Laserfiche WebLink
(1) Special conditions may include exceptional topographic or water <br />conditions or, in the case of an existing lot or parcel of record, <br />narrowness, insufficient area or shape of the property. <br />(2) Special conditions and circumstances may not be primarily economic <br />in nature. <br />b. Literal interpretation of the provisions of this ordinance would deprive the <br />applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district <br />under the terms of this ordinance. <br />c. The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the <br />applicant. <br />d. Granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special <br />privilege that is denied by the ordinance to other lands, structures or buildings <br />in the same district. <br />e. A genuine hardship exists in complying with the literal terms of the ordinance. <br />According to the applicant, a primary need for additional storage on the site relates to a <br />desire to utilize wood as a building heating source (such heating system requires an <br />outdoor storage area to store wood). Additionally, the applicant is proposing to locate <br />fuel tanks on the property to serve company vehicles. <br />While the applicants desire to utilize wood as a heat source and locate fuel tanks on the <br />property (to serve company vehicles) is appreciated, it is not believed that any undue <br />hardship has been demonstrated to justify the granting of the requested variance. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />As noted, the variance criteria require a finding ofi hardship in putting the property to <br />reasonable use. While the applicant's proposal is to greatly expand the outdoor storage <br />use on the property, this expansion is not required to make reasonable use of the site. <br />Instead, the intent of the i-P District is to require additional building space in lieu of open <br />storage. All of the materials and equipment proposed by the applicant could be <br />enclosed within a building, eliminating the need for the variance. As a result, planning <br />staff does not recommend approval of the variance for outdoor storage area. The <br />applicant should be required to restore the site tc the original approval, with the <br />exception of ±he amendment to the parking area design. With regard to the CUP <br />amendment to revise the site plan and to allow the above-ground fuel tanks and the <br />location of the wood mired heating unit, planning staff recommends approval only subject <br />to the following conditions: <br />