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Area Plan Commission of St. Joseph County <br /> 1140 County-City Building <br /> South Bend, Indiana 46601 <br /> John W. Byomi Larry P. Magiiozzi <br /> Executive Director Assistant Director <br /> Phone 574 235-9571 www.stjosepheountyindiana.com/areaplan Fax 574 235-9813 <br /> January 24,2011 <br /> Area Board of Zoning Appeals <br /> 125 S.Lafayette, Suite 100 <br /> South Bend,Indiana 46601 <br /> RE:Area Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting <br /> Dear Board Members: <br /> The following comments are being made concerning.some of the items to be heard at the Area Board of <br /> Zoning Appeals meeting on-Wednesday <br /> Feb 2 2011. The absence of comment on any particular <br /> item should not be construed to mean that the staff agrees with the request. <br /> Variances <br /> A variance from any of the development standards of the Zoning Ordinance may only be approved <br /> upon the Board of Zoning Appeals making a written determination and adopting appropriate <br /> Findings of Fact, based upon the evidence presented at a public hearing,that: <br /> (1) The approval will not be injurious to the public health safety, morals and general welfare of <br /> the community; <br /> (2) The use and value of the area adjacent to.the property included in the variance will not be <br /> affected in a substantially adverse manner;and, <br /> (3) The strict application of the terms of this Chapter would result in practical difficulties in the <br /> use of the property. <br /> 1.The petition of Communit"Ide Federal Credit Union. <br /> The staff recommends denial of the sign variance for an increase in the allowable maximum square <br /> footAge from 100 square foot to 126.27 square foot. <br /> As part of the 2004 update of the City of South Bend Zoning Ordinance, the sign ordinance was <br /> significantly revised. The intent of the sign ordinance is to eliminate excessive and confusing sign <br /> displays; maintain and rave the rrpPearance of the City of South,Bend as an attractive place in which <br /> to live and conduct business; and safeguard and enhance property values by M&On� the possible <br /> adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property. Variances for increased size and number <br /> of signs undermine the intent of the sign ordinance,and any such request should have a clear relationship <br /> to unique site conditions beyond the petitioner's control. <br /> It is our opinion thaf the 100 square foot minimum,as established by the ordinance,can accommodate the <br /> petitioner's needs. There are no unique on-site conditions such as topography, trees, signs, or other <br /> obstructions that is driving the need for a larger sign. <br /> Special Eaceg„tion/Special Use <br /> A special use may only he granted upon making a written determination and adopting appropriate <br /> Findings of Fact, based upon the evidence presented at a public hearing, that.• <br /> E:iBwn&of 2owkSAXedsUrea Board ofZoningAppeakl2011 V2]Febraary doe <br /> Serving South Bend,Lakeville,New Carlisle,North Liberty,Osceola,Roseland and St.Joseph County,Indiana is <br />