2009 Annual Report - Zoning & Annexation Committee

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.i ` ~1 2009 Annual Report of the Zoning and Annexation Committee November 25, 2009 Page 2 Zoning and Annexation Brochure: This year I approved an upgraded 4-page brochure entitled Zoning & Planning Procedures This brochure is available from the Office of the City Clerk, the Area Plan Commission Office, and the Historic Preservation Office; and can also be downloaded from the Common Council's website. The brochure briefly summarizes procedures addressing: • City Plan, a 25-year Comprehensive Plan for the City of South Bend • Duties and responsibilities of the Council's Zoning and Annexation Committee • Rezoning criteria • Special exception criteria • Written Fiscal Plans for Annexations (There were no annexations this year in light of the upcoming federal census) • Historic Landmarks and District criteria References to Chapter 21 of the South Bend Municipal Code are given, in addition to references to the Indiana Code whisk sets forth the governing state law criteria. Making the brochure available has continued to foster a better understanding of the process required to be followed for each type of zoning request. 2010 Priorities: As noted in my 2008 and 2009 Zoning and Annexation Annual Reports, concerns which involve zoning continue to include: • Over-occupancy of residential homes by non-related individuals • Illegal grandfathering of residential homes • Costs for public safety services for proposed new annexation areas • Improved enforcement, especially on weekends If current zoning regulations are unenforceable, then we must develop ones that are. I believe that we must be more pro-active in addressing each of these zoning concerns, which appear to be growing in numbers. Perhaps a "Zoning Summit" should be held where we invite representatives from ICJ South Bend, Bethel College, St. Mary's College, Holy Cross College, and the University of Notre Dame to offer their recommendations, along with hearing perspectives from our residents and business owners, neighborhood associations, and all interested persons. From that Summit, we could develop an "Action Plan" which identifies: -~ Goals and Objectives ~ Projected costs and fees -~ Required Staff Training for Enforcement ~ Timetable for Implementation It has been a pleasure to serve as the Zoning and Annexation Chairperson this year. Thank you. cc: John Byorni, Area Plan Executive Director Catherine Toppel, Code Enforcement Director Charles Bulot, Building Commissioner