HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-09 Site DevelopmentSOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-1
Section 21-09.01: Landscape
(a) Intent
Landscape is an essential element of the site design
process and is an important feature in promoting public
health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general
welfare. Landscape regulations are intended to:
(1) mitigate incompatibilities between adjacent land uses
and reduce the negative impacts of higher intensity
land uses on less intense adjacent land uses;
(2) provide critical visual and noise buffering between
higher intensity district and less intense districts;
(3) lessen the impact of development on the
environment by reducing glare and heat buildup; and
(4) break up large expanses of pavement so as to
reduce impervious surface area, storm water run-off,
and the level of pollutants from non-point sources.
(b) Applicability
All new developments and all additions to existing
development (building additions, parking area
expansions, etc.) shall provide landscape as required by
this section and within the applicable zoning district.
(c) Installation of Landscape
All landscape required by this section or regulated
within the applied zoning district shall be installed prior
to the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for the
use on the real estate. If seasons, weather conditions, or
other conditions beyond the applicants' control create
a situation which is not appropriate for the installation of
landscape immediately prior to the issuance of a final
certificate of occupancy, the Zoning Administrator may
authorize a temporary certificate of occupancy pending
the installation of landscape required; landscape shall
be installed not later than 3 months after the start of the
next planting season. The start of planting seasons shall
be March 15 and August 15 of each year.
(d) Minimum Plant Material Sizes at Time of Planting
All plant materials specified within this Ordinance shall
comply with the minimum sizes at time of planting as
specified in the following table.
Table 21-09A: Minimum Size at Time of Planting
Plant Category Minimum Size
Deciduous Shade Tree 1.75" caliper at
6" above ground
Deciduous Ornamental Tree 1.5" caliper at
6" above ground
Evergreen Tree 1 6' high
Hedge Plants / Shrubs 24" high
1 Evergreen must be of a wide spread species that
does not drop its lower branches (e.g., white pines).
(e) Maintenance of Landscape
All plant materials shall be maintained in a healthy,
growing condition. The owner shall be responsible
for the replacement of any required planting that
is removed or dies after the date of planting. Such
replacement shall occur within three months after the
start of the next planting season. Failure to maintain
required landscape areas shall constitute a violation
of this Ordinance enforceable under the provisions of
Section 21-13.02.
Article 21-09:
Site Development Sections
Section 21-09.01: Landscape .............................9-1
Section 21-09.02: Fences & Walls ......................9-10
Section 21-09.03: Stormwater ..........................9-12
Section 21-09.04: Outdoor Lighting .....................9-13
Section 21-09.05: Clear Sight Area ......................9-16
Section 21-09.06: Performance Standards ..............9-17
9-2 May 20, 2026
21-09.01 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Landscape
(f) Live vegetation
All trees and shrubs required by this section shall be
living vegetation.
(g) Ground Cover
In a front yard, corner yard, or tree lawn, ground cover
shall include, but is not limited to, grasses; natural
vegetated ground covers; preserved existing natural
vegetation (e.g., thickets); or mulch. Artificial turf or
similar synthetic material shall not be used.
(h) Tree Conservation
All proposed development shall conserve on-site
established trees, defined as any healthy tree with
a caliper of 6 inches or more, measured at 6 inches
above the ground.
(1) Removal. An on-site established tree may be
removed only if at least one of the following
conditions are satisfied:
(A) The tree interferes with the construction of
a structure or other site improvement, no
feasible and prudent location alternative exists
on-site for the proposed structure or other
site improvement, and no possibility exists for
incorporation of the tree into the proposed
development.
(B) The tree is causing damage to an existing
structure or site improvement and no feasible
remedy exists other than removing the tree.
(C) The tree is diseased or injured beyond
restoration, as determined by a licensed arborist.
(D) The tree is dead, is in danger of falling, is
located so as to pose a threat to existing
structures, interferes with existing utility
infrastructure, is in conflict with required
clear sight area, or is otherwise considered
hazardous or unsafe.
(2) Replacement. In the event that an on-site
established tree of a minimum of 6 inches diameter,
measured at 6 inches above the ground, is removed
under any circumstances, including the accidental
killing of a tree during the course of construction
activity, the following requirements apply:
(A) For each established tree that is removed, one
replacement tree shall be installed on-site
beyond that which is otherwise required by
this section. The replacement trees shall be
installed in compliance with Section 21-09.01(c).
