Variance A VARIANCE (VAR) permits a variation from the terms of the zoning ordinance where, due to special circumstances applicable to the property (e.g., size, shape, location, topography, or surroundings), the strict application of the zoning ordinance deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity under identical zoning classifications. The Zoning Administrator cannot approve a Variance unless the following findings can be made. 1. Because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including but not limited to size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning ordinance deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification. 2. The granting of the variance shall not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other property in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated. 3. That the granting of the variance will not be in conflict with the intent and purpose of this A or the adopted Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan. THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS  SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS  APPLICATION AND, IF 'D, ALSO CONTAINS  AGREEMENT FOR PAYMENT OF PROCESSING FEES Click to download Agreement to Pay form  PLAN AND MAP REQUIREMENTS Click to download Site Plan and Topographical Map Requirements  AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES SUPPLEMENT Click to download Agricultural Activities Supplement form  MISSION CANYON SUPPLEMENT Click to download Mission Canyon Supplement form  FIRE DEPARTMENT VEGETATION PLAN INFORMATION For additional information regarding Fire Department Requirements for Vegetation Plan click here  PUBLIC WORKS, PROJECT CLEAN WATER – LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT AND STORM WATER INFORMATION For additional information regarding Project Clean Water Low Impact Development and/or Storm Water Information click here South County Office 123 E. Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: (805) 568-2000 Fax: (805) 568-2030 Energy Division 123 E. Anapamu Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: (805) 568-2040 Fax: (805) 568-2522 North County Office 624 W. Foster Road, Suite C Santa Maria, CA 93455 Phone: (805) 934-6250 Fax: (805) 934-6258 Website: www.sbcountyplanning.org American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 2 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A VARIANCE Cities Sphere of Influence Is the site within a city sphere of influence?**  Yes  No If yes, which city? __________________________________________ ____ 5 Copies of completed application form. (For projects within the Coastal Zone, submit one additional copy). ___ 5 Copies of site plan. For projects within the Coastal Zone, submit one additional copy. Folded to 8 1/2" x 11". Click to download Site Plan and Topographical Map Requirements ___ 5 Sets of floor plans and building elevations folded to 8 1/2" x 11". ___ 1 Description of the variance that is requested. ___ 1 Description of the special circumstances applicable to the project site that justifies the variance. ___ 1 Law requires the Zoning Administrator find that the strict application of the zoning ordinance deprives the subject property of privileges enjoyed by other property owners in the vicinity and under identical zoning. Include an explanation verifying this circumstance. ___ 1 For non-residential projects, submit a set of preliminary building elevations showing architectural design. ___ 1 Copy of the site plan reduced to 8 1/2" x 11". ___ 1 Copy of an 8 1/2" x 11" vicinity map showing project location with respect to identifiable landmarks, roadways, etc. ___ 1 Sets of photos taken from three vantage points: · close-up · mid-field · entire project site. NO BLACK AND WHITE XEROX COPIES The following is also required: · mount the photos on heavy 8 1/2" x 11" paper · orient the viewer by direction ("looking northwest from...") · note any landmarks ___ 1 Agreement to Pay Form Click to download Agreement to Pay form ___ 1 Check Payable to Planning & Development. ** If additional information is needed regarding location of a City’s Sphere of Influence, please contact our zoning information counter. NOTES: 1. After approval of this discretionary permit a follow-up Land Use or Coastal Development Permit must be obtained Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION SITE ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________ ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER: ___________________________________________________________ PARCEL SIZE (acres/sq.ft.): Gross Net ________________________ COMPREHENSIVE/COASTAL PLAN DESIGNATION: __________ ZONING: _________________ Are there previous permits/applications?   no yes numbers: _________________________________ (include permit# & lot # if tract) Did you have a pre-application?  no  yes if yes, who was the planner? _______________________ Are there previous environmental (CEQA) documents?   