17.24.090 Parking variances.
A. Variance to the parking requirements of Chapter 17.60 MMC (Off-Street Parking and Loading) of this ordinance may be granted in the circumstance where an existing structure is being converted to a different use or occupancy subject to the following limitations:
1. At no time may a variance be granted for more than 50 percent of the required parking spaces.
2. New structures may not be granted variances under this section.
3. Variances approved under this section are not transferable and are valid only for the specific occupancy or use for which they are granted. Any new use desiring to locate in a structure or on property for which a variance has been granted regardless if such new use is in the same land use category as was the old use must either provide the required parking or receive variance approval.
B. In entertaining a variance request, the planning commission may consider the following factors:
1. Is the variance necessary to preserve an existing structure and/or existing landscaping?
2. Would the granting of a variance have an adverse impact on neighboring properties?
3. Would the granting of the variance result in extensive street parking?
4. Is there available public parking nearby?
5. What is the expected traffic generation of the proposed use? Is it less than the required parking would indicate? (Ord. 4128 (part), 1981; Ord. 3380 (part), 1968).