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Board members say there is no numeric cap on variances but call 50% 'excessive'
Summary
Board members said the body has no written numeric standard limiting variance size, noting typical requests are a few feet and characterizing a request to take over 50% of a setback as "excessive."
Board members discussed whether the board has any formal numeric limits on the size of variances. One member asked whether the board could exceed a particular percentage when granting variances; another member responded that there are no defined standards and that "the typical response to variance requests has always been that they're expected to be a small variance".
During the exchange a member said it is "unheard of to be asking to take over, you know, 50% of a setback," and other members agreed that while no written percentage exists, the board generally treats very large variances as excessive and would address them on a case-by-case basis. The discussion concluded with members noting they would confront overly large requests if and when they arise.
