Council schedules public hearing on variance request after resident found guilty of zoning violations

Council reviewed a variance application for property at about 233 Victoria Drive by a property owner who was previously found guilty in municipal court of multiple zoning violations, including building within setback lines and installing structures without permits. Staff said the owner paid fines and surveyor costs but the variance application remains incomplete: it lacks a proper legal description of the parcel. Staff said they can provide a survey at the next meeting.

The council’s zoning administrator and legal counsel recommended that council either deny an incomplete application or proceed to public hearing and act within 35 days of that hearing. Staff confirmed a public hearing is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. immediately before the next council meeting; after the hearing the council will have 35 days to make a decision. Staff also emphasized runoff and erosion issues documented in photos and testimony from the zoning administrator and noted that remedying unauthorized structures could be required if the variance is denied.

Council members urged members to visit the property before the hearing. No final decision or vote on the variance occurred at the meeting.