The Department of Community Investment is responsible for the administration of the South Bend Zoning Ordinance, the South Bend Plan Commission, and South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals. South Bend's zoning rules are governed by a citywide form-based code effective since 2020. The ordinance prioritizes the physical form of buildings and their relationship to the street over strict land-use separation, aiming to create more walkable, diverse, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Through our zoning rules we are able to guide the future development of our city, while promoting a higher quality of life for our residents.
South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals
Learn more about the Board of Zoning Appeals’ members, agendas, staff reports, and meeting minutes.
South Bend Plan Commission
Learn more about the Plan Commission’s members, agendas, staff reports, and meeting minutes.
Zoning Administration
Zoning Verification
Sign Permit – Building
Sign Permit – Freestanding
Sign Permit – Off Premise
Sign Permit – Temporary
Certificate of Legal Non-Conformance
Reasonable Accommodations
Ancillary Dwelling Units (ADU) Application
Fee Schedule
Zoning Violations
- Traffic Obstructions
- Parking Violations
- Zoning Violations (ex: conducting a business in a residential neighborhood, multiple families residing in a single-family structure, garage or trailer used as a residence, etc.)
- Learn more about Zoning Violations here.
Helpful Links
Bicycle Parking Guidelines
Building Permits
Engineering Design & Construction Standards
Historic Preservation
Street Tree Master Planning List
zoning@southbendin.gov
574.235.7627
View Map on Google Maps
Upcoming Public Meetings
Feb02 |
Board of Zoning Appeals Regular Meeting Board of Zoning Appeals |
Feb16 |
South Bend Plan Commission Plan Commission |
Mar02 |
Board of Zoning Appeals Regular Meeting Board of Zoning Appeals |