What is a variance?

A Variance is a request by a property owner to, literally, vary from the city code requirements when constructing an improvement to their home or a detached structure on their property. A Residential example would be that the proposed structure will be taller or larger than code permits or closer to the property line than code permits. Examples of a Variance request for a Commercial project may be:

  • Permit fewer parking spaces than code requires
  • Permit more lot coverage than permitted in the code
  • Permit smaller parking spaces than code requires

The Board may not grant a variance to permit a Use in a Zoning District where that Use is prohibited; to do so would have the effect of re-zoning.

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1. What is a variance?
2. What is an appeal?