What is a variance and what is the process for obtaining a variance?
A variance is an exception granted by the City Council from the zoning requirements of a particular zoning district. Variances can be granted when performance standards, such as setbacks, cannot be met due to unusual physical site characteristics, called a “hardship”. A hardship is related to the physical characteristics of the land, such as slopes or mature trees. The property owner most prove there is a hardship and the variance requested is necessary to alleviate a physical hardship caused by unusual circumstances. For example, if you wish to construct a 240 square foot shed in your back yard, you must place the shed at least five (5) feet from the side property line and at least ten (10) feet from the rear property line. Now suppose you have a steep slope in your back yard which prevents you from placing the shed 10 feet from the rear property line. The steep slope would constitute a hardship and would be justifiable grounds for applying for a variance. If you believe a hardship ex
Related Questions
- Why is AIC better to use than ML to determine the process model. Is it because it decreases variance, due to favouring models with fewer free parameters??
- What is the process for a claimant to file for review from a denial of a variance? Is there a form the claimant must use to request such review?
- How long does an Exception, Variance, and Conventional Rezoning process take? What about Administrative Deviations and Waivers?
