Variance (Zoning)

What it means

A variance is special permission from the local zoning board to build something that does not meet the normal zoning rules. There are two types. An area variance is for physical requirements — like building closer to the property line than the rules allow, or building taller than the height limit. A use variance is for using the property in a way the zone does not allow — like running a business in a residential area. Use variances are harder to get. The zoning board holds a public hearing and considers things like: how much the homeowner benefits, how it affects the neighborhood, and whether the need was created by the homeowner.

When you might hear this

This comes up when a homeowner wants to build something that does not meet the local zoning rules — the building is too close to the property line, too tall, or in the wrong zone. The homeowner can ask the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance, which is permission to bend the rules.

What to ask