Chapter 17.75
VARIANCES*

Sections:

17.75.010  Purpose.

17.75.020  Application and procedure.

17.75.025  Public hearing--Planning commission required.

17.75.030  Required findings.

* Prior ordinance history: Ords. 270 and 275.

17.75.010 Purpose.

Where practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships or results inconsistent with the purposes and intent of this title may result from the strict application of certain area, height, yard and space requirements thereof, variances in such requirements may be granted, as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 323 §47(part), 1992)

17.75.020 Application and procedure.

All applications for permits as required by this chapter shall be in writing, filed in the office of the city clerk and upon a form prescribed by and furnished by the city clerk. The application shall contain the required information as specified by resolution of the city council and be processed according to procedures established by resolution of the city council. The plans and designs contained in such applications shall conform to all applicable standards and requirements of this title such as landscaping, off-street parking and street improvements unless a variance or waiver is applicable and is obtained. Likewise, such applications shall conform to all other applicable standards and requirements as may be contained in other titles within the Municipal Code or as may be adopted by resolution and maintained by the city clerk. (Ord. 323 §47(part), 1992)

17.75.025 Public hearing--Planning commission required.

All variance applications shall be subject to a public hearing prior to planning commission consideration of approval, conditional approval or denial. (Ord. 323 §47(part), 1992)

17.75.030 Required findings.

Variances from the terms of this title shall be granted only when the following findings are made:

A. Special characteristics are applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, so that the strict application of this title deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under an identical zoning classification; and

B. The variance is subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated; and

C. The variance does not authorize a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by the zone regulation governing the parcel of property. (Ord. 323 §47(part), 1992)