09.02(c)Fence Height Establishes maximum 3'-4' height of fences and walls on lots without primary buildings Clarifies how to apply fence and wall height maximums on vacant lots
21-11.02(c)Double Frontage Lots More clearly states prohibition on double frontage lots, except along limited access highways Improves user understanding by more clearly stating existing rule
21-11.02(e)Subdivision Open Space and
Trail Connections
Clarifies requirements for providing open space in large new subdivisions Improves user understanding by more clearly stating existing rules
21-11.04(c)Alleys Allows alleys to be provided in all districts at the discretion of the Plan Commission and the Board
of Public Works
Creates consistency in alley rules across districts, allows context appropriate
design
21-13.02(f)Zoning Violation Enforcement Clarifies, updates enforcement authority regarding parking lot and trash container enclosures Creates consistency with other ordinance terminology and rules
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE
TO MAKE MISCELLANEOUS CHANGES FOR CLARIFICATION AND CONSISTENCY
TO SIMPLIFY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
The Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, adopted a new zoning ordinance
for the City of South Bend that went into effect on January 1, 2020. Since its adoption in
November 2019, use of the Ordinance has identified a few standards that need further
clarification, correction, or revision. Changes to these standards will support a more vibrant,
resilient community while improving the ease of use of the zoning ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of South Bend,
Indiana, as follows:
SECTION I. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 2 Definitions &
Measurements, Section 21-02.02 Definitions is hereby amended as follows:
Marginal Access Street. Minor streets which are parallel to and adjacent to major
streets and highways, and which provide access to abutting lot and protection
from through traffic.
SECTION II. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 2 Definitions
& Measurements, Section 21-02.03 Measurements, subsection (f) Building Standards, Facade
Transparency diagram is hereby deleted and replaced with a new Facade Transparency
diagram as follows:
SECTION III. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 2 Definitions
& Measurements, Section 21-02.03 Measurements, subsection (g) Site Development is hereby
amended as follows:
(2) Fences and Freestanding Walls.
(A) The height of all fences and walls is measured from the average natural
ground level within 2 feet of the base of the fence or wall.
SECTION IV. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 2 Definitions
& Measurements, Section 21-02.03 Measurements, subsection (g) Site Development, How to
Measure a Fence diagrams are hereby deleted and replaced with new How to Measure a Fence
diagrams as follows:
SECTION V. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 3 Standard
Districts, Section 21-03.01 S1 Suburban Neighborhood 1, subsection (f) Building Form;
Section 21-03.03 U1 Urban Neighborhood 1, subsection (f) Building Form; and Section 21-
03.04 U2 Urban Neighborhood 2, subsection (f) Building Form are hereby amended as
follows:
1 Ancillary dwelling units may be built to a maximum height of 24' 26’ if located at
least 5' from the rear lot line of a lot with a rear alley or at least 20' from the rear lot
line of a lot without a rear alley.
SECTION VI. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 3 Standard
Districts, Section 21-03.01 S1 Suburban Neighborhood 1, subsection (i) Site Development;
Section 21-03.02 S2 Suburban Neighborhood 2, subsection (i) Site Development; Section 21-
03.03 U1 Urban Neighborhood 1, subsection (i) Site Development; Section 21-03.04 U2
Urban Neighborhood 2, subsection (i) Site Development; Section 21-03.05 U3 Urban
Neighborhood 3, subsection (i) Site Development; Section 21-03.06 UF Urban Neighborhood
Flex, subsection (i) Site Development; Section 21-03.07 NC Neighborhood Center, subsection
(i) Site Development; and Section 21-03.08 DT Downtown, subsection (i) Site Development
are hereby amended as follows:
Fence/Freestanding Walls
A fence up to 4' is allowed in an established front or corner yard if fence is greater
than 70% 50% open.
SECTION VII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 3 Standard
Districts, Section 21-03.03 U1 Urban Neighborhood 1, subsection (e) Access & Parking, and
Section 21-03.04 U2 Urban Neighborhood 2, subsection (e) Access & Parking are hereby
amended as follows:
Parking Access
Garage doors facing a street or alley shall be located directly at the minimum setback
or be set back not less than 18'.
A garage facing a street shall be set back not less than 18’. A garage facing an alley
shall be set back 5’ from the lot line or not less than 18’.
SECTION VIII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 4 Special
Districts, Section 21-04.01 OS Open Space, subsection (h) Site Development; Section 21-
04.02 U University, subsection (h) Site Development; and Section 21-04.03 C Commercial,
subsection (h) Site Development are hereby amended as follows:
Fence/Freestanding Walls
A fence up to 4' is allowed in an established front or corner yard if fence is greater
than 70% 50% open.
