Floodplain Variance Application_05-2021Page 1 of 5
Variance Application – Updated 05-2021
NEW HANOVER COUNTY_____________________
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & LAND USE
230 Government Center Drive, Suite 110
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Telephone (910) 798-7165
FAX (910) 798-7053
planningdevelopment.nhcgov.com
FLOODPLAIN VARIANCE APPLICATION
This application form must be completed as part of a request for a zoning and/or subdivision variance. The application
submitted through the county’s online COAST portal. The main procedural steps in the submittal and review of
applications for a variance are outlined in the flowchart below. More specific submittal and review requirements, as
well as the standards to be applied in reviewing the application, are set out in Section 9.7.5 of the Unified Development
Ordinance.
Public
Hearing
Procedures
Pre-Application Conference
Community Information Meeting
1
Application
Submittal &
Acceptance
2
Planning
Director Review
& Staff Report
3
Public Hearing
Scheduling &
Notification
Advisory Body Review & Action
4
Board of
Adjustment
Hearing &
Decision
5
Post-Decision
Limitations and
Actions
1. Applicant and Property Owner Information
Applicant/Agent Name Owner Name (if different from Applicant/Agent)
Company Company/Owner Name 2
Address Address
City, State, Zip City, State, Zip
Phone Phone
Email Email
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Variance Application – Updated 05-2021
2. Subject Property Information
Address/Location Parcel Identification Number(s)
Total Parcel(s) Acreage Existing Zoning and Use(s)
3. Proposed Variance Narrative
Subject Zoning Regulation, Chapter and Section
In the space below, please provide a narrative of the application (attach additional pages if necessary).
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Variance Application – Updated 05-2021
FLOODPLAIN VARIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
The Board of Adjustment shall consider the following factors when making a decision to grant a variance
in addition to all technical evaluations, relevant factors, and standards specified in Article 9: Flood
Damage Prevention. Please address each factor in regard to the requested variance, with reference to
attached plans (where applicable) (attach additional pages if necessary).
1. The danger that materials may be swept into other lands to the injury of others
2. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage
3. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on
the individual owner
4. The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community
5. The necessity of the facility of a waterfront location as defined in the County’s Stormwater Management
Ordinance, as a functionally dependent facility, where applicable.
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Variance Application – Updated 05-2021
6. The availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion damage, for the proposed use
7. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development
8. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles
9. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles
10. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the floodwaters and the
effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site
11. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including maintenance and
repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems, and streets and
bridges
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Variance Application – Updated 05-2021
Staff will use the following checklist to determine the completeness of your application. Please verify all of the
listed items are included and confirm by initialing under “Applicant Initial”. Applications determined to be
incomplete must be corrected in order to be processed for further review.
Application Checklist Applicant Initial
󠄀 This application form, completed and signed
󠄀 Application fee: $400 per application
󠄀 Site plan or sketch illustrating the requested variance
󠄀 One (1) hard copy of ALL documents
󠄀 One (1) PDF copy of ALL documents
Acknowledgement and Signatures
By my signature below, I understand and accept all of the conditions, limitations, and obligations of the variance
application for which I am applying. I understand that I have the burden of proving why this application meets
the required findings necessary for granting a variance. I certify that this application is complete and that all
information presented in this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
If applicable, I also appoint the applicant/agent as listed on this application to represent me and make decisions
on my behalf regarding this application during the review process. The applicant/agent is hereby authorized on
my behalf to:
1. Submit an application including all required supplemental information and materials;
2. Appear at public hearings to give representation and comments;
3. Act on my behalf without limitations with regard to any and all things directly or indirectly connected with
or arising out of this application; and
4. Provide written consent to any and all conditions of approval.
Signature of Property Owner(s) Print Name(s)
Signature of Applicant/Agent Print Name
Note: This form must be signed by the owner(s) of record. If there are multiple property owners, a signature is
required for each owner of record.
The land owner or their attorney must be present for the case at the public hearing.