What is variance in zoning?
Essentially, a property owner requests a variance when their planned use of their property deviates from local zoning laws designed to protect property values. If granted, a variance acts as a waiver to some aspect of the zoning law or regulations.
What does OS zoning mean?
Open Space
The Open Space (OS) Zone is a two-tier zone. The OS1, OS2 and OS3 Zone variations are intended to be applied to areas located outside of conservation lands (hazard lands, floodplain and steep slopes) and areas which are not environmentally significant.
What is considered a variance?
The term variance refers to a statistical measurement of the spread between numbers in a data set. More specifically, variance measures how far each number in the set is from the mean and thus from every other number in the set. Variance is often depicted by this symbol: σ2.
What does variance notice mean?
A variance is a request to deviate from current zoning requirements. If granted, it permits the owner to use the land in a manner not otherwise permitted by the zoning ordinance. It is not a change in the zoning law. The zoning board notifies nearby and adjacent property owners. …
Is it difficult to get a zoning variance?
While it’s difficult to obtain an area or use variance, there are situations that may allow your application to be granted. This article offers a detailed guide to zoning variances and the many reasons why you might want to apply for one.
How do you justify zoning variances?
Zoning variances are exceptions to the zoning ordinance (law). According to sound theory, zoning variances should be granted only when a property owner would have a unique and unusual hardship, created by the physical characteristics of the land, if the ordinance is strictly and literally applied in their case.
Why would I need a variance?
A variance is a request to deviate from current zoning requirements. If granted, it permits the owner to use the land in a manner not otherwise permitted by the zoning ordinance. It is not a change in the zoning law. Instead, it is a specific waiver of requirements of the zoning ordinance.
What would be a valid reason for a city to approve a zoning variance?
Typically, variances are granted when the property owner can demonstrate that existing zoning regulations present a practical difficulty in making use of the property. Each municipality has rules for variance requests. The zoning board notifies nearby and adjacent property owners.