Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - February 2021.2

Article 6: Riparian Buffers Section 6.6. Variances from Riparian Buffer Regulations 6.6.3. Riparian Buffer Variance Review Standards

5. Effect of Approval a. Approval and recordation of a Riparian Buffer Variance authorizes only the particular regulatory relief approved as part of the Variance, as applied only to the land for which the Variance is approved, and only in accordance with any approved plans and documents, and conditions of approval. It does not exempt the applicant from the responsibility to obtain all other development permits required by this Ordinance and any other applicable laws, and does not indicate that the development for which the Variance is granted should receive approval of other applications for a development permit required under this Ordinance unless the relevant and applicable portions of this Ordinance or any other applicable laws are met. b. Unless it expires in accordance with Section 6 below, an approved and recorded Riparian Buffer Variance—including any approved plans, documents, and conditions of approval—shall run with the land, shall be binding on the landowners and their successors and assigns, and shall not be affected by a change in ownership. All decisions, determinations, and interpretation by Town staff shall be consistent with an approved and recorded Variance. 6. Expiration of Approval A Riparian Buffer Variance shall expire and become invalid if the property owner changes development on the site such that the extraordinary and exceptional conditions that warranted the hardship and Variance no longer do so. A. Riparian Buffer Variance Review Standards The Planning and Zoning Board shall approve an application for a Minor Riparian Buffer Variance or make a preliminary determination in favor of an application for a Major Riparian Buffer Variance only if it reaches each of the following conclusions, based on findings of fact supported by competent, substantial, and material evidence presented at the hearing: 1. There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions (such as topographic conditions, narrowness, shallowness, or the shape of the parcel of land) pertaining to the particular land or structure for which the Variance is sought, that do not generally apply to other lands or structures in the vicinity; 2. The extraordinary and exceptional conditions referred to above are not the result of the actions of the landowner; 3. The applicant did not purchase the property subject to the Variance application after January 22, 1997, if the property is located in the Neuse River Basin, or after April 26, 2011, if the property is located in the Jordan Lake watershed; 4. Because of the extraordinary and exceptional conditions referred to above, the application of this article to the land or structure for which the Variance is sought would effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the utilization of the land or structure and result in unnecessary and undue hardship; 5. The Variance would not confer any special privilege on the landowner that is denied to other lands or structures that are similarly situated; 6. The extent of the Variance is the minimum necessary to allow a reasonable use of the land or structure; 7. The Variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Ordinance and the State’s riparian buffer protection requirements and preserves the spirit of such Ordinance or requirements; 8. The Variance would not adversely affect the health or safety of persons residing or working in the neighborhood, be injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood, or otherwise be detrimental to the public welfare; 6.6.3. Riparian Buffer Variance Review Standards

Morrisville, NC

February 1, 2021

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 6-10