Variances—Application process

Applications for variances that are not part of the unified development review process shall be filed with the zoning officer acting in his capacity as clerk for the zoning board of review. When a request for a variance is submitted through the unified development review process, as part of a subdivision or land development project application, it shall be submitted to the administrative officer of the planning board. Fifteen complete copies of the application must be submitted. The application shall include:

• • (1) A completed variance form indicating the variance sought and the grounds for the variance;

  • (2) Names and addresses of all owners of property in or within 200 feet of the perimeter of the subject property, whether within the city or an adjacent city or town, and as shown on the current real estate tax assessment records of the city or town in which the property is located;

  • (3) A Class 1 surveyed site plan prepared by a land surveyor registered and licensed to practice in the State of Rhode Island. The site plan shall be drawn at a scale of one-inch equals 20 feet (or as appropriate one-inch equals 40 feet or one-inch equals 80 feet) showing the following for the subject property:

    • a. The shape, dimension and area of the subject property;

    • b. The location, size and use of all existing and proposed structures;

    • c. The zoning use district boundaries;

    • d. The street number and assessor's lot numbers;

    • e. Title block in the lower righthand corner showing the names of the property owners; map, block, parcel of the subject property; date of plan; north arrow; and a blank signature space for the chair; and

    • f. Such other information as may be necessary for the execution and enforcement of this chapter.

  • (4) Elevations for all buildings sides and floor plans shall be prepared by those permitted to do so by the Rhode Island General Laws.

  • (5) An accurate radius map drawn at a scale of one-inch equals 100 feet (or as appropriate one-inch equals 50 feet or one-inch equals 40 feet) which includes:

    • a. A title block in the lower righthand corner showing names of the property owners; map, block, parcel of the subject property; date of plan and north arrow;

    • b. For all property within 200 feet of the perimeter of the subject property:

      • 1. The shape, dimension and area of the property;

      • 2. The location of all zoning use district boundary lines; and

      • 3. The street numbers and assessor's lot numbers.

    • c. In the case of a dimensional variance, the general location, shape and use of all existing buildings and structures within a 100-foot radius of the subject property;

    • d. In the case of a use variance, the general location, shape and use of all existing buildings and structures in or within 200 feet of the subject property; and

    • e. Such other information as may be necessary for the execution and enforcement of this chapter.

  • (6) The application fee as set by the city council, to cover the costs associated with review, hearing, notice and recording fees.

Applications for variances to the planning board through the unified development review process shall follow relevant application requirements of the city's land development and subdivision regulations.

(Rev. Ords. 1987, § 19-47; Ch. 642, § III, 3-15-16; Ch. 914, § I(Att.), 12-19-23; Ch. 944, § I(Att.), 9-2-25)