(B) If the site cannot accommodate the number
of trees required as replacements, the Zoning
Administrator may allow the replacement trees
to be installed off-site within the city limits of
the City of South Bend.
(C) A replacement tree may be planted in a
public park or public right-of-way with the
authorization of the City Forester.
(i) Berms
An earthen berm may be used, subject to the following:
(1) Berms are prohibited in a U1, U2, U3, UF, NC, or DT
district.
(2) Each berm shall have a maximum height of 3
feet, or up to 6 feet in the I district. Berms shall be
planted and covered with live vegetation.
(3) Each berm shall have a minimum crown width
of 2 feet and a side slope not greater than 3 feet
horizontal to 1 foot vertical (3:1).
(4) Berms shall not interfere with clear sight area or
required drainage.
(j) Relation to Utilities
In those instances where overhead utilities are located
within a required setback, required buffer, or tree lawns,
plant material selections shall be limited to small
growing trees which do not exceed 25 feet in height at
maturity. Landscape plantings may be shifted to avoid
underground utilities.
(k) Location of Landscape
To the extent possible, landscape required by this
section shall be placed on the development site,
with the exception of streetscape trees. When
SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-3
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.01
Landscape
circumstances dictate that landscape can or should
be placed in the public right-of-way to meet the
requirements of this section, permission shall be
obtained from the City Forester prior to the placement
of landscape within the right-of-way. Landscape shall
not interfere with clear sight area or utilities.
(l) 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.
(4) The use of artificial turf for game courts or athletic
fields if other alternatives are not feasible. Any
approval to allow artificial turf must be noted in the
landscape plan.
9-4 May 20, 2026
21-09.01 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Landscape
(1) Definition
Streetscape trees provide healthy, long-living trees
along or adjacent to the public right-of-way in order to
improve the comfort of public streets and sidewalks
while creating a buffer between pedestrians and
vehicular travel.
(2) Applicability
Streetscape trees shall be provided for all new
development and additions to existing development
(i.e., building additions, parking area expansions) as
required within the applicable zoning district.
(3) Exemptions
The Zoning Administrator may waive a development
from the required streetscape trees for the following
scenarios:
(A) Streetscape trees of the minimum required number
and size are already installed and maintained in a
healthy, growing condition.
(B) The crown of a well-established tree planted
on-site and adjacent to the outer edge of the lot
reaches over the public right-of-way area and
would cause overcrowding of the new street tree.
(C) The specific location of a curb cut, utility line,
underground vault, transit stop/station, or other
feature conflicts with the placement of a tree.
(4) General Requirements
All streetscape trees shall be installed in accordance
with Chapter 19 Article 1 of the South Bend Municipal
Code and planting standards of the Department of
Venues, Parks, and Arts.
(A) A minimum of one streetscape tree shall be
installed on the adjacent street, for each full 30 feet
of street frontage. For example, a 50 foot lot width
would require one tree, while a 60 foot lot width
would require two trees.
(B) As indicated within the zoning district, streetscape
trees may be permitted to be located within the
established front yard of a lot instead of the street
tree lawn.
(C) Streetscape trees shall consist of native,
deciduous shade trees and be selected from the
recommended list of tree species for South Bend.
Trees must be granted a permit by the City Forester.
(D) To the extent possible, streetscape trees shall be
evenly spaced, with the exception of driveways or
other interferences within the lot or right-of-way.
Streetscape trees
Tree lawn
approx.
3
0'
o.
c.
Driveway interrupts
even spacing
21-09.01(m): Streetscape Trees
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SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-5
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.01
Landscape
(1) Definition
Building foundation landscape is installed along or in
relation to the perimeter foundation of a building or
structure to enhance the appearance from the street.
(2) Applicability
Building foundation landscape shall be provided for all
new buildings and building additions with facades over
35 feet in width facing a street or civic space as required
within the applicable zoning district and in accordance
with the following regulations.
(3) Exemptions
Building foundation landscape is not required for the
following scenarios:
(A) Residential buildings of up to 4 units;
(B) If a building is within 5 feet of an applicable lot line;
and,
(C) Buildings located in a NC or DT district.
(D) The Zoning Administrator may waive the
requirement for building foundation landscape if
a building is located more than 50 feet from the
street and the Zoning Administrator determines
the building foundation landscape is not needed to
meet the intent of this ordinance.
