SB Pre-Approved Buildings Process

Home Browse Search

Step 1: Site (1) Building Type. Select a building type from the available pre-approved plans catalog. The Small Apartment requires an architect or engineer to provide additional drawings above and beyond those provided to the applicant. (2) Zoning District. Confirm that the selected building type is allowed in the applicable zoning district and can fit on your property, including all setbacks required by the development standards of Section 21-03 of the South Bend Zoning Ordinance. (3) Contact. Reach out to the Department of Community Investment to obtain the Plan Set for your building type. (4) Survey. Locate or purchase a survey of your property from a local licensed land surveyor. (5) Site Plan. Identify the preferred site configuration and orientation for your lot. Draw a site plan to show that all development standards are met. Site plans must be drawn to an engineer scale (e.g., 1” = 20’) and include the size of the property (lot dimensions and area) as well as the size and setbacks of all proposed structures located on the property. Step 2: Design Development (1) Facade Option. Select from the available elevation design options, including all applicable details, and an exterior siding material per the provided building set. (2) Deviations. Review the list of acceptable minor design deviations and discuss with the City. If any proposed changes are not listed, you are required to hire an architect to adjust the plans and submit updated drawings to the City. (3) Contacts. Identify your General Contractor and any sub-contractors (electrician, plumber, and HVAC information) that you will be working with to complete your pre-approved building. Ensure that they are familiar with the pre-approved building requirements and any design selections you desire. Contractors should be notified of the selected plan orientation and elevation option. Any pages of the permit set that do not apply to your selected elevation option should be removed or marked to avoid confusion. (4) Cost Estimate. Confirm the estimated cost of labor and materials with your contractor. Use the Small Developer Handbook for guidance on base assumptions and selections. Step 3: Submittal (1) Permit Application. Submit your site plan, application, and associated fees to the Building Department. All buildings except the Small Apartment shall use the “New House Permit Application.” The Small Apartment shall use the “Commercial Building Permit Application.” (2) Review. The Building Department will review your complete application within 2 business days. They will issue a release approval or let you know if any additional information or changes are required. The Small Apartment will be subject to an additional review period at the State level. Pre-approval may not be granted if your property is in a floodplain; requires an additional drainage report; or if your site plan does not meet the site configuration guidelines or requires a variance. (3) Exterior Inspection. Once construction begins of a pre-approved building, on-site review of selected details and building elements will be required.. This inspection will happen concurrently with the required building inspections. South Bend Pre-Approved Buildings: Process Pre-approved buildings are permitted in any zoning district that allows the selected building type. This process offers high-quality architectural plans with contingent building and site development approval. In exchange for time and cost savings, the building must be built to match the floor plans and facade designs, including all architectural details with only minor deviations allowed. If you are ready to get started, contact the Department of Community Investment, Building at 574-235-9554 or building@southbendin.gov S1 S2 U1 U2 U3 UF NC DT Carriage House Narrow House Standard House Stacked Duplex Small Apartment Key Allowed Allowed subject to Conditions Special Exception