SECTION IX. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 4 Special
Districts, Section 21-04.03 C Commercial, subsection (d) Access and Parking, and Section
21-04.04 I Industrial, subsection (d) Access and Parking are hereby amended as follows:
Parking Lot Location (Distance from Lot Line)
Parking is not allowed within any required building setback.
SECTION X. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 4 Special
Districts, Section 21-04.04 I Industrial, subsection (h) Site Development is hereby amended as
follows:
Fence/Freestanding Walls Front Corner
Height (max.) 6’ 4’ 6’ 4’
A fence up to 6' is allowed in an established front or corner yard if fence is greater
than 50% open.
SECTION XI. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 5 Overlay
Districts, Section 21-05.02 NNZO Northeast Neighborhood Zoning Overlay, subsection (f)
Building Standards is hereby amended as follows:
(4) Building Components
(A) Garage
iii. Specific to Townhouse Building Type. If oriented with garage
doors facing a private drive, an attached garage for a townhouse
shall have a setback (apron) of either 5 feet or not less than 18
feet from the drive, sufficient to accommodate the parking of
an automobile without blocking the drive.
iv. iii.
SECTION XII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 5 Overlay
Districts, Section 21-05.02 NNZO Northeast Neighborhood Zoning Overlay, subsection (g)
Site Development is hereby amended by adding the Decorative Element above 5 feet diagram
as follows:
SECTION XIII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 6 Uses,
Section 21-06.01 Principal Uses, subsection (k) Retail & Service is hereby amended as
follows:
(6) Day Care Center
A business that provides licensed care in a protective setting for children or
elderly or disabled adults for less than 24 hours per day. Includes Class II
child care homes as defined by IC 12-7-2. Excludes licensed Class I child care
homes as defined by IC 12-7-2, which are permitted in all districts.
SECTION XIV. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 7 Access &
Parking, Section 21-07.03 Vehicle Access & Parking, subsection (d) Off-Street Vehicle
Parking Area Access is hereby amended as follows:
(6) A lot that may be accessed by way of a recorded cross-access agreement
through an abutting lot shall not receive a separate curb cut from the same
street frontage.
SECTION XV. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 7 Access &
Parking, Section 21-07.03 Vehicle Access & Parking, subsection (g) Parking Structures is
hereby amended as follows:
(g) Parking Structures
Parking structures shall be designed per the following standards.
(1) In a NC or DT district, any parking structure fronting and within 50
feet of a public street shall be designed so that at least 75 percent of the
linear width of the ground floor front and corner facades, measured
from building corner to building corner and excluding pedestrian and
vehicular entries, is comprised of commercial tenant spaces. Each
commercial tenant space shall have a minimum depth of 15 feet
measured from the front or corner facade.
(2)(1)
(2) See Section 21-08.01(c)(4) for additional regulations related to parking
structures.
SECTION XVI. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 7 Access &
Parking, Section 21-07.03 Vehicle Access & Parking, subsection (h) Parking of Vehicles –
General is hereby amended as follows:
(1) Unless otherwise provided for in this Ordinance, the parking of motor vehicles
on a lot without a primary building is prohibited.
SECTION XVII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 7 Access &
Parking, Section 21-07.03 Vehicle Access & Parking, subsection (i) Commercial and
Recreational Vehicles is hereby amended as follows:
(1) Large Vehicles. No tractor, trailer, tractor-trailer combination, or vehicle
(including but not limited to a tow truck, dump truck, flatbed truck, semi-
trailer, and the like) equal to or in excess of one and one half (1 ½) tons
capacity, or which has a bed more than 8 feet long, may not be parked
overnight on any land or premises except in a OS, U, C, or I district. However,
the foregoing shall not apply to school buses used for the transportation of
school children to and from school or to and from a school sponsored activity.
SECTION XVIII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 8 Building
Standards, Section 21-08.01 Building Standards, subsection (c) Building Design is hereby
amended as follows:
(4) In a U3, UF, NC, or DT district, when fronting and within 50 feet of a public
street, any parking structure or podium building having a ground-floor parking
lot shall have at least 75 percent of the linear width of the ground floor front
and corner facades be comprised of occupied liner spaces at least 15 feet deep.
The measurement shall be made from building corner to building corner and
exclude pedestrian and vehicular entries. The liner spaces may include
permitted uses, such as retail areas, dwellings, leasing offices, or fitness
centers.
SECTION XIX. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 8 Building
Standards, Section 21-08.01 Building Standards, subsection (g) Building Components is
hereby amended as follows:
(2) Awning or Canopy.
