A-Z Directory

Return to HRC Home Page About the Commission The South Bend Human Rights Commission was formed in 1956. Mission Statement To provide service to the citizens of South Bend through impartial, unbiased decisions regarding discrimination charges filed with the South Bend Human Rights Commission under the ordinance in areas of employment, housing, public accommodation and…

Departmental Procedures The inspector verifies the vehicle is considered abandoned according to Indiana State Law. The vehicle is ticketed with a red tag advising the owner that the vehicle must be proven operable or removed. If the vehicle owner has not complied within 72 hours, the vehicle is towed. If the vehicle is valued at…

***2018 Title VI Plan for Non-Discrimination in City Services Programs & Activities under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Update to City 2103 ADA Transition Plan This Plan (viewable here)  was approved by the City’s Board of Public Works at its meeting January 10, 2019, and by the South Bend Common Council on January…

Finance The Finance Division is responsible for all the city’s finances, including accounts payable, payroll, and budgeting. The City of South Bend has a “AA” rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services as of July 2011.  The rating was assigned to the South Bend Redevelopment Authority as a General Obligation Equivalent Security. The 'AA' represents…

How we got here In 2008, Mayor Stephen Luecke was one of 1,000 mayors to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The following year, he convened the Green Ribbon Commission, appointing community members from the public and private sectors to make strategic recommendations on approaches to reduce the City’s carbon footprint. In 2010, the…

City of South Bend - Small Business Assistance Suite       https://youtu.be/MPB-O2MT5zc

 Round 2 Begins Fall 2021

View the City's Data Policy The 2020 Indiana Residential Code (based on the 2018 International Code) will now be in effect by the State.  This will include the State of Indiana Amendments. 2020 IRC. A free viewing of the Code Book. Beginning February 1, 2020, and per IRC 310.1, ALL NEW HOME APPLICATIONS MUST ALSO…

COVID-19 UPDATE: OUR OFFICES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BUT WE ASK THAT YOU STILL SOCIAL DISTANCE OR CALL AHEAD FOR AN APPOINTMENT.  MEETING LINKS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS CAN BE FOUND ON THE RESPECTIVE AGENDA/BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS PAGES. FOR QUESTIONS OR TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH STAFF, PLEASE CALL 574-235-9371. Business Assistance Need to work…

Our office is open.  To minimize crowding, we ask that you continue to submit applications via drop-box or mail, when possible.  If you must work with us in the lobby, we ask that you please wear a mask and maintain 6’ social distancing. The 2020 Indiana Residential Code (based on the 2018 International Code) will…

South Bend's Climate Action Plan: Carbon Neutral 2050 The Office of Sustainability implements the community's Climate Action Plan. Carbon Neutral 2050, South Bend’s first Climate Action Plan, sets community-wide goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. First, it targets a 26% reduction by 2025 and culminates in South Bend becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The…

The 2020 Indiana Residential Code (based on the 2018 International Code) will now be in effect by the State.  2020 IRC. A free viewing of the Code Book. Beginning February 1, 2020, and per IRC 310.1, ALL NEW HOME APPLICATIONS MUST ALSO INCLUDE A BASEMENT PLAN THAT SHOWS AT LEAST ONE EMERGENCY EGRESS WINDOW OR…

2018 Flood Documents  South Shore Station Alternatives (PDF) Synthetic Marijuana Documents Pokagon Environmental Impact Report LaSalle Park and Beck's Lake EPA Superfund Program Rental Safety Verification Program Climate Change  Educational City of South Bend Budget Series Presentations Substitute Bill No. 15-19 CBD Zoning Ordinance Amendment  Residential Neighborhoods Committee

Find your Council representative here. The Common Council meets on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month. To place an item on the Council's agenda, it must be filed in the Office of the City Clerk, Room 455, County-City Building by 12:00 noon on the Wednesday prior to the 2nd and 4th Monday of…

Parking Ticket Amnesty Day The Common Council passed Ordinance Number 10471-16, which gives the City Clerk the ability to declare an annual Parking Ticket Amnesty Day, the one day per year when parking ticket (overtime only) late fees will be forgiven, allowing those with unpaid parking tickets to pay the original cost of the ticket…