(4) General Requirements
(A) Building foundation landscape shall be provided
at a rate of at least 1 hedge plant or shrub for every
5 feet of applicable facade. Any fractional result
shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For
example, if a minimum requirement is applied to a
62 foot long elevation, the resulting fraction of 12.4
requires 13 hedge plants.
(B) Building foundation landscape areas shall be a
minimum of 3 feet in the smallest dimension.
(C) Building foundation landscape shall be located
along or adjacent to each applicable building
facade, except where a portion of the facade is
devoted to pedestrian or vehicular ingress/egress,
loading or drop-off zones, or outdoor seating areas.
In these cases, foundation landscape shall be
aggregated into one or more locations abutting such
building elevation.
Building Foundation Landscape
Ingress/egress
Aggregated
landscaping
Outdoor seating
21-09.01(n): Building Foundation Landscape
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9-6 May 20, 2026
21-09.01 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Landscape
(1) Definition
A landscape buffer provides screening or buffering
between adjacent uses or zoning districts.
(2) Applicability
The following scenarios require the installation of a
landscape buffer.
(A) A buffer is required between specified zoning
districts as regulated within the applicable zoning
district.
(B) A landscape buffer shall be provided where specific
uses are introduced as part of any new development
or change of use, as listed below.
Table 21-09B: Buffers Required by Use
Uses Standards
Drive-Through Facility 21-06.01(k)(7)
Gas/Fuel Station 21-06.01(k)(11)
Industrial, Heavy 21-06.01(g)(2)
Industrial, Light 21-06.01(g)(3)
Outdoor Storage 21-06.02(f)(25)
Parking Lots 21-06.01(l)(4)
Retail & Service, Heavy 21-06.01(k)(17)
Self-Storage Facility 21-06.01(k)(18)
Utilities, Major 21-06.01(m)(2)
Utilities, Minor 21-06.01(m)(3)
Vehicle Sales or Rental 21-06.01(k)(21)
Vehicle Service, Major 21-06.01(k)(22)
Warehouse/Distribution 21-06.01(g)(5)
Waste Processing/
Recycling Facility
21-06.01(g)(6)
Wireless Communications 21-06.01(m)(4)
(3) Exemptions
A buffer is not required for the following scenarios:
(A) Residential buildings of up to 4 units located in any
zoning district.
(B) Except as otherwise required, when an alley
separates applicable zoning districts, a buffer is not
required along the lot line abutting the alley.
(4) General Requirements
(A) Buffers shall be located along the outer perimeter
of the lot, parallel to and extending along 100
percent of the shared lot line, unless otherwise
indicated in the use standards.
(B) Any fractional result shall be rounded up to the
next whole number. For example, if a minimum
requirement of 2 evergreen trees per 25’ of
adjacent lot line is applied to a 40’ lot, the resulting
fraction of 3.2 is rounded up to 4 required trees.
(C) Parking areas, loading, and driveways shall not be
located in any buffer.
(D) Landscape buffers may include a combination of
shrubs, trees, fences, and walls installed per the
requirements Table 21-09C.
(E) When two buffer types are required in the same
general location, only the more intense buffer is
required to be installed.
21-09.01(o): Landscape Buffer
SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-7
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.01
Landscape
appro
x.
3'
o.
c.
5'
5'
6'100'
25'
6'-10'appro
x. 1
2.
5'
o.
c.
Type 3 Type 4
Type 1 Type 2
Table 21-09C: Landscape Buffer Standards
approx.
1
6'
o.
c.100'
15'
6'-8'
Type 1 Buffer
A min. depth of 5' and requires a continuous hedge row of
shrubs planted 3' on center. The hedge may be replaced
with a solid, masonry wall of 2-3' in height. The low wall
may incorporate additional landscape.
Type 3 Buffer
A min. depth of 15' and requires 8 evergreen trees for
every 100' of length, spaced evenly in a single row at
approximately 12.5' on center. If a 6' min. height fence is
provided, evergreens may be replaced with shade trees
provided at a rate of 6 shade trees for every 100' of length,
spaced evenly or grouped together as desired.
Type 2 Buffer
A min. depth of 5' with 20 shrubs for every 100' of
length, spaced evenly or grouped together as desired. A
continuous 6' high solid fence is required. A higher fence is
permitted if allowed by the applicable zoning district.
Type 4 Buffer
A min. depth of 25' and requires 14 evergreen trees for
every 100' of length, spaced evenly in a staggered double
row at approximately 12.5' on center. If a 6' min. height
fence is provided, evergreens may be replaced with shade
trees provided at a rate of 8 trees for every 100' of length,
spaced evenly or grouped together as desired.
appro
x. 1
2.
