08-12-02 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Zoning and Annexation Committee August 12,2002 Page 2 Mr. Sante noted that the Baker Daniels law firm has been hired to draft the South Bend zoning ordinance. A new subdivision ordinance would then be prepared. Mr. Sante stated that the Comprehensive Plan should be updated every five (5) years. It should address development, land use and transportation needs. The last time the comprehensive plan was reviewed was 1975 and it was not adopted by any of the governing bodies. Council President Kelly inquired why the City, County and Town Councils did not adopt the proposed comprehensive plan in 1975. Mr. Sante stated that the comprehensive plan development a strong transportation component with many an freeways being bein proposed. It also based its recommendations on the 1960 census. No l� community adopted the proposed plan. Dr. Varner noted that he thought that the land use rule involving the "twenty acre rule" may have been an issue then also. Mr. Sante recalled that he believed that the twenty acre rule was formulated in 1979. Mr. Sante stated that the Common Council adopted a "one-page comprehensive plan" in 1986 in order to comply with state law. It provides a"statement of goals and objectives" and brought the City into technical compliance with state law. Council Member Pfeifer inquired whether the "goals and objectives" set forth in 1986 were realized, and requested a copy of that document. Mr. Sante stated that the goals and objectives were too general to know if they have been realized. Mr. Sante stated that in the 1940's and 1950's when the City of South Bend had their own Planning Department that the City adopted comprehensive plans. He added that he has met with some of the St. Joseph County Council members to discuss the proposed comprehensive plan. He believes that several are ready to move ahead. Council Member King noted that County Council Member Dennis Schafer who represents most of the agricultural areas of St. Joseph County had several concerns. Council Member King attended that meeting and believes that Council Member Schafer would be supporting the comprehensive plan. He also noted that the Area Plan Commission intends to adopt a resolution that they will review and update the proposed comprehensive plan every five(5) years. Dr. Varner noted that the 20 acre rule has caused concern by those who advocate that five(5) acres would be sufficient and that the rule would take an additional fifteen (15) acres our of agricultural use, with family farms being affected the most. Council Member White noted that it is important for the Council to be updated on the trends which are most important to the comprehensive plan. She noted that following population trends and how that impacts education,jobs,the service industries,manufacturing will be important. Mr. Sante noted that the land use statistics included using aerials taken of St. Joseph County in 1998. In South Bend, Community Development assigned interns to do "pass by inventories" of properties noting the building conditions.