The following standards are used by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Commissioners to assist in making decisions.
Rezoning
A Rezoning is a change in the classification of a piece of property.
- Is the proposed use suitable in view of the zoning and development of adjacent and nearby property?
- Will the proposed use adversely affect the existing use or usability of adjacent or nearby property?
- Are their substantial reasons why the property cannot or should not be used as currently zoned?
- Will the proposed use cause an excessive or burdensome use of public facilities or services, including but not limited to streets, schools, EMS, sheriff or fire protection?
- Is the proposed use compatible with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan?
- Will the use be consistent with the purpose and intent of the proposed zoning district?
- Is the proposed use supported by new or changing conditions not anticipated by the Comprehensive Plan?
- Does the proposed use reflect a reasonable balance between the promotion of the public health, safety, morality, or general welfare and the right to unrestricted use of property?
Conditional Use
A Conditional Use is a type of use permitted in the zoning district but must be examined individually to ensure no harmful or undesirable effects on surrounding or nearby properties.
- Is the type of street providing access to the use adequate to serve the proposed conditional use?
- Is access into and out of the property adequate to provide for traffic and pedestrian safety, the anticipated volume of traffic flow, and access by emergency vehicles?
- Are public facilities such as schools, EMS, sheriff and fire protection adequate to serve the conditional use?
- Are refuse, service, parking and loading areas on the property located or screened to protect other properties in the area from such adverse effects as noise, light, glare or odor?
- Will the hours and manner of operation of the conditional use have no adverse effects on other properties in the area?
- Will the height, size, or location of the buildings or other structures on the property be compatible with the height, size or location of buildings or other structures on neighboring properties?
- Is the proposed conditional use consistent with the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance?
Variance
A Variance is a permit issued by the Planning and Zoning Commission allowing the use of a parcel of land in a way that varies from the requirements for the district in which the property is located. Variances are granted because a hardship would result if the ordinance were applied stringently to the property. A hardship cannot be self-created, such as:
- Will the variance cause substantial detriment to the public good or impair the purposes of this ordinance?
- Is the spirit of this ordinance observed and the public safety and welfare secured?
- Is the hardship related to conditions peculiar to the property and not a result of any action of the property owner?
