INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS FOR ZONING CHANGES,
VARIANCES, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS

GENERAL

1.  Submission of an Application does not guarantee nor imply approval of your
     request.
2.  The process takes approximately 30 - 45 days.
3.  Regulations require newspaper public notice two weeks prior to the hearing and
     letters to neighboring property owners. City staff will handle this requirement.
4.  Applicants, or their representatives, must attend the public meetings. It is the
     responsibility of the applicant to present his case. We encourage applicants to
     bring neighbors or others to testify.
5.  All plans, sketches, drawings, and other materials must be submitted at least
     one week prior to the meetings for distribution to the commissioners. Inclusion
     of supporting documents is encouraged.
6.  Panelists are volunteer citizens who are elected or appointed.

ZONING CHANGES

1.  Following public notice, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviews the request
     and makes a recommendation to the City Council. The Commission meets the
     second Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2.  The City Council then conducts a public hearing and approves, or denies, the
     request. The Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
     at City Hall.

VARIANCES

1.  The Board of Adjustment has sole authority and acts as a judicial body, hearing
     evidence and making a ruling. The Board meets the third Monday of each month
     at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2.  The Board must find that exceptional hardship exists and satisfy ALL of the
     following:
       A. Reasonable use cannot be made of the property. (i.e., If a large house will not
            fit on a lot, but a smaller one will, there is no hardship)
       B. The hardship is unique and not common to neighboring properties, and there
            is no special privilege.
       C. The hardship is not the result of the applicant's own action; that he knew, or
            should have known, the limitations upon acquiring the property>
       D. The hardship is not merely financial or pecuniary.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS

1.  Handled in the same manner as zoning changes.
2.  Issued to individuals for specific sites. Any change in ownership or site requires
     reapplication.