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Title 18 — ZONING ORDINANCE›Chapter 18.04 — PURPOSE

Chapter 18.52 — VARIANCES

Sutter Creek Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · Sutter Creek

18.52.010 - Variances—Designated.

The following regulations apply to the granting of variances.

18.52.020 - Variances.

When practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships or results inconsistent with the general purposes of this title occur by reason of a strict interpretation of any of the provisions of this title, the planning commission upon its own motion may, or upon the verified application of any interested person shall, in specific cases initiate proceedings for the granting of a variance from the provisions of this title under demonstrated unique hardships which insure that the spirit and purposes of this title will be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done. All acts of the planning commission and city council under the provisions of this section shall be construed as administrative acts performed for the purpose of assuring that the intent and purpose of this title apply in special cases, as provided in this section, and shall not be construed as amendments to the provisions of this title or map.

18.52.030 - Necessary findings.

Before a variance may be granted, all of the following shall be shown:

A.

That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved, or to the intended use of the property, that do not apply generally to the property or class of use in the same zone or vicinity;

B.

That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such zone or vicinity in which the property is located;

C.

That the property owner would suffer a unique hardship under the general zoning regulations due to the property being different from other properties to which the regulations apply;

D.

That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant possessed by other property in the same zone and vicinity; and

E.

That the granting of such variance will not adversely affect the comprehensive general plan.

18.52.040 - Information required.

Applications for variances shall be accompanied by:

A.

A plot plan and description of the property involved showing the location of all existing and proposed buildings, additional plans and descriptions of the proposed use of the property with ground plans and elevations for all proposed buildings may be required at the discretion of the planning commission;

B.

A reference to the provisions of the ordinance from which said property is sought to be exempted.

18.52.050 - Application review.

The planning department shall review the application and prepare a staff report for action by the appropriate legislative body.

(Ord. 373, §27(a), 2023)

18.52.060 - Investigation.

The planning department shall cause to be made or by members of its staff, such investigation of facts bearing upon such application as will serve to provide all necessary information to assure that the action on each such application is consistent with the intent and purpose of this title and with previous actions of the legislative bodies.

(Ord. 373, §27(b), 2023)

18.52.070 - Hearing and notice.

The application shall be set for hearing and properly noticed as specified in Chapter 18.06.

Chapter 18.54 - ZONE CHANGES

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▸Contents — Sutter Creek Zoning Code
Sutter Creek Zoning Code
  1. Title 18 — ZONING ORDINANCE
  2. ▸Title 18 — ZONING ORDINANCE
    Overview
    1. ▸Chapter 18.04 — PURPOSE
      Overview
      1. Chapter 18.06 — PROCEDURES
      2. Chapter 18.10 — General Provisions
      3. Chapter 18.12 — ZONES
      4. Chapter 18.13 — RR ZONE—RESIDENTIAL RANCHETTE ZONING DISTRICT
      5. Chapter 18.14 — RE ZONE—RESIDENTIAL ESTATE
      6. Chapter 18.15 — RL ZONE—RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY
      7. Chapter 18.16 — R-1 ZONE—ONE FAMILY DWELLING
      8. Chapter 18.20 — R-2 ZONE—TWO FAMILY DWELLING
      9. Chapter 18.28 — R-3 ZONE—MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLINGS
      10. Chapter 18.29 — PS ZONE—PUBLIC SERVICE
      11. Chapter 18.30 — MH COMBINING ZONE—MANUFACTURED HOUSING COMBINING
      12. Chapter 18.32 — C-1 ZONE—LIMITED COMMERCIAL
      13. Chapter 18.36 — C-2 ZONE—COMMERCIAL
      14. Chapter 18.38 — DTC ZONE—DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL
      15. Chapter 18.39 — MU ZONE—MIXED USE
      16. Chapter 18.40 — I-1 ZONE—LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
      17. Chapter 18.41 — I-2 ZONE—HEAVY INDUSTRIAL
      18. Chapter 18.42 — PD COMBINING ZONE—PLANNED DEVELOPMENT COMBINING
      19. Chapter 18.43 — OS ZONE—OPEN SPACE
      20. Chapter 18.44 — R ZONE—RECREATION
      21. Chapter 18.45 — DESIGN STANDARDS
      22. Chapter 18.46 — NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS AND USES
      23. Chapter 18.47 — SPECIAL EVENTS
      24. Chapter 18.48 — OFF-STREET PARKING
      25. Chapter 18.49 — TELECOMMUNICATION AND ELECTRICAL GENERATING TO…
      26. Chapter 18.50 — SITE PLANS
      27. Chapter 18.52 — VARIANCES
      28. Chapter 18.54 — ZONE CHANGES
      29. Chapter 18.56 — ZONING UPON ANNEXATION
      30. Chapter 18.58 — ACCOMMODATIONS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
      31. Chapter 18.60 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
      32. § 18.060
      33. Chapter 18.61 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
      34. Chapter 18.62 — DENSITY BONUSES
      35. Chapter 18.66 — SURFACE MINING AND RECLAMATION
      36. Chapter 18.68 — ENFORCEMENT

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