VARIANCE
Type III Application
Because
of special circumstances, including the size, shape, topography, location, or surroundings of a property,
variances can be applied for. A variance is for hardships that deprive the subject property of a reasonable use or
improvement that is generally allowed in the zone. The variance standards can be found in the Lewis County Code
Chapter 17.162.
Variances are processed as a Type III application. Type III applications require public notice, a comment period, and
a public hearing with the Lewis County Hearing Examiner. The Lewis County Hearing Examiner makes the final
decision.
The following items are required to be submitted for the Variance application to begin the process:
STAFF APPLICANT
‘Varianceapplication form
Site plan meeting the ‘Site Plan Requirements” handout
Applicatio
n fees
Fee $2,100
Other:
For Official Use Only:
Date of Received: ________________________________
Application Number:
Associated Permits: Permit Technician:
Lewis County
Community Development
2025 NE Kresky Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone: (360) 740-1146 ● Fax: (360) 740-1245
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STAFF
SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS
This checklist is intended to give a general idea of the information required for a site plan. The
application should NOT be submitted unless all points below are addressed. The checklist must be
submitted with the application. Submit multiple maps if necessary. Additional information may be requested.
Any additional information which the applicant feels will assist in evaluating the proposal is encouraged.
Minimum size is 8.5x11-Maxiumim size is 11x17
APPLICANT
North arrow
Vicinity map with location and name of all roads surrounding the property
All property lines (if the parcel is large, provide a close up)
Setbacks from property lines for all proposed structures if an accurate scale is not
provided
Location and identification of all existing and proposed structures with dimensions.
Examples including, but not limited to: houses, sheds, barns, fences, culverts, bridges,
retaining walls, and decks
Distance from other structures if within 10 feet
Test holes, septic tanks, septic lines, drainfields, and reserve areas
Wells, well circles with a 100-foot radius, water lines, etc. and all utility easements
Distance between existing and proposed septic, wells, and buildings
Location of all existing or proposed driveways and dimensions, easements, access roads
etc. If there is an access easement, please provide a copy
Location and identification of any known critical areas on site. Examples including, but
not limited to, wetlands, streams or other surface waters, steep slopes, etc.
Location of any known and proposed stormwater facilities
Location, depth, and extent of any clearing, grading and filling
For all projects other than a single family dwelling, a description of the proposed use is
required. Examples include, but are not limited to: personal storage, commercial uses,
agricultural uses, garage, etc.
Lewis County Public Services
2025 NE Kresky Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532 Phone: (360) 740-1146 Fax: (360) 740-1245
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VARIANCE
Type III Application
Applicant Information
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________
Property Information
Tax Parcel # ________________________ Site Address___________________________________________
Owner’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________ Email: ___________________________________________
Is this variance for the Airport Obstruction Zone Standards? Yes No
If yes, please submit a copy of the Airport Obstruction Zone Permit Application
Full description of variance request (attach additional sheets or drawings if necessary):
Reason for variance request and how the proposal meets the criteria for a variance in the Lewis County Code
Chapter 17.162. (attach additional sheets if necessary):
By my signature below, I affirm that I have read and understand the limitations and conditions in the Lewis
County Code and agree to comply with all conditions upon approval of this request. Further, that all
information and documents provided with this application are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
______________________________________________
Signature of Applicant
_______________________________________________
Signature of Property Owner (if different from applicant)
_________________________
Date Si
gned
_________________________
Date Signed
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signature
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VARIANCE
Variance Criteria in the Lewis County Code
17.162.010 Variances
Variances shall be processed as a Type III application per Chapter 17.05 LCC. Variances may be granted
that are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this title; provided, that no variance shall be
granted which authorizes a use which is not permitted by the underlying zoning.
(1) Conditions for Variances from General Zoning Regulations. Before any variance may be granted, it
shall be shown that the following circumstances are found to apply:
(a) That any variance granted shall not constitute a grant of special privilege, be based upon reasons of
hardship caused by previous actions of the property owner, nor be granted for pecuniary reasons alone.
(b) Because of special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size, shape,
topography, location, or surroundings, the strict application of this title is found to cause a hardship and
deprive the subject property of a reasonable use or improvement generally allowed in the zone
classification. Aesthetic considerations or design preferences without reference to restrictions based
upon the physical characteristics of the property do not constitute sufficient hardship under this section.
(c) That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other
property in the vicinity.
(2) Conditions for Airport Variances.
(a) Variances shall be required for any person desiring to erect or increase the height of any structure, or
permit the growth of any tree, or use property, not in accordance with the regulations prescribed within
an airport overlay zone established in Chapter 17.80 LCC.
(b) Applicati
on for a variance request shall be accompanied by a determination from the Federal Aviation
Administration as to the effect of the proposal on the operation of air navigation facilities and the safe
and efficient use of navigable airspace.
(c) Standards of Review. Such variances shall be allowed where it is duly found that a literal application or
enforcement of the regulations will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship and the relief
granted will not create a hazard to air navigation and will not be contrary to the public interest, but will
do substantial justice, and will be in accordance within the spirit of this chapter.
(3) Conditions of Approval. Any variance granted may be subject to any reasonable conditions that the
hearing examiner may deem necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
(4) Review of Variance Request by Airport Board. No application for a variance to the requirements of this
chapter may be considered by the hearing examiner unless a copy of the application has been furnished
to the respective airport board for advice as to the aeronautical effects of the variance. If the airport
board does not respond within 15 days after receipt, the hearing examiner may act on his/her own to
grant or deny said application. [Ord. 1269 §41, 2016]
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