no yes numbers: _______________________ 1. Financially Responsible Person ________________________ Phone: ____________FAX: __________ (For this project) Mailing Address: Street City State Zip 2. Owner: Phone: _____________FAX:__________________ Mailing Address: Street City State 3. Agent: E-mail:___________________________ Zip Phone: _________________FAX:_______________ Mailing Address: E-mail:___________________________ Street City State Street 5. Engineer/Surveyor: City State 4. Arch./Designer: Zip Phone: _________________FAX:_____________ Mailing Address: State/Reg Lic#_____________ Phone: Mailing Address: Street Zip City State 6. Contractor: FAX:_____________ State/Reg Lic#_____________ Zip Phone: ______________FAX:______________ Mailing Address: State/Reg Lic# ______________ Street Case Number:. Supervisorial District: Applicable Zoning Ordinance: Project Planner: Zoning Designation: City State Zip COUNTY USE ONLY Companion Case Number: Submittal Date: Receipt Number: Accepted for Processing Comp. Plan Designation American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 4 For all questions below, attach additional sheets if necessary, referencing the section and question number. Please fill in every blank. Use "N/A" where question is not applicable. II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Please use the space below or type on a separate sheet and attach to the front of your application a complete description of your request including the permit/decision requested, location, setting, and purpose of the project. EXAMPLE: We are requesting a major Conditional Use Permit for a church in the existing building at the corner of ____ and ____. The church would serve a congregation of ____, with services on ____ and ____, classes on ____ and ____ and would include a preschool which would operate on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. serving a maximum of 50 children ages ____ to ____. A playground is also proposed at the NE corner of the building site. No signs are proposed at this time. One tree will be removed at the SW corner to make room for improvements for parking. The parking area will consist of 100 spaces and will be screened with a landscaped berm. Include parking, grading, storm water drainage, trees fencing, walls, screening and any other details which help describe the project in full. If your project has the potential to impact storm water quality, describe measures that will be incorporated into the project description to minimize/eliminate the impacts. ∗ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ∗ Please refer to Surface and Storm Water Quality Guidelines in the County Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, also available at the Zoning Counter. Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 5 III. GRADING: Will there be any grading associated with the project? Y N (NOTE: For proposed access drives over 12% grade, a clearance letter from the Fire Dept. will be required) CUT FILL cubic yards _ AMOUNT TO BE EXPORTED c.y. c.y. AMOUNT TO BE IMPORTED c.y. MAXIMUM VERTICAL HEIGHT OF CUT SLOPES MAXIMUM VERTICAL HEIGHT OF FILL SLOPES MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF ANY PROPOSED RETAINING WALL(S) TOTAL AREA DISTURBED BY GRADING (sq. ft. or acres) What is the address of the pick-up/deposit site for any excess cut/fill? _____________________________________________________________________________________ Specify the proposed truck haul route to/from this location. _____________________________________________________________________________________ IV. SITE INFORMATION A. Is this property under an Agricultural Preserve Contract? Y N B. Describe any unstable soil areas on the site. C. Name and describe any year round or seasonal creeks, ponds, drainage courses or other water bodies. How is runoff currently conveyed from the site? ___ D. Has there ever been flooding on the site? Y N If yes, state the year and describe the effect on the project site. E. Describe any proposed drainage and/or flood control measures. How will storm water be conveyed across and from the site? Where will storm water discharge? Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 6 F. Will the project require the removal of any trees? Y N If so, please list them here as requested. Attach additional sheets as necessary. Type Diameter (at 4' height) Height Explain why it is necessary to remove these trees. G. Describe any noise sources that currently affect the site. H. Are there any prehistoric or historic archaeological sites on the property or on neighboring parcels? Y N Unknown If yes, describe. I. Describe all third party property interests (such as easements, leases, licenses, rights-of-way, fee ownerships or water sharing agreements) affecting the project site, provision of public utilities to the site or drainage off the site. J. Have you incorporated any measures into your project to mitigate or reduce potential environmental impacts? Y N Unknown If so, list them here. (Examples include tree preservation plans, creek restoration plans, and open space easements.) V. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND APPLICATION OF LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT FEATURES Part A and B of this section apply to the following discretionary development or redevelopment projects: 1. Residential subdivision developments with 10 or more dwelling units; 2. Commercial development of 0.5 acres or greater; 3. Parking lots of 5,000 square feet or more or have 25 or more parking spaces and are potentially exposed to storm water runoff; 4. Automotive repair shops; 5. Retail gasoline outlets; 6. Restaurants, and 7. Any new development or redevelopment where imperviousness exceeds one acre. Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 7 A. Identify Low Impact Development (LID) 1 measures that will be incorporated into the project design to address long-term storm water runoff, after construction. Select at least one measure from each group listed below, or define constraints if not applicable. The same measure may apply toward more than one group (e.g. porous concrete with volume storage). Describe the selected LID measures below and depict on the site plan with a legend. 