Variances

Not all situations can be anticipated and for those that do not "fit" the zoning requirements, there is the ability to apply to the City Commission for a variance.

A variance shall not be granted by the city unless and until a written Variance Application (PDF) is submitted with the Variance Fee Sheet (PDF) demonstrating:

1. That special conditions and circumstances exist, which are peculiar to the land, structures, or required subdivision improvements involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or required subdivision improvements.
2. That a literal interpretation of the provisions of these regulations would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties with similar conditions.
3. That the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant.
4. That the granting of the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by these regulations to other lands, structures, or required subdivision improvements under similar conditions. No pre-existing conditions of neighboring lands, which are contrary to these regulations, shall be considered grounds for the issuance of a variance.