Glenn County Municipal Code § 15.27 Variances

Variances may be granted in order to prevent unnecessary hardships that would result from a strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of certain regulations prescribed by this title. A practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship may result from the size, shape or dimensions of a site or the location of existing structures thereon, from geographic, topographic or other physical conditions on the site or in the immediate vicinity. A variance shall not be granted to permit a use not permitted in the zone by this title. All variances are to be processed as set forth in chapter 15.04. and may be granted by the planning commission after making findings as required in section 15.27.020. (Ord. 1200 § 3, 2008; Ord. 1183 § 2, 2006)

Approval or conditional approval of a variance shall be granted only when the planning commission makes the following findings:

1. Due to special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of this title deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification;

2. The adjustment authorized by the variance shall not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated. The planning commission shall impose such conditions as will assure continued compliance with this finding;

3. The variance does not authorize a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by the zone regulation governing the parcel of real property. (Ord. 1183 § 2, 2006)