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1. 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.

2. What is an appeal?

A property owner who feels that a zoning or city official has made an error in a decision or application of the code may file an Appeal to be heard before the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board will consider the code language and information presented by both sides and make a ruling.