Single family projects only require land use approvals (a.k.a. master use permits, or MUPs) in rare circumstances: variance from required development standards, property divisions, or property line adjustments.
Find information about lot coverage, height and yard standards for homes in Single Family Zones in CAM 220, and information about side yard easements and accessory structure agreements in CAM 221.
Variances may authorize departure from development standards, but they cannot authorize a prohibited use or increase maximum height as shown on the Official Land Use Map. Applications for prohibited variances are not accepted for filing. Find details in CAM 210, Master Use Permit Requirements for Variances, and in CAM 211A, Master Use Permit Requirements for Administrative Conditional Use in Single Family and Multifamily Zones.
Application Requirements
DPD requires three identical copies or sets of plans for a variance. Each set should have a DPD coversheet. The intent of the plans is to clearly describe the proposed structure or development with emphasis on the extent of the nonconformity for which the variance is sought.
Notice of Application
DPD will prepare a notice of the application in the department’s Land Use Information Bulletin (LUIB) and will post four placards on or near the development site. Additionally, all residents and owners of properties within 300 feet of the site will receive mailed notice of the application. The LUIB, placards and 300 foot mailed notice initiate a 14-day comment period that may be extended for an additional 14 days if a written request is received prior to the end of the initial 14-day comment period.
Decisions
The granting or denial of variances is regulated by the provisions of Section 23.76.004 of the Land Use Code. When a variance is authorized, conditions may be attached regarding the location, character and other features of a proposed structure or use as may be deemed necessary to carry out the spirit and purpose of the Land Use Code. These conditions may take the form of granting only a partial variance (by allowing less than the requested amount of variation) or granting less than the number of specific variance components requested. DPD will publish the decision and notify interested parties. Any person significantly affected by, or interested in, the decision may appeal. The appeal instructions are included with the notice of decision.
Also, see our Land Use website for more details about other types of land use permits.
