5.5. PCSR 07-12-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In evaluating variance requests under the new law, cities should adopt findings addressing the following questions: • Is the variance in harmony with the purposes and intent of the ordinance? • Is the variance consistent with the comprehensive plan? • Does the proposal put property to use in a reasonable manner? • Are there unique circumstances to the property not created by the landowner? • Wili the variance, if granted, alter the essential character of the locality? Some cities may have ordinance provisions that codified the old statutory language, or that have their own set of standards. For those cities, the question may be whether you have to first amend your zoning code before processing variances under the new standard. A credible argument can be made that that the statutory language pre-empts inconsistent local ordinance provisions. Under a pre-emption theory, cities could apply the new law immediately without necessarily amending their ordinance first. In any regard, it would be best practice for cities to revisit their ordinance provisions and consider adopting language that mirrors the new statute. Attached are a collection of sample documents reflecting the 2011 variance legislation. The attached samples include a draft ordinance, application form, and findings of fact template. While the attached materials may contain provisions that could serve as models in drafting your own documents, your city attorney would need to review prior to council action to tailor to your city's needs. Your city may have different ordinance requirements that need to be accommodated. If you have questions about how your city should approach variances under this new statute, you should discuss it with your city attorney or contact Jed Burkett, LMC land use attorney, at jburkett@lmc.org or (651) 281-1247, or Tom Grundhoefer, LMC general counsel, at tgrundho~lmc.org or (651) 281-1266. Jed Burkett 06/11 2