Variance Request Guide

Certain development regulations may be varied at the staff level or by the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The regulations, process, and review criteria are outlined below.

Under what circumstances can I apply for a variance to one of the regulations by staff versus the Board of Zoning Adjustment, and what are the review standards?

Side Yard Bulk Plane and Side Yard Wall Articulation

• Staff level request
  • Without limitation if:
    • The lot is 4,600 square feet or less or
    • The lot is 48 feet in width or less; and
    • The application satisfies the requirements of (5) from 9-2-3 (h)
  • Up to 20% above the height of the Side Yard Bulk Plane or wall length for the Side Yard Wall Articulation Standard if:
    • The application satisfies all of the applicable requirements of (1), (2), (3), or (4) and the requirements of (5) from 9-2-3 (h)
• Board of Zoning Adjustment level request
  • Without limitation if:
    • The application satisfies all of the applicable requirements of (1), (2), (3), or (4) and the requirements of (5) from 9-2-3 (h)

Maximum Building Coverage or Floor Area Ratio requirements

• Staff level request
  • Up to 200 square feet for existing single family dwellings if:
    • The application satisfies all of the applicable requirements of (1), (2), (3), or (4) and the requirements of (5) from 9-2-3 (h); or
    • For minor modifications that are needed to allow residents or a family member of a head of household with existing or anticipated impairments that restricts their ability to perform a major life activity to be in the home if:
      • The request meets the requirements of (5)(A) and (B) from 9-2-3 (h); and
      • The improvements are necessary to remedy any impairment, or anticipated impairment, that would prohibit or significantly restrict a resident’s or a family member of a head of household’s ability to perform a major life activity as compared to the ability of the average person in the general population to perform the same activity.
  • The maximum variance that may be granted to the Building Coverage or Floor Area Ratio requirements is a total of 200 square feet of floor area or building coverage.

Maximum Building Coverage

• Board of Zoning Adjustment level request for Maximum Building Coverage only.
  • Without limitation if:
    • The application satisfies all of the applicable requirements of (1), (2), (3), or (4) and the requirements of (5) from 9-2-3 (h)