5’
o.
c.100'
25'
appro
x. 1
2.
5’
o.
c.100'
15'100'
9-8 May 20, 2026
21-09.01 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Landscape
(1) Definition
Parking lot landscape screens parking lots, enhances
the aesthetics of a lot and the adjacent public realm,
provides shade protection, and reduces the impervious
surfaces on a lot.
(2) Parking Lot Screening.
All new surface, off-street parking lots and expanded
surface off-street parking lots that contain 4 or more
parking spaces, for any use, excluding driveways, shall
provide parking screening subject to the following
regulations:
(A) Where a parking lot is located along, within 50 feet
of, and visible from a street or open space, other
than an alley, the parking lot shall be screened by
a Type 1 buffer per Section 21-09.01(o). The buffer
shall be placed along the edge of the parking lot
or access drive that faces the street, with breaks
permitted for vehicular and pedestrian access.
(B) Where any parking lot is located along, within 50
feet of, and visible from a side or rear lot line that
abuts any lot in a S1, U1, or U2 district, the parking
shall be screened by a Type 1 buffer located at the
edge of the parking area or a Type 2 buffer located
along the abutting lot line, designed per Section
21-09.01(o). When an alley separates zoning
districts, a buffer is not required along the lot line
abutting the alley.
(C) When a more intense buffer type exists between a
parking lot and the applicable lot line, the parking
lot screening is not required.
(3) Parking Drive Landscape.
For the townhouse building type, individual driveways
that are 18 feet long or more and lead to attached
garages serving individual dwelling units shall
provide a landscape strip at least 4 feet wide between
driveways.
Off-Street Parking Lot Screening Options
Low masonry
wall
Continuous hedge
planted 3' o.c.
Combination of low
wall and hedge
Parking Drive Landscape
Attached Dwelling
Unit with GarageDriveway
Landscape
Strip
21-09.01(p): Parking Lot Landscape
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SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-9
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.01
Landscape
(4) Parking Lot Landscape Islands.
In addition to parking screening requirements, all new
surface parking lots containing 30 or more parking
spaces and all expanded surface parking lots which are
increased by 30 or more parking spaces, whether such
increase occurs at one time or in successive stages, shall
be subject to the following regulations:
(A) All such off-street parking areas shall include at least
1 required landscape island for every 15 parking
spaces (or fraction thereof).
(B) Each required landscape island shall measure a
minimum 144 square feet in area.
(C) Each required landscape island shall contain a
minimum of 1 deciduous shade tree or 1 deciduous
ornamental tree.
(D) Parking islands should be located at the end
of parking bays so as to define vehicular and
pedestrian traffic patterns.
(E) Area devoted to landscape islands shall be in
addition to any required streetscape, building
foundation landscape, landscape buffer, building
foundation landscape, or parking lot screening
required by this section.
(F) Parking lots shall include areas used for Vehicle
Sales or Rental uses.
(G) Parking lots do not include areas used for semi-truck
loading, maneuvering, or parking.
(H) Zoning Administrator may approve a design where
landscape islands are aggregated into one or more
larger landscape islands.
Parking Lot Landscape Islands
Landscape island at end of parking bay
Drive lane
15 spa
c
e
s
Parking lot screening
Min. 144 square feet
Pedestrian Access
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9-10 May 20, 2026
21-09.02 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Fences & Walls
Section 21-09.02: Fences & Walls
(a) Applicability
The construction of a new fence or wall, or
reconstruction of an existing fence or wall, shall comply
with the standards of this section.
(b) Location
(1) Fences and walls may encroach into any required
setback and be located in any established yard. No
fence or wall shall encroach across a lot line or into
a public right-of-way.
(2) All fences shall comply with the Clear Sight Area
provisions of Section 21-09.05.
(c) Height
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. An additional 1 foot of height
is allowed, above the maximum permitted height, for
posts, columns, or light fixtures.
(1) Fences and walls shall not exceed the maximum
height listed in Table 21-09D.
(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.
(3) In the NNZO, fences and walls shall be erected
in compliance with the provisions of Section 21-
05.02(g)(1).
(4) A fence more than 50% open enclosing a game
court as defined by Section 21-06.02(f)(9) may
be erected to a maximum of 12 feet in height,
irrespective of the above standards.
