Procedure for special use permits and variances

a. Applications for special use permits and variances shall be filed directly with the zoning officer as provided by the rules of the board. An application for a prospective change in land use or for a subdivision of land must, prior to a public hearing being held thereon by the zoning board of review, be referred to the planning board for a written recommendation thereon. If the planning board fails to act within 30 days, it shall be deemed to have waived its comment.

b. Applications for special use permits and variances shall be accompanied by a list of all owners of property within 200 feet of the property in question, and by a site plan for the proposed development. Such site plan shall be prepared by a registered land surveyor or registered professional engineer and drawn to scale. It shall show all existing and proposed structures, parking spaces, driveway and driveway openings, outside storage areas and sign locations. It shall also show all water bodies and landscape features such as fences, walls, planting areas, walkways and buffer strips, and other such information as may be required by the board. The zoning officer may waive the requirements of this provision if he determines that strict compliance is unnecessary given the size or scope of the project involved.

c. A special use permit or variance shall expire one year from the date of granting of such by the board, unless the applicant exercises the permission granted, or receives a building permit to do so and commences construction and diligently prosecutes the construction until completed. The board may, upon application thereof, for cause shown and without a public hearing, grant an extension, provided that not more than one such extension for a period of six months be granted.