The City will fine property owners based on the number of problem calls.  Each call above the limits established in the legislation (5+ calls in a 60-day period for a property with 50 or fewer units; or after 12 calls in a 90-day period for a property with 51 or more units) will result in a…

Violation Types & Procedures Code Enforcement is responsible for identifying ordinance violations and responding to citizen complaints within city limits. Please see Code Enforcement Overview for more information. The most common types of violations are: Trash/Litter Tall Grass Uncontrolled Dumping Traffic Obstructions Snow Removal Abandoned and Illegally Parked Vehicles Substandard Housing Conditions (ex: broken windows or…

Request for Proposals The City is seeking Proposals for Lead-Based Paint Lead Inspectors/Risk Assessors & Inspection Services. Access the RFP package and instructions here. COVID-19 UPDATE: OUR OFFICES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BUT WE ASK THAT YOU STILL SOCIAL DISTANCE OR CALL AHEAD FOR AN APPOINTMENT. ALL MEETINGS WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY UNTIL FURTHER…

We provide access to tools and resources that foster inclusive workplaces, workforces, communities, and city procurement opportunities. We deliver inclusive policy infrastructure, and public private program partnerships that expand access to talent pools, enforce fair and equitable employment, housing, public accommodations, education practices, and assist in fostering vibrant and inclusive city economies.   What's New?…

Why energy efficiency? With energy use in buildings representing over 60% of South Bend’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this area represents the largest opportunity for greenhouse gas reduction in the city. The many benefits of energy efficiency include: Environmental: Increased efficiency can lower GHG emissions and other pollutants, as well as decrease water use. Economic:…

Return to HRC Home Page Helpful Links American Civil Liberties Union - Indiana Department of Labor Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - EEOC Indiana Legal Services Indiana Protection & Advocacy Services - IPAS US Civil Rights Commission Volunteer Lawyer Network Indiana Consumer Complaint - Indiana Professional Licensing Agency https://indianaattorneygeneral.secure.force.com/ConsumerComplaintForm Return to HRC Home Page

OUR TEAM & PROGRAMS Meet Our Team! Learn about small-scale development in South Bend Learn about opportunities for online engagement Love Your Block Neighborhoods Consortium Food security Full Service Catalog is here: Service Catalog

The structure of the EMS division includes 73 Paramedics, 44 Intermediate Emergency Medical Technicians, 24 Advanced EMTs and 84 Basic EMTs. There are 5 Advanced Life Support Ambulances that respond within the City of South Bend protecting the citizens and visitors to the area. Delivery of quality Advanced Life Support care to all of our…

Departmental Procedures When an inspector observes an environmental violation, pictures are taken, a citation is issued, and a letter is sent to the property owner. The property owner has 10 days from the date the citation was mailed to abate the violation. After the 10 days have passed, an inspector will reinspect the property to verify…

2021 Construction Season Kickoff Meeting MWBE Presentation Rebuilding Our Streets Plan Presentation 2021 Construction Projects Engineering Forms Consent to Annexation – for Properties OUTSIDE City Limits Connecting to City Utilities (As of 7/1/2020, the Witness Certification form must be completed at the time the Annexation is notarized and have Two (2) Notary’s Stamps and Signatures.…

The Engagement and Economic Empowerment Team is working to bring fresh, healthy, and culturally appropriate food to marginalized communities in South Bend. Low-income, minority, and rural communities are disproportionately burdened with food insecurity and experience higher rates of nutritional-based illnesses. St. Joseph County has a food insecurity rate of 12.9%, which means that 34,870 residents…

The objective of the South Bend Fire Department is to provide rapid and efficient response to emergency medical incidents, fires, hazardous materials incidents, and complex rescue situations in order to safeguard the life and property of our citizens. This requires planning and development of response capabilities to ensure that future needs and the efficiency of…

Return to HRC Home Page The Commission consists of nine (9) Commissioners, a Commission Attorney, and eight (8) staff members. The Board of Commissioners has six members appointed by the Mayor and three appointed by the South Bend Common Council. Meet the Human Rights Commissioners! Chairperson Mayoral Commission Expires:  Felix Marquez Vice-Chairperson Mayoral Commission Expires:…

Return to HRC Home Page Special Remarks: A Statement from Commissioner Penny Hughes, Chairperson of the Women's Concerns Committee: "On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified and signed into law by the Secretary of State on August 26, 2020, known today as Women's Equality Day, ending the long and hard-fought campaign to win…