(E) The bottom edge of the awning or canopy shall have a minimum clear
height over a sidewalk or walkway of 8 feet or 15 feet over a driveway.
(11) Garage.
(D) If oriented with garage doors facing an alley, a garage shall be located
at the minimum required rear setback 5 feet from the lot line or have a
setback of not less than 18 feet from the right-of-way, sufficient to
accommodate the parking of an automobile without blocking any
public way.
(E) In a S1, U1, or U2 district, tThe total capacity of a garage, garages, or
carports, in combination, whether attached or detached, shall not
exceed 4 cars vehicles.
SECTION XX. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 8 Building
Standards, Section 21-08.02 Building Types, subsection (c) Number of Buildings is hereby
deleted and replaced with a new subsection (c) as follows:
(c) Number of Buildings
Each lot shall comply with the maximum number, if any, of primary buildings
allowed by the building type requirements of this section. The Zoning
Administrator may waive this requirement if the submitted building permit
application includes a site plan with potential lot lines that meet the intent and
all the requirements of this Ordinance.
SECTION XXI. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 8 Building
Standards, Section 21-08.02 Building Types, subsection (i) Apartment House is hereby
amended as follows:
(3) Building Type Standards
Building Dimensions
Separation between buildings 10’ min.
Number of Dwelling Units
Apartment Houses per Lot
S2, U3, UF district 3 max.
U2 district 1 max.
All other districts 1 max. Unlimited
SECTION XXII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 9 Site
Development, Section 21-09.01 Landscape, subsection (k) Alternatives to Landscape
Requirements is hereby deleted and replaced with a new subsection (k) as follows:
(k) Alternate Landscape Plan
The Zoning Administrator, upon request by an applicant, shall have the
authority to approve an alternate landscape plan, subject to the provisions
below, as long as the intent of this section is met. An alternate landscape plan
may include the following:
(1) The redistribution or clustering of landscape materials.
(2) Any combination of shade trees, ornamental trees, evergreen trees, or
hedge plants/shrubs, provided that the total amount of plant materials
remains proportional to the base requirements of this section.
(3) The substitution of narrow spread evergreen trees for wide spread
evergreen trees at a rate of 4 trees for each 1 required. If narrow spread
evergreen trees are used, the required buffer width may be reduced by 5
feet.
SECTION XXIII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 9 Site
Development, Section 21-09.02 Fences & Walls, subsection (c) Height is hereby amended as
follows:
(2) On a lot without a primary building, the height of fences and walls shall not
exceed 3 feet if less than or equal to 50 percent open or 4 feet if more than 50
percent open.
(2)(3)
SECTION XXIV. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 9 Site
Development, Section 21-09.02 Fences & Walls, Table 21-09D: Fences & Walls Maximum
Height is hereby amended as follows:
District 1 Established Front & Corner Yard Established Side & Rear Yard
Less than More than
or Equal to 70% 70% 50% Open
50% Open
I 6’ 4’
1 In the NNZO, fences and walls shall also comply with the provisions of Section 21-
05.02(g)(1).
SECTION XXV. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 9 Site
Development, Section 21-09.02 Fences & Walls, subsection (e) Materials is hereby amended
as follows:
(3) In the NNZO, fences and walls shall also comply with the provisions of
Section 21-05.02(g)(1).
(3)(4)
SECTION XXVI. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 9 Site
Development, Section 21-09.04 Outdoor Lighting, subsection (j) Special Regulations for
Outdoor Lighting is hereby amended as follows:
(5) Awning and Canopy Lighting. Awnings and canopies used for building
accents over doors, windows, walkways, and the like, may be internally
illuminated or back-lit (i.e., lit from underneath or behind) provided, however,
that the primary material is opaque and that translucent material is limited to
the actual text or logo of the sign, if any, incorporated into the awning or
canopy.
SECTION XXVII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 11
Neighborhood & Subdivision Design, Section 21-11.02 Subdivision of Land, subsection (b)
General Regulations is hereby amended as follows:
(3) The subdivision shall be coordinated with existing developments or
neighborhoods, and may require the extension of existing streets.
(6) Where a development borders on or contains an existing or proposed major
street, the Plan Commission may require access via the side or rear of the lot, a
marginal access street, double frontage with screen planting contained in a 10
foot deep nonaccess easement, or other such treatment.
(7) (6)
(8) (7)
SECTION XXVIII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 11
Neighborhood & Subdivision Design, Section 21-11.02 Subdivision of Land, subsection (c)
Lot Standards is hereby amended as follows:
(3) Double frontage lots shall be avoided not be permitted, except where essential
to provide separation of residential development from major streets the lot
abuts a limited access highway.