(5) A fence more than 50% open providing safety
at School, Pre-K/Primary/Secondary and Day
Care Center uses may be erected to a maximum
of 6 feet in height, irrespective of the above
standards, to the extent determined by the Zoning
Administrator.
Interior Lot - Fence Height
Corner Lot - Fence Height
Corner Lot - Fence at building facade line
Front Yard
Corner Yard
Side Yard
Rear Yard
Front yards
require a
lower fence
height
Front/corner yards
require a lower
fence height
Increased height
allowed in side/
rear yard
Increased height
allowed in side/
rear yard
Increased height
allowed
Intersection of
corner and rear
walls
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SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-11
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.02
Fences & Walls
Table 21-09D: Fences & Walls Maximum Height
District 1 Established Front &
Corner Yard
Established
Side & Rear
Yard
Less than
or Equal to
50% Open
More than
50% Open
Any Fence
Type
S1, S2, U1, U2, U3 3’4’6’
UF, NC, DT, OS, U, C 3’4’8’
I 6’6’10’
1 In the NNZO, fences and walls shall also comply with the
provisions of Section 21-05.02(g)(1).
(d) Finish
All fence posts and related supporting members of a
fence shall be erected so that the finished sides of the
fence face the adjacent lot or public right-of-way.
(e) Materials
(1) Fence and wall materials may include, but are not
limited to, chain link, solid, stockade, architectural
screen, lattice-work, shadow-box, vinyl, or masonry.
(2) In a NC or DT district, chain link fence materials are
prohibited in an established front or corner yard or
within 10 feet of a front or corner lot line.
(3) In the NNZO, fences and walls shall also comply
with the provisions of Section 21-05.02(g)(1).
(4) Fences or walls constructed of barbed wire,
electric, razor wire, or other similar types of
security wire fences shall only be permitted for
non-residential uses such as, but not limited to,
utility sites such as water, sewer, electric and
gas main facilities; heating, ventilating and air-
conditioning equipment; restricted public access
areas such as airports, sewer and water treatment
facilities; public safety facilities; and public and
private communication facilities such as wireless,
radio, and television communication towers. These
materials shall not be located in any established
front or corner yard. The Zoning Administrator shall
have the authority to determine the extent and
location of such fences.
9-12 May 20, 2026
21-09.03 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Stormwater
Section 21-09.03: Stormwater
(a) Applicability
All projects shall meet the stormwater requirements
in the latest version of the Design and Construction
Standards and Prevailing Specifications for Public
Works.
(b) Above Ground Retention
(1) Above ground retention shall not be located in
a U1, U2, U3, UF, NC, or DT district, or within an
Airport Approach Surface as determined by the
Federal Aviation Administration.
SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-13
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.04
Outdoor Lighting
Section 21-09.04: Outdoor Lighting
(a) Intent
The following regulations are intended to provide for
the installation of outdoor light fixtures which:
(1) Provide adequate light for safety, utility, and
security,
(2) Promote efficient lighting that conserves energy,
(3) Mitigate objectionable glare, offensive light sources,
and the spillover of light beyond lot lines, and
(4) Reduce light pollution and improve night sky visibility.
(b) Applicability
The outdoor lighting regulations contained in this
section, except as specifically stated otherwise, apply
to all outdoor light fixtures.
(1) Nonconforming Lighting. Routine repair and
maintenance of nonconforming lighting is
permitted, provided such changes do not
result in a higher lumen output. Routine repair
and maintenance includes changing lamps
or light bulbs, ballast, starter, photo control,
housing, lenses, and other similar components.
Nonconforming lighting may be altered to
eliminate or reduce a nonconformity or to create
conforming lighting.
(c) Exempt
The following outdoor light fixtures are exempt from
the regulations of this section.
(1) Residential Buildings of up to 4 Units. All outdoor
light fixtures used for the illumination of personal
property, provided that such outdoor light fixtures
shall meet the maximum allowable light levels
permitted by Section 21-09.04(f) and the maximum
color temperature permitted by Section 21-09.04(i)
(2).
(2) Public Lighting. All outdoor light fixtures required
by government agencies or originating from public
areas and ways, including but not limited to parks,
rights-of-way, public art, or other public facilities,
that are installed for the benefit of the public
health, safety, and welfare.
