HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC-Variance_ApplicationCITY OF
DBURN
WASHINGTON Planning, Building, and Community Department
Variance General Information
A variance is an exception to a standard in the code, which if granted, allows an applicant to
build or develop a project that could not otherwise be legally built.
Requirements: The criteria for a variance are listed on the submittal checklist. A variance
request must meet all the criteria in order for the hearing examiner to approve the request.
Variances cannot be requested for a change in land use, increase in density, or change a
previous condition established by a surface mining permit, conditional use permit, or contract
rezone.
Procedures: At the time a variance application is submitted all items listed on the submittal
checklist form shall be part of the application package. Within 28 days of receiving the
application, city staff will determine whether the application is complete and inform the applicant
in letter format.
The City of Auburn Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing where information, exhibits, and
testimony on the proposal are entered into the record. Note that the property owner and/or
representative must be present at the public hearing or the proposal will be postponed to the
next available hearing date. Once the hearing concludes the hearing examiner issues a
decision. The hearing examiner's decision can be appealed to the City Council.
Mailed, posted, and published legal notice is required for all hearings. The applicant is
responsible for posting the notice board that is provided by the city and returning the notice
board once the project is complete.
Please note that the a variance granted becomes void after the expiration of one year, or longer
if specified at the time of issuance, if no building permit, occupancy permit, or business license
has been issued in accordance with the plans for which the variance was authorized.
If you have any questions or wish to arrange a pre-application meeting please contact the
Planning Department at 253-931-3090.
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AUBURN *MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
CITY OF
DBURN
WASHINGTON Planning, Building, and Community Department
Variance Submittal Requirements
The following information shall be included with the Master Land Use Application:
? Master Land Use Application. 10 copies
? All applicable fees (See City of Auburn Fee Schedule).
? 10 copies of a site plan at a minimum scale of 1"=50' showing the following information:
a. Location and ground elevations of buildings related to the action, parking areas,
landscape areas, and other development features.
b. Show natural features such as topography, wetlands, streams, and steep
slopes.
c. Location of the existing and proposed access and traffic circulation.
d. Setbacks (in feet) of all structures from existing and proposed lot lines.
e. All existing and proposed lot line dimensions.
? 10 copies of a written explanation of how the proposed changes comply with the following
criteria:
a. That there are unique physical conditions including narrowness or shallowness of
lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions
peculiar to an inherent in the particular lot; and that, as a result of such unique
physical conditions, practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships arise in
complying with provisions of the zoning code.
b. That, because of such physical conditions, the development of the lot in strict
conformity with the zoning code will not allow a reasonable and harmonious use
of such lot.
c. That the variance, if granted, will not alter the character of the neighborhood, or
be detrimental to surrounding properties in which the lot is located.
d. That the special circumstances and conditions associated with the variance are
not a result of the actions of the applicant or previous owners.
e. Literal interpretation of the provisions within the zoning code would deprive the
applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning
district.
f. The approval of the variance will be consistent with the purpose of the zoning
code and the zoning district in which the property is located.
g. The variance will not allow an increase in the number of dwelling units permitted
by the zoning district.
h. The authorization of such variance will not adversely affect the Comprehensive
Plan.
Additional information may be required. The applicant will be notified in writing if additional
information is necessary. This application type requires a public hearing before the City of
Auburn Hearing Examiner.
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AUBURN *MOPE THAN YOU IMAGINED