Chapter 17.130
VARIANCES
Sections:
17.130.010 Purpose and intent.
17.130.030 Criteria for granting variances.
17.130.040 Application procedure.
17.130.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of a variance is to provide relief when a strict application of zoning and subdivision regulations and standards would impose unusual practical difficulties or unnecessary physical hardship on the applicant because special conditions or circumstances exist which are peculiar to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions peculiar to and inherent in the particular site. (Ord. 536 § 1 (§ 28.01), 2000)
17.130.020 Conditions.
Reasonable conditions may be imposed in connection with a variance as deemed necessary to protect the best interests of the surrounding property or neighborhood, and to otherwise secure the purpose and requirements of this section. Guarantees and evidence may be required to insure that such conditions will be and are being complied with. (Ord. 536 § 1 (§ 28.02), 2000)
17.130.030 Criteria for granting variances.
Variances to requirements of the unified development code may be granted only if, on the basis of investigation and submitted evidence, all six of the following findings are made:
(1) That a strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified requirement would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship.
(2) That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use of the property which do not apply generally to other properties in the same area.
(3) That the exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions did not result from the applicant’s action.
(4) The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the near vicinity.
(5) That granting of the variance would not conflict with the goals and policies contained within the town of Coulee Dam’s comprehensive plan.
(6) That granting the variance will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this title to other lands, structures or buildings in the zone in which the property is located. (Ord. 536 § 1 (§ 28.03), 2000)
17.130.040 Application procedure.
All applications for variances are subject to review under Division 10. (Ord. 536 § 1 (§ 28.04), 2000)
17.130.050 Time limit.
Authorization of a variance shall be void after six months unless substantial construction pursuant to the variance has taken place. However, the town council may extend this period at the request of the applicant. (Ord. 536 § 1 (§ 28.05), 2000)