Standards to be met in granting any variance

In granting a variance, the zoning board of review, or where a unified development review the planning board, shall require that evidence to the satisfaction of the following standards be entered into the record of the proceedings:

• • (1) That the hardship from which the applicant seeks relief is due to the unique characteristics of the subject land or structure and not to the general characteristics of the surrounding area; and is not due to a physical or economic disability of the applicant, excepting those physical disabilities addressed in RIGL 45-24-30(a)(16)

  • (2) That the hardship is not the result of any prior action of the applicant; and

  • (3) That the granting of the requested variance will not alter the general character of the surrounding area or impair the intent or purpose of the zoning ordinance or the comprehensive plan of the Town of Narragansett upon which the zoning ordinance is based

In addition to the above, the zoning board of review shall consider:

• • (1) Access to air, light, views and solar access.

  • (2) Public access to water bodies, rivers and streams.

  • (3) The conservation of energy and energy efficiency.

(Ch. 1033, §§ 2—4, 12-19-2016; Ch. 1117, § 12, 12-18-2023)