Return to HRC Home Page Other Human Rights Agencies Indiana Civil Rights Commission 100 N Senate Avenue, #N300 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Phone: (317) 232-2600 Website: https://www.in.gov/icrc/ Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 101 W Ohio Street, Suite 1900 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Phone: (317) 226-7212 Website: https://www.eeoc.gov/ U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building…

Return to HRC Home Page Upcoming Webinars and Events Fair Housing Training for Mishawaka Residents and Landlords: August 25, 2021, 2:00PM - 4:00PM Join the City of Mishawaka, the South Bend Human Rights Commission, and the LGBTQ Center as they discuss landlord/tenant rights as it relates to the Fair Housing Act and LGBTQ training and…

Return to HRC Home Page Need Rental Assistance? Urgent Release: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development just released a rental assistance call to action. To view the resources, scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the View Resources button.  This 7th COVID-19 Update:  Status of Foreclosure Moratorium for Federally Backed…

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The South Bend Human Rights Commission is now open to the public, however, in order to better serve you, we highly encourage you to schedule an appointment first.  Face coverings are no longer required but are still recommended for those not fully vaccinated.  General Inquiry Form By filling out this form, you are only submitting…

Departmental Process When an inspector observes a housing violation, a letter is sent to the owner with details on the housing violation(s) along with the deadline for the repairs to be completed by. NOTE: The number of days an owner is given to repair the property varies based on the type of violation.  There are also…

Services The Services Division of the Department of Innovation and Technology focuses on internal technology-related services for the employees of the City of South Bend.  Daily general operations and user experience fall under this division.  We are responsible for vendor management, assisting in the technology planning for new projects and buildings, security through rights management…

Who are Citizen Members? Citizen members participate in Common Council Standing Committees, Board, or Commission meetings. To be a citizen member, you must: Be a City of South Bend resident for at least one year (and inform the Chairperson if your address changes while a citizen member) Be able to attend meetings regularly Be able…

The Love Your Block Program utilizes a high-impact volunteer strategy and mini-grants that connects community stakeholders and city agencies with local residents to help revitalize their neighborhoods and eliminate blight. The program captures the energy and commitment of residents to lead and make the initiative sustainable. In this process citizens are making their neighborhoods -and…

The Department does not provide legal advice to members of the public. Information and Resources 2015 Annual Report  Claims How do I file a claim against the City? If you believe the City of South Bend is responsible for damage to your property or person, a claim must be filed with the City's Legal Department.…

MEET OUR TEAM Alkeyna Aldridge Director of Engagement & Economic Empowerment Alkeyna Aldridge is an experienced public servant with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education and government administration industries. She is especially skilled in community development and social services with a focus on participatory decision-making. When she’s not helping out her native…

MIAMI HILLS SMALL AREA PLAN WHY: The City of South Bend invites you to participate in a planning process for the Miami Hills area. This process will identify small targeted neighborhood improvements and potentially help secure State funding to revitalize the Miami Hills apartment complex. The project boundary for this planning initiative is defined by…

Links Executive Orders Budget News Releases

Energy Efficiency Programs for NIPSCO Business Customers PRESCRIPTIVE Receive prescriptive incentives for replacing outdated equipment with new, qualifying energy-efficient equipment. To learn more about the program visit NIPSCO.com/Business. CUSTOM Custom incentives are available for energy-efficient equipment upgrades that are not on the prescriptive incentive list. Incentives are determined based on estimated reduction in energy. Be…

Neighborhoods Consortium To encourage inclusive civic voice and participation citywide, South Bend community leaders have formed the Neighborhoods Consortium (NC). The NC is composed of one representative and one alternate from the City’s active neighborhood and business associations as well as from a few key organizations that invest in neighborhoods. The purpose of the NC…

Federal Grants Neighborhood Development monitors annual federal entitlements to the City of South Bend from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds benefit low to moderate income persons and/or eliminate slum and blight. The City conducts an annual application/request for proposal and award processes for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME,…

Animal Welfare Municipal Code These laws protect citizens from dangerous or nuisance animals and provide for basic animal care requirements.  Only the most common problems are outlined below.  Please read Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code for all pet ownership ordinances. Controlling Animals Animal owners must comply with the following ordinance: Dogs and…