SECTION XXIX. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 11
Neighborhood & Subdivision Design, Section 21-11.02 Subdivision of Land, subsection (e)
Open Space is hereby deleted and replaced with a new subsection (e) as follows:
(e) Open Space & Linkages
(1) On sites greater than 5 acres or providing 50 dwelling units, a minimum
of 10 percent of the project area shall be designated as publicly
accessible civic or open space. This number shall be calculated after
street rights-of-way are subtracted from the project area. Civic or open
spaces may be managed privately or publicly but shall be open to the
public.
(2) If a subdivision abuts or is located within 500 feet of any portion of a
public trail, a direct linkage from the subdivision to such public trail
shall be provided.
SECTION XXX. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 11
Neighborhood & Subdivision Design, Section 21-11.04 Streets & Alleys, subsection (b)
Street Standards is hereby amended as follows:
(1) The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade, and location of all streets
shall be correlated to existing and planned streets, existing topography, public
convenience and safety, and in their appropriate relation to the proposed
building types and uses of the land to be served by such streets.
SECTION XXXI. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 11
Neighborhood & Subdivision Design, Section 21-11.04 Streets & Alleys, subsection (c) Alley
Standards is hereby amended as follows:
(1) Alleys shall be provided in commercial and industrial districts.
(2) Alleys shall be provided in residential areas at the discretion of the Plan
Commission and the Board of Public Works.
(3)(2)
(4)(3)
SECTION XXXII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 12
Administration, Section 21-12.07 Development Review Procedures, subsection (f) Common
Procedures is hereby amended as follows:
(3) Special Exception Procedures
(E) Procedure
(xii) An approved special exception may be subject to the site plan as
presented to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Common
Council. Any modification to the site plan, if applicable, shall
be reviewed in accordance with Section 21-12.03
21-12.07(f)(9).
(4) Use Variance Procedures
(E) Procedure
(xi) Within 60 days after receiving the written certification on a
proposed zoning ordinance petition for use variance from the
Plan Commission Board of Zoning Appeals, the Common
Council shall take final action thereon, pursuant to applicable
law.
SECTION XXXIII. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 13
Nonconformities & Enforcement, Section 21-13.02 Enforcement, subsection (f) Violations is
hereby amended as follows:
(f) Violations
(4) The parking or storage, in any district the provisions of which do no not
specifically permit such a use, of any:
(8) Failure to comply with district development standards, including but
not limited to landscaping, design and paving of parking areas,
minimum parking space requirements, minimum loading space
requirements, trash dumpster container enclosures, fencing,
landscaping, or screening requirements;
(9) The failure to comply with:
(C) The terms, provisions, or conditions of any other permit
required as a prerequisite to the issuance of a an improvement
location permit; or,
SECTION XXXIV. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage
by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
____________________________
Member of the Common Council
Attest:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana on the _________day
of ___________, 2021, at _________ o’clock ____. m.
__________________________
City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the _________ day of ____________, 2021, at
________ o’clock ____. m.
____________________________
Mayor, City of South Bend, Indiana
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 1 of 1
Staff Report – PC#0071-21 September 20, 2021
Requested Action
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM
BUILDING HEIGHT IN THE U3 URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD 3 DISTRICT, UF URBAN
NEIGHBORHOOD FLEX DISTRICT, NC NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER DISTRICT, AND C
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Project Summary
Updating the Zoning Ordinance to allow taller structures in select districts, while offering protection for
smaller-scale buildings, including single-unit dwellings, in order to encourage smart growth in the City.
Analysis: The proposed text amendment responds to recent trends in development that have continued
to shift as the Building Code changes. The proposed height limits will ensure South Bend is
competitive with other peer communities and offer a wider range of development options, while
ensuring smaller-scale buildings are appropriately protected.
Recommendation: Based on the information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends
the text amendment be sent to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
Analysis & Recommendation
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE
TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT IN THE U3 URBAN
NEIGHBORHOOD 3 DISTRICT, UF URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD FLEX DISTRICT, NC
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER DISTRICT, AND C COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
The Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, adopted a new zoning ordinance
for the City of South Bend that went into effect on January 1, 2020. The maximum building
height allowances from the 2004 Zoning Ordinance were carried forward into the new
Ordinance. As South Bend continues to innovate and hold discussions with developers, other
communities, and monitor best practices from around the country, it was discovered that the
height limits do not match common building code thresholds. Updating the ordinance to allow
taller structures in select districts, while offering protection for smaller-scale buildings,
including single-unit dwellings, will continue to encourage smart growth in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of South Bend,
Indiana, as follows:
SECTION I. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 3 Standard
Districts, Section 21-03.05: U3 Urban Neighborhood 3, subsection (f) Building Form is
hereby amended as follows:
Primary Building (max)1 40’ and 3 stories 55’ and 4 stories
1 Portions of a primary building in excess of 40’ or 3 stories shall be located at least 40’ from
a S1, U1, or U2 District.
