Sec. 38-156. Purposes.

This article provides the procedures for approval, conditional approval, or disapproval of use permit, variance, and planned unit development applications.

Use permits are required for use classifications typically having unusual site development features or operating characteristics requiring special consideration so that they may be designed, located, and operated compatibly with uses on adjoining properties and in the surrounding area.

Variances are intended to resolve unnecessary physical hardships that 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; or from street locations or traffic conditions in the immediate vicinity of the site. Variances may be granted with respect to fences, walls, landscaping, screening, site area, site dimensions, yards, height of structures, distances between structures, open space, signs, special setbacks, and performance standards.

Authorization to grant variances does not extend to density or to use regulations because the flexibility necessary to avoid results inconsistent with the land use objectives of this ordinance is provided by the use permit process for specified uses and by the authority of the Planning Commission to determine whether a specific use belongs within one or more of the use classifications listed in Article 4.