PARKING TICKET AMNESTY: Monday, July 26th, 2021- Friday, July 30th, 2021. City Tickets may be issued for violating parking, loud noise, animal control, code enforcement, curfew and city park ordinances. Fines for tickets issued are paid to the City through the Ordinance Violation Bureau. Payments may be made by: Cash, Check, Money order, or Visa/Mastercard…

View Adoptable Pets Adoption Hours and Location Dogs and cats are available for adoption at 521 Eclipse Place in South Bend. In order to meet our animals you must first submit an application. We are by appointment only for meet-n-greets with an approved adoption application. We are open for adoption counseling and to meet our…

Studies & Reports Downtown South Bend Residential Market Potential Update - Exec Summary (2021) Downtown South Bend Residential Market Potential Update (2021) East Bank Residential Market Potential - Exec Summary (2021) East Bank Residential Market Potential (2021) Northeast Residential Market Potential - Exec Summary (2021) Northeast Residential Market Potential (2021) Final Report of Residential Market…

General Information A request for records must identify with reasonable particularity the record being requested.  It should be noted that not every request for records can be granted.  The stated policy of the APRA and its broad definition of public records make most records accessible to the public; however, the APRA specifically excludes certain types of…

We believe that the overall quality of life for all citizens will improve through the deterrence of criminal activity and the understanding of the diversity of cultures within our community. Therefore, we pledge to deliver fair and impartial law enforcement service to all citizens.

It is our mission to build the foundation for a thriving city. We achieve this mission by: Providing essential household services. Developing sustainable assets and infrastructure. Enhancing the community’s quality of life. Annual Consultants & Contractors Meeting Inclusive Procurement Process Update Climate Action via Public Works South Bend Planning Commission Public Works Special Initiatives 2020-21…

The Planning & Community Resources team includes the Historic Preservation Commission.   Neighborhood Corridors Matching Grant Program In partnership with the City of South Bend, the Urban Enterprise Association is offering a Neighborhood Corridors Matching Grant Program that provides up to a 50% reimbursement for qualifying exterior improvements to commercial, mixed use, and industrial buildings…

Why renewable energy? Our community can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint by purchasing or directly generating electricity from clean, renewable sources. To achieve our goal of carbon neutral by 2050, South Bend will need to increase on-site renewable energy installations, support actions by electric utilities to procure electricity from renewable energy sources, electrify heating and…

Are YOU the NEW FACE of the South Bend Fire Department? The dedicated professionals of the South Bend Fire Department are committed to providing excellence in professional emergency services. We serve a diverse population of approximately 102,000 permanent citizens and provide mutual aid response to the University of Notre Dame, the City of Mishawaka, and…

The Common Council meets on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month. To place an item on the Council's agenda, it must be filed in the Office of the City Clerk, Room 455, County-City Building by 12 Noon on the Wednesday prior to the 2nd and 4th Monday. View Rules and Procedures (PDF) The…

Scaling Up! South Bend is a 3-month training program designed to scale small, product-based businesses for success and provides graduates with access to 6-month discounted/free space on Sample Street to help their business grow. The City of South Bend Department of Community Investment is partnering with 37 Oaks University. 37 Oaks University builds retail, commerce…

Is your business having a hard time getting approved for a loan? Do you need working capital to keep your startup business going? The City of South Bend wants to help your business grow and expand. The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is your solution for obtaining working capital, equipment and machinery, and acquiring real estate.…

“SB UX” is the City's user testing cohort program. When the City builds or launches new resident-facing technology or tool, we want to make sure that it’s accessible and user-friendly. We hope to accomplish this by inviting interested residents to join cohorts. Cohorts will receive emails throughout the lifecycle of a project and be invited…

About The Technology Resource Center (TRC) in South Bend’s Ignition Park was built to democratize technology in our region. All will be welcome to the TRC to learn about technology and data, gain skills, and co-build an inclusive tech future for South Bend. A co-location between South Bend Code School, the City’s Civic Innovation &…

Lost and Found | Pet Licensing | Pet Owner Resources | Donate Pet Adoption Visit the Animal Resource Center to meet your new best friend!  Dogs and cats are available for adoption at our shelter located at 521 Eclipse Place. ADOPTIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. We are open for adoption counseling and, once your application…

