2010 Annual Report- Zoning & Annexation Committee

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2010 Annual Report of the Zoning and Annexation Committee December 7, 2010 Page 2 2010 Committee Activities: Our committee again used the 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 be easily 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 The brochure references Chapter 21 of the South Bend Municipal Code, in addition to references to the Indiana Code. I believe that the availability of this brochure has continued to provide a better understanding of the various zoning procedures. The Z & A Committee reviewed the Planned Unit Development (PUD) request for the development of the Kroc Center. The Committee also received an update from Area Plan Executive Director John Byorni on the proposed changes being considered for PUDs. The Committee reviewed the proposed floodplain regulation changes which were eventually approved by the Common Council in September. This year the Council received several requests for special exceptions. The special exception for the property located at 3700 South Gertrude brought out many persons from the public. The Zoning and Annexation Committee had the opportunity to hold one of its meetings at that location so that the Committee members, other members of the Council and the public could tour the facilities. In light of the many concerns raised, the Z & A Committee recommended that the petitioner agree to several commitments, which were included as an Exhibit to Bill No. 45-10. We also began receiving voluntary annexation requests. The Committee took a firm position that all proposed fiscal plans related to such annexations include the most recent actual budget data for the city, especially with regard to projected costs to provide public safety services. 2011 Priorities: As noted in my last three (3) Zoning and Annexation Annual Reports, concerns which involve zoning continue to include: • Over-occupancy of residential homes bynon-related individuals • Illegal grandfathering of residential homes