SECTION II. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 3 Standard
Districts, Section 21-03.06: UF Urban Neighborhood Flex, subsection (f) Building Form is
hereby amended as follows:
Primary Building (max)1 40’ and 3 stories 55’ and 4 stories
And adding footnote 1 as follows:
1 Portions of a primary building in excess of 40’ or 3 stories shall be located at least 40’ from
a S1, U1, or U2 District.
SECTION III. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 3 Standard
Districts, Section 21-03.07: NC Neighborhood Center, subsection (f) Building Form is hereby
amended as follows:
Primary Building (max)1 40’ and 3 stories 55’ and 4 stories
And adding footnote 1 as follows:
1 Portions of a primary building in excess of 40’ or 3 stories shall be located at least 40’ from
a S1, U1, or U2 District.
SECTION IV. Chapter 21, Zoning, of the South Bend Municipal Code, Article 4 Special
Districts, Section 21-04.03: C Commercial, subsection (e) Building Form is hereby amended
as follows:
Primary Building (max)1 40’ 55’
And adding footnote 1 as follows:
1 Portions of a primary building in excess of 40’ or 3 stories shall be located at least 40’ from
a S1, U1, or U2 District.
SECTION V. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by
the Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
____________________________
Member of the Common Council
Attest:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana on the _________day
of ___________, 2021, at _________ o’clock ____. m.
__________________________
City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the _________ day of ____________, 2021, at
________ o’clock ____. m.
____________________________
Mayor, City of South Bend, Indiana
Staff Report – PC#0063-21 September 20, 2021
Property Information
Subdivision Name: WALNUT STREET AND SAMPLE STREET MINOR SUBDIVISON
Location: This Minor Primary subdivision is located at the southeast corner of Sample and
Walnut.
Requested Action
The total area of the subdivision is 3.53 acres and will consist of 2 building lots.
Location Map
Recommendation
Staff Recommendation: The Staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds it complies with the
requirements for Approval as specified by the South Bend Subdivision Control Ordinance. The
Staff therefore recommends that this subdivision be granted Approval.
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 2 of 3
Staff Report – PC#0063-21 September 20, 2021
Proposed Plat
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 3 of 3
Staff Report – PC#0063-21 September 20, 2021
Project Details
Environmental Data: A check of the Agency's maps indicates that no environmental
hazard areas or wetlands are present.
Drainage: There is no drainage plan required at this time.
Rights-Of-Way: The rights-of-way are correct as shown.
Utilities: The site will be served by Municipal Water and Municipal
Sewer.
Agency Comments: There are no additional comments at this time.
Recommendation
Staff Comments: There are no additional comments at this time.
Staff Recommendation: The Staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds it complies with
the requirements for Primary Approval as specified by the South Bend Subdivision Control
Ordinance. The Staff therefore recommends that this subdivision be granted Primary
Approval.
Staff Report – PC#0067-21 September 20, 2021
Property Information
Subdivision Name: Hill Street Minor Subdivision
Location: This Minor Primary subdivision is located 920 N HILL ST
Requested Action
The total area of the subdivision is 0.25 acres and will consist of 2 building lots.
Location Map
Recommendation
Staff Recommendation: The Staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds it complies with the
requirements for Primary Approval as specified by the South Bend Subdivision Control
Ordinance. The Staff therefore recommends that this subdivision be granted Primary Approval.
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 2 of 3
Staff Report – PC#0067-21 September 20, 2021
Proposed Plat
SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION Page 3 of 3
Staff Report – PC#0067-21 September 20, 2021
Project Details
Environmental Data: A check of the Agency's maps indicates that no environmental
hazard areas or wetlands are present.
Drainage: There is no drainage plan required at this time.
Rights-Of-Way: The rights-of-way are correct as shown.
Utilities: The site will be served by Municipal Water and Municipal
Sewer.
Agency Comments: There are no additional comments at this time.
Recommendation
Staff Comments: There are no additional comments at this time.
Staff Recommendation: The Staff has reviewed this subdivision and finds it complies with
the requirements for Primary Approval as specified by the South Bend Subdivision Control
Ordinance. The Staff therefore recommends that this subdivision be granted Primary
Approval.