TRASH PICKUP DAYS Pickup for trash collection, yard waste and bulky item occur on the same day. Look up trash day by address. NEW TRASH SERVICE/ADDITIONAL BINS Residents can sign up for weekly trash collection when setting up new water service by calling 311. Monthly trash service is $12.49 per month and is billed on…

What we focus on Climate change is an urgent threat to our city. The Office of Sustainability is leading the effort to coordinate our community’s response through both climate adaptation and mitigation strategies that center equity. Key components of these strategies include: Renewable energy Energy efficiency Increased clean transportation and sustainable land use Green entrepreneurship…

Streets The Division Streets repairs and maintains 1,276 travel lane miles of road surface in the city limits. Maintenance on streets ranges from paving and patching in the summer to plowing snow in the winter. In 2019, 36 lane miles were resurfaced and 363 tons of patch mix were used to fix potholes. In addition…

TIF District Adjustment The City of South Bend is proposing adjustments to its TIF Districts.  These adjustments will add or remove several properties from these districts.  Please see the map and FAQ below for additional information. TIF Public Info Meeting Presentation Online Edition MAP OF TIF DISTRICTS WITH PROPOSED ADJUSTMENTS CONFIRMING RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 3485…

Adult Business The category of Adult Business includes the following establishments:  Adult Bookstore, Adult Motion Picture Theater, Adult Mini Motion Picture Theater, Adult Motion Picture Arcade, Adult Cabaret (a.k.a. Class B Cabaret), Adult Drive-in Theater, Adult Live Entertainment Arcade, Adult Motel or Adult Service Establishment. Adult Business License Application Fee: $500.00 Expiration Date: January 31…

This Equality of opportunity also includes freedom from discrimination based on age, gender and disability. If you believe you are a victim of discrimination in City programs, activities or services contact: City of South Bend Department of Law ADA/Title VI Coordinator 1200 S. County-City Building South Bend, IN 46617 574-235-9241 DOWNLOAD TITLE VI NOTICE Title…

Pay Your South Bend Utility Bill South Bend Municipal Utilities distributes the monthly utilities bill, which is comprised of trash pickup, water and sewer services. Account holders can visit the South Bend Municipal Utilities Office, located at 125 W Colfax Avenue or call 311. Below are the various options for bill pay. Note: All payments…

More information: VPA Strategic Plan 2017 - 2021 Annual Report Links: My SB Parks & Trails Best. Week. Ever. Morris Performing Arts Center Century Center Palais Royale Bendix Arena Howard Park  

INNOVATION WORKING FOR YOU The City of South Bend utilizes an innovative approach to make its Solid Waste operations more efficient. Through the following efforts, the City powers its Solid Waste fleet and collects valuable data to improve performance, which guides future planning. In doing so, the City seeks to maximize the use of taxpayer…

Combined Sewer Overflow South Bend has a combined sewer, meaning rain water and sewage often travel in the same pipes. When excess rain overloads these pipes, an event known as a combined sewer overflow (CSO) occurs, sending dirty water into the river. This is not unique to only South Bend, as it also happens in…

Drinking Water Quality The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water systems to supply their customers with an annual drinking water quality report called the Water Quality Report. This report was designed for Americans to make practical, knowledgeable decisions about their health and their environment. South Bend Water Works' Water Quality Report is distributed…

Members Adams High School Lexi Lipsey - Sophomore Ilana Douglas – Junior Kai Brown – Senior Tabreon Johnson – Senior Clay High School Ariel Dodds - Freshman Riley High School Kathleen Burns – Freshman Keira Thomas – freshman Washington High School Daijuanna Doxie- Sophomore Marian High School John Tiller - Sophomore Jerry Bracey - Senior…

Zoning Ordinance              Zoning District Map Applications            Filing Deadlines                Agendas & Minutes                 Fees SOUTH BEND PLAN COMMISSION The South Bend Plan Commission (SBPC) meets monthly to process Zone Map Changes (rezoning)…

Common Zoning Violations   Vehicles parking in front yard setback. Vehicles parking on vacant lots. Abandoned vehicles. Over-sized vehicle parked in a residential zone. Operating a business in a residential zone. Extensive auto repairs being performed in a residential zone. Multi-family use of dwelling in an a single family residential zone. Departmental Procedures Due to the…