The variance criteria set forth in this section of the chapter
are based on the general principle of zoning law that variances pertain
to a piece of property and are not personal in nature. A variance
may be granted for a parcel of property with physical characteristics
so unusual that complying with the requirements of this chapter would
create an exceptional hardship to the applicant or the surrounding
property owners. The characteristics must be unique to the property
and not be shared by adjacent parcels. The unique characteristic must
pertain to the land itself, not to the structure, its inhabitants,
or the property owners.
It is the duty of the city of Pico Rivera to help protect its
citizens from flooding. This need is so compelling and the implications
of the cost of insuring a structure built below flood level are so
serious that variances from the flood elevation or from other requirements
in the flood chapter are quite rare. The long term goal of preventing
and reducing flood loss and damage can only be met if variances are
strictly limited. Therefore, the variance guidelines provided in this
ordinance are more detailed and contain multiple provisions that must
be met before a variance can be properly granted. The criteria are
designed to screen out those situations in which alternatives other
than a variance are more appropriate.
(Ord. 909 § 2, 1998)