§ 16.30.020.5. Variances.

A.

Procedures. For procedures, see the application and procedures section.

B.

Standard for review. In addition to the standards of review for a variance, any variance for an adaptive reuse of an historic building shall also be guided by the following factors:

1.

Adaptive reuse projects shall provide as many required off-street parking spaces as can reasonably be provided on-site without destroying the integrity of the historic resource. Residential uses shall provide a minimum of one space per dwelling unit up to two bedrooms. Dwelling units over two bedrooms shall provide a minimum of two parking spaces.

2.

Variances to green yard and allowing stacked parking and shared or off-site parking are acceptable alternatives that may be allowed to meet the parking requirements if the lack of parking does not create adverse impacts on surrounding properties.

C.

No variances granted. No variances shall be granted for the following:

1.

Dimensional setbacks. Existing buildings are grandfathered. New construction shall comply with the applicable district regulations.

2.

Height limits. Existing buildings are grandfathered. New construction shall comply with the applicable district regulations.

3.

Floor area ratio. If the existing building uses less than the allowable FAR in the district, it may be expanded up to the allowable FAR. A building which already exceeds the allowable FAR may not be expanded.

4.

Density. Existing dwelling units are grandfathered and not subject to the minimum lot area requirement.

D.

Design. Some adaptive reuse projects may be required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) pursuant to those regulations.

(Code 1992, § 16.30.020.5)