(3) Construction and Emergency Lighting. All outdoor
light fixtures provided for construction work or the
abatement of an emergency situation necessitating
said lighting, provided that the use of fixtures is
discontinued during hours when construction
activity or emergency abatement is not in progress
and that such outdoor light fixtures are removed
upon completion of the construction activity or the
abatement of the emergency.
(4) Special Event Lighting. Outdoor light fixtures for
civic and special events, such as festivals, fairs,
carnivals, and sporting events, may be placed on a
temporary basis subject to the following standards:
(A) The Zoning Administrator shall approve special
event lighting.
(B) Special event lighting shall not be installed
more than thirty days prior to the special event
and shall be removed not more than fifteen
days after the special event.
(C) Searchlights. Notwithstanding anything
contained in this section, one portable, rotating
searchlight may be used for a special event,
provided that it shall not be permitted for more
than three occurrences during a calendar year;
shall not be used for a period of more than two
consecutive days during a special event; and
shall not be operated between the hours of
12:00 midnight and 8:00 a.m.
(5) Holiday Decorations. All outdoor light fixtures used
for holiday decorations, up to 60 days per year.
(6) Low Intensity Lights. Low voltage (12 or fewer
volts), low wattage ornamental landscape light
fixtures and solar operated light fixtures having
self-contained rechargeable batteries, where any
single light fixture does not exceed 100 lumens.
(7) Internal Illumination of Signs. All outdoor light
fixtures which are completely enclosed within a
sign cabinet and which provide illumination only for
a sign face, subject to Section 21-10.01(j).
9-14 May 20, 2026
21-09.04 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Outdoor Lighting
(d) Prohibited Lights
(1) Unshielded lighting, except as otherwise provided in
this section.
(2) Searchlights, beacons, and other high-intensity
narrow-beam fixtures, except as provided for in
Section 21-09.04(c)(4).
(3) Any lights that flash, move, revolve, rotate, scintillate,
blink, flicker, vary in intensity or color, or use
intermittent electrical pulsation. Includes strobe
lights. This provision is not intended to prohibit
artistic lights installed along the river or in a public
open space.
(e) General Provisions
(1) Basis of Design. In general, all exterior light
sources shall be directed downward and the
illumination confined to necessary or useful areas.
(2) Power Supply. Outdoor light fixtures located
on light poles shall be provided power by
underground wiring.
(f) Maximum Light Levels at Lot Line
(1) The maximum light level at any point on a lot line
abutting an S1, S2, U1, U2, or U3 lot shall not exceed
0.2 foot candles. All others shall not exceed 1.0 foot
candles. Foot candles are measured with the light-
reading sensor of a light meter held parallel to the
ground and at ground level, facing up.
(2) The Zoning Administrator may determine that certain
light fixtures are exempt from these requirements
because they do not adversely affect an adjacent
property owner or right-of-way, or because they are
necessary for the functioning of the use.
(g) Shielding & Cutoff
(1) All outdoor light fixtures shall be placed and
directed to prevent light trespass or glare onto
adjacent rights-of-way or properties that may create
a nuisance or may distract or interfere with the vision
of drivers.
(2) All outdoor light fixtures shall be full cutoff or fully
shielded to prevent light at or above horizontal 90
degrees (above nadir) and limited to a value not
exceeding 10 percent of lamp lumens at or above
80 degrees.
(3) All outdoor light fixtures shall be fitted so that no
portion of the light source or drop lens is visible
below the fixture when viewed directly from the side.
(h) Fixture Mounting & Height
(1) Outdoor light fixtures shall be mounted parallel to
the ground and shall utilize a rigid mounting arm
with no built-in uptilt and no adjustment feature.
(2) Outdoor lighting used to illuminate a particular area
(i.e., entryway, sidewalk, parking area, or loading
area) shall, within those areas, be of uniform height,
size, and design.
(3) Outdoor lighting used to illuminate areas for
pedestrians shall not exceed 15 feet.
(4) Outdoor lighting used to illuminate areas for
vehicular travel and parking shall not exceed 30
feet.
(i) Type of Bulb
(1) All outdoor light fixtures shall be energy efficient
and produce at least 80 lumens per watt of energy
consumed.
(2) Lights may not have a color temperature of more
than 3,000 Kelvin.
Full Cutoff
0%
No light
above 90°
10%
80°
90°
SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-15
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.04
Outdoor Lighting
(j) Special Regulations for Outdoor Lighting
(1) Accent Lighting
(A) Outdoor lighting used to accent architectural
features, landscaping, or art may be directed
upward, provided that light fixtures are located,
aimed, or shielded to reflect the light off
surfaces to emphasize form and texture and
minimize light spill into the night sky. Upward
aimed building facade lighting shall not
exceed 900 lumens.