1. Group 1 - Site Layout/Setting: Reduce overall disturbance by conserving and protecting natural areas, drainages, topsoils, and vegetation and minimizing overall impervious areas. Measures include roadway/sidewalk/driveway design, lot layout, parking, clustering units, onsite storm water reuse, vegetated roof, permeable paving, etc. Development within the established development envelope is also an acceptable measure for Group 1. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Group 2 - Disconnect Impervious: Safely distribute runoff from impervious surfaces (e.g. roof downspouts, driveways, roads, etc.) to a variety of onsite pervious areas (e.g. open space, landscape, permeable pavement with base, etc.) _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Group 3 - Rate/Volume/Duration: Slow and reduce runoff using infiltration, evapotranspiration, detention, and/or rainwater reuse. Measures include: infiltration trench, infiltration basin, drywell, vegetated swales, bioretention (rain garden), buffer strips, landscape planter box, amended soils, deep-rooted large trees, permeable paving with storage, cisterns, rain barrels, dry wells, detention basins, etc. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ B. Describe measures that will be incorporated into the project design to remove pollutants from storm water runoff including pollutant reduction through source control/site design measures and treatment of runoff. Measures include: bioswales, buffer strips, bioretention (rain garden), detention basins, etc). Show where adequate space is reserved for storm water treatment control measures on site plan.2 _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 1 Low Impact Development is a design approach that minimizes or eliminates pollutants in storm water through natural processes and maintains pre-development hydrologic characteristics, such as flow patterns, onsite retention, and recharge rates. For examples and design guidance see http://www.sbprojectcleanwater.org/post_construction.html. 2 For additional information on application completeness see: http://www.sbprojectcleanwater.org/Application_Completeness.html Refer to Best Management Practices handbooks such as “Start at the Source” by Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association, 1999 and on the Internet at www.epa.gov/npdes/menuofbmps.htm. Also handouts at the counter developed by Project Clean Water. Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 8 VI. ACCESS A. Describe the existing access road(s) to the site. Include road widths, shoulders, and type of surface material. B. Does property front on a public street? Y N Is access to be taken from this public street? Y N Name of public street: ______________________________________________ C. Will the proposed access utilize an easement across neighboring property? Y* N *Submit documentation which supports the applicant's use of this easement. D. Describe proposed construction equipment access VII.DEVELOPMENT AND USE A. Existing: Describe the existing structures and/or improvements on the site. Use Size (sq ft) Height # of Dwelling Units ________________ ________________ B. Proposed: Describe the proposed structures and/or improvements. Use Size (sq ft) Height # of Dwelling Units ________________ ________________ C. Will any structures be demolished or removed? If so, please list them here as requested. Current Use Historic Use Age Rental Price (if rented) __________ ___________ ________ ___________________ __________ ___________ ________ __________________ D. Describe all other existing uses of the property. E. How will the project affect the existing uses of the property? Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 9 F. Describe any other historic use(s) of the property. This may include agricultural (include crop type), commercial, or residential uses. G. Provide a short description of the land uses surrounding the site. North South East West H. STATISTICS: Mark each section with either the information requested or "n/a" if not applicable. EXISTING PROPOSED TOTAL BUILDING COVERAGE _________ __________ _________ IMPERMEABLE ROADS/PARKING/ _________ __________ _________ OPEN SPACE (sq. ft.) _________ __________ _________ RECREATION (sq. ft.) _________ __________ _________ LANDSCAPING (sq. ft.) _________ __________ _________ AGRICULTURAL LANDS (sq. ft.) _________ __________ _________ POPULATION (#) (employees/residents) _________ __________ _________ DWELLING, HOTEL/MOTEL UNITS _________ __________ _________ WALKWAYS (sq. ft.) PARKING (on-site) TOTAL # OF SPACES _________ __________ _________ # OF COVERED SPACES _________ __________ _________ # OF STANDARD SPACES _________ __________ _________ SIZE OF COMPACT SPACES _________ __________ _________ Estimate the cost of development, excluding land costs. ________________________________ VIII. PARCEL VALIDITY P&D requires applications for development on vacant, unimproved property to provide clear evidence that the property is a separate legal lot. Acceptable evidence of a separate legal lot include any of the following which show the subject property in it’s current configuration: a recorded Parcel or Final Map, a recorded Certificate of Compliance or Conditional Certificate of Compliance, an approved Lot Line Adjustment, a recorded Reversion to Acreage, a recorded Voluntary Merger or an approved Lot Split Plat. Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 10 A. Type of evidence provided to demonstrate a separate, legal lot: _________________________________ Copy of evidence attached: Yes No Reference number for evidence supplied: ____________________________________________ IX. PUBLIC/PRIVATE SERVICES A. WATER: 1. If the property is currently served by a private well, submit the following for each well: a. b. c. d. e. f. Pumpage records (electrical meter or flow meter readings) for the past 10 years Pump test data Location of other wells within 500 feet Water quality analysis Drillers report (with construction details) Copy of applicable well sharing agreement 2. Does the well serve other properties? Y N If yes, address(es): 3. Is a well proposed? Y N If so, will it serve other properties? Y N If yes, address(es): 4. If the property is currently served by a private or public water district, submit the following: a. Name: 5. Will the project require annexation to a public or private water company? Y N If yes, name: B. SEWAGE DISPOSAL: 1. Existing: Indicate if the property is currently served by the following: Yes/No a. Septic system* b. Drywell* c. Public sewer district _______ _______ If yes, name:_________________ *Submit engineering details on septic tanks and dry wells, as well as calculations for leach field size, where applicable. 2. Proposed: Indicate what sewage disposal services are proposed as part of this project? a. Septic system* _________ b. Drywell* _________ c. Public sewer district _________ District Name:______________________________ *Submit percolation tests and/or drywell performance tests as applicable. Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 11 3. Will the project require annexation to any public sewer district? Y N Name: C. FIRE PROTECTION 1. Fire protection is (will be) provided by the _________________________ Fire Department. (Montecito, Summerland, S.B. County) 2. Is there an existing water main infrastructure in the vicinity? Circle one: Yes No 3. How far away is the nearest standard fire hydrant? _____________ feet. 4. Is a new fire hydrant proposed? Circle one: Yes No 5. If a new hydrant is proposed, what is the longest driving distance from the proposed hydrant to the proposed building(s)? ______________ feet. 6. Will fire protection be provided by an on-site water storage tank? Circle one: Yes No Tank capacity: gallons 7. What is the driving distance from the water tank to the proposed structure(s)? ______ feet. 8. Is a fire sprinkler system proposed? Yes No Location ________________________________ 9. Describe the access for fire trucks. Include width and height clearance for access and surface material. _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 10. Will hazardous materials be stored or used? Y/N List any hazardous materials which may be used or stored on the site. _____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 12 HAZARDOUS WASTE/MATERIALS Please read and answer the following questions if, in the known history of the property, there has been any storage (above or underground) or discharge of hazardous materials or if the proposal includes storage, use or discharge of any hazardous material. Hazardous materials include pesticides, herbicides, solvents, oil, fuel, or other flammable liquids. Attach additional sheets if necessary. Past & Present: List any hazardous materials which have been or are currently stored/discharged/produced on the property. Describe their use, storage and method of discharge. Provide dates where possible. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ If a characterization study has been prepared, please submit it with this application. Is the project site on the County Site Mitigation list? Y N Unknown Is the site on the CA Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites list? Y N Unknown Proposed Project: List any hazardous materials proposed to be stored/discharged/produced on the property. Describe the proposed use and method of storage and disposal. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ If the proposed project involves use, storage or disposal of any hazardous materials, please contact County Fire Department at 686-8170 to determine whether additional submittals are required. Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com Santa Barbara County Variance Application Page 13 Please include any other information you feel is relevant to this application. CERTIFICATION OF ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS: Signatures must be completed for each line. If one or more of the parties are the same, please re-sign the applicable line. Applicant's signature authorizes County staff to enter the property described above for the purposes of inspection. I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the information contained in this application and all attached materials are correct, true and complete. I acknowledge and agree that the County of Santa Barbara is relying on the accuracy of this information and my representations in order to process this application and that any permits issued by the County may be rescinded if it is determined that the information and materials submitted are not true and correct. I further acknowledge that I may be liable for any costs associated with rescission of such permits. __________________________________________________________________________ Print name and sign - Applicant/Agent Date ___________________________________________________________________________ Print name and sign - Landowner Date UPDATED FTC 11/29/10 Updated by FTC 112910 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkFlow.com