15.68.250 Variance criteria.
A. In addition to the criteria outlined in ACC 18.70.025, in reviewing applications for a variance, the hearing examiner shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections of this chapter; and:
1. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan, growth management regulations, critical area regulations, the shoreline management program and floodplain management program for the area;
2. The potential of the proposed development project to destroy or adversely affect a fish and wildlife habitat conservation area or create an adverse effect to federal, state or locally protected species or habitat;
3. Is the minimum necessary to grant relief; and
B. In addition to the criteria outlined in ACC 18.70.025, no variance shall be granted to the requirements of this chapter unless the applicant demonstrates that:
1. The project will not adversely affect features or quality of habitat supporting local, state or federally protected fish or wildlife;
C. Variances may be requested for new construction, substantial improvements, and other development upon showing of good and sufficient cause and is minimum necessary, considering flood hazard, to afford relief.
D. Variances shall only be issued:
1. Upon a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances;
2. For the repair, rehabilitation, or restoration of historic structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure;
3. Upon a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant;
4. Upon a showing that the use cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. This includes only facilities defined in Article II of this chapter in the definition of “functionally dependent use.”
E. Variances shall not be issued within any floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
F. Generally, variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the BFE, provided the procedures of Articles IV and V of this chapter have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
G. In considering variance applications, the city of Auburn shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, all standards specified in other sections of this chapter, and:
1. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
2. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
3. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
4. The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;
5. The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
6. The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use, which are not subject to flooding or erosion damage;
7. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
8. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for that area;
9. The safety of access to the property in time of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;
10. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the floodwaters expected at the site;
11. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions, including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, water system, and streets and bridges.
H. Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice over the signature of a community official that:
1. The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood elevation will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25.00 for $100.00 of insurance coverage; and
2. Such construction below the base flood elevation increases risks to life and property.
I. The floodplain administrator shall maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance. (Ord. 6761 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020.)