(B) Building facade lighting exceeding 900
lumens shall be fully shielded and aimed
downward.
(C) Building facade lighting that is measurable
at the ground level shall be included in the
maximum allowable light levels permitted by
Section 21-09.04(f).
(2) Security Lighting
(A) Building-mounted (wall pack) security light
fixtures are only permitted for loading, storage,
or service areas and/or rear entrances to
buildings and not as substitutes for appropriate
light fixtures for parking areas or pedestrian
walkways.
(B) Building-mounted (wall pack) security light
fixtures are not permitted to project above the
roof line of a building.
(3) Sports Fields. Freestanding outdoor light fixtures
may be installed for sport and athletic fields,
provided they do not exceed 110 feet in height
above grade and meet the maximum allowable
light levels permitted by Section 21-09.04(f).
(4) Vehicular Canopies
(A) Lighting for any canopy area over fuel
sales, drive through lanes, automated teller
machines, or similar structures shall use
recessed fixtures.
(B) Highly reflective material installed on the
underside of the canopy is prohibited.
9-16 May 20, 2026
21-09.05 SITE DEvELOPMENT
Clear Sight Area
Section 21-09.05: Clear Sight Area
(a) Clear Sight Area Requirements
(1) Except in a NC or DT district, no building, structure,
or improvement, including landscape, shall be
erected, placed, planted, or maintained so as to
interfere with a clear sight area located between
the heights of 3 feet and 10 feet above the crown of
a street, driveway, or alley. A clear sight area shall
be established for all streets and alleys, whether
public or private.
(2) The clear sight area is the triangular area formed
by the street right-of-way line; another street right-
of-way line, alley right-of-way line, or driveway
surface edge; and a line connecting points 10 feet
from the intersection of said lines. In the case of a
round or corner-cut right-of-way, the measurement
shall be taken from the intersection of the right-of-
way lines extended.
(3) The City Engineer or designee may require a larger
clear sight area, as provided by Indiana Department
of Transportation Design Manual standards, when
necessary to provide for the safe movement of
pedestrians and vehicles.
Clear Sight Area
StreetStreet/AlleyClear Sight
Area Triangle
Right-of-Way/
Lot Line
Clear
Sight Area
Triangle Driveway10'10'10'
10'10'10'
SOUTH BEND ZONING ORDINANCE 9-17
SITE DEvELOPMENT 21-09.06
Performance Standards
Section 21-09.06: Performance Standards
(a) Intent
All land development activity is subject to the following
performance and design criteria.
(b) General Provisions
All uses in existence prior to the effective date of this
Ordinance or established after the effective date of
this Ordinance in any district shall comply with the
performance standards of the applicable municipal,
state, or federal regulations pertaining to: smoke,
dust, and particulate matter; odor; noise; heat and
glare; vibration; waste, hazardous materials, and other
noxious matter; and electrical interference, and shall
be subject to enforcement action by the applicable
municipal, state, or federal agency responsible for
monitoring and enforcing such regulations.
(c) Smoke, Dust, and Particulate Matter
Smoke, dust, and other types of air pollution that can
be borne by the wind from the use shall be controlled
through appropriate landscape, sheltering, paving,
wetting, collecting, or other means.
(d) Odor
No use may emit odors of an intensity and character
as to be detrimental to the public health, safety, and
welfare. Odors lasting less than 15 minutes for every
24-hour period are exempt.
(e) Noise
No use may be conducted in a manner that generates a
sound level that is in violation of Chapter 13, Article 7 of
the South Bend Municipal Code.
(f) Heat and Glare
Any activity or the operation of any use that produces
heat or glare shall be conducted so that no heat or
glare from the activity or operation is detectable at any
point off-site. Flickering or intense sources of light shall
be fully shielded.
(g) vibration
No use may produce continuous, frequent, or repetitive
vibrations that are of an intensity and character as to be
detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare.
(h) Waste, Hazardous Materials, and Other Noxious
Matter
The use, storage, handling, transport, discharge,
and disposal of waste and hazardous materials shall
comply with all applicable laws.
(i) Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic interference from any use shall
not adversely affect the operation of any equipment
located off the lot where the interference originates.
9-18 May 20, 2026
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