Agenda - 03-06-2014 - 6f - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 2: Procedures 9 Section 2.10:Variances I only be issued(3) Variances shat y upon: (a) A showing of good and sufficient cause; (b) A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship; (c) A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, or extraordinary public expense, create nuisance,cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances; and, (d) That the circumstances on the subject property are unique to the subject property and not to properties in general. (G) Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice specifying the difference between the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)and the elevation to which the structure is to be built and a written statement that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced reference level elevation. Such notification shall be maintained with a record of all variance actions. (H) The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions and report any variances to the FEMA and the State of North Carolina upon request. 2.10.5 Additional Criteria for Authorized Variances—Watershed Protection Overlay District (A) Minor variances for dimensional requirements of the Watershed Protection Overlay District may be approved by the Board of Adjustment in accordance with Section 2.12 of this Ordinance. (B) The Board of Adjustment may approve variance applications to allow the use of off-site septic easements for lots created before January 1, 1994, and for non-conforming lots of record. (C) A description of each project receiving a variance and the reason for granting the variance shall be submitted for each calendar year to the Division of Water Quality on or before January 1st of the following year. (D) All other local governments having jurisdiction within the watershed area and the entity using the water supply for consumption shall be notified of the variance application at least 15 days prior to action on the application. The Planning Department shall notify other local governments via first class mail. (E) Modifications of the Impervious Surface Ratio Modifications of the Impervious Surface Ratios may be requested through one of the following provisions: (1) Through variance procedures of the Board of Adjustment, as described in this subsection (2.10.5). (2) Through approval and recordation of a conservation agreement, as provided in Article 4 of Chapter 121 of the N.C. General Statutes, between Orange County and a land owner that prohibits development of land in a protected watershed in perpetuity. (a) In such cases, a modification of the required impervious surface ratios may be approved administratively but only to the extent that additional land in the same watershed is conserved or protected from development. In such instances,the land that will be subject to a conservation agreement must be adjacent to the land proposed for development and for which a modification of the impervious surface ratios is sought. Orange County,North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 2-33