(a) The Community may grant a variance from this regulation as provided herein. In determining whether there is unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty such as to justify the granting of a variance, the Community shall consider the potential harm or reduction in riparian area functions that may be caused by a proposed structure or use.
(b) In making a variance determination, the Community shall consider the following:
(1) Varying the front, rear and side yard setback before the riparian setbacks are varied.
(2) Variances should be evaluated on a case by case basis for asphalt or concrete paving in the riparian and wetland setbacks in any situation where gravel or porous pavement (i.e., porous pavers, and similar products) will do the job.
(c) In making a variance determination, the Community may consider the following:
(1) A parcel existing at the time of passage of this chapter is made unbuildable.
(2) The soil type natural vegetation of the parcel, as well as the percentage of the parcel that is in the 100-year floodplain. The criteria of the Community's flood damage prevention regulations may be used as guidance when granting variances in the 100-year floodplain.
(3) The extent to which the requested variance impairs the flood control, soil erosion control, sediment control, water quality protection, or other functions of the riparian area. This determination shall be based on sufficient technical and scientific data.
(4) The degree of hardship this regulation places on the landowner, and the availability of alternatives to the proposed activity.
(5) Soil-disturbing activities permitted in a riparian setback through variances should be implemented in order to minimize clearing to the extent possible, and to include best management practices necessary to minimize soil erosion and maximize sediment control.
(6) Modifying parking requirements before varying the riparian setback.
(7) Modifying building shape, size or design to avoid or minimize intrusion into the riparian setback.
(8) Whether the variance will increase the likelihood for flood or erosion damage to either the applicant's property or to other properties.
(Ord. 2013-11-3. Passed 12-19-13.)