A variance is a legal permission granted by a zoning board or other authorized body to allow a property owner to use their land in a way that does not conform to the local zoning laws. Variances are typically granted when the property owner can demonstrate that they will suffer a hardship if they are not allowed to use their land in the way they are requesting. Variances can be granted for a variety of reasons, such as to allow a property owner to build a structure that is larger than what is allowed by the zoning code or to use their land for a purpose that is not allowed by the zoning code.
Variances can be an important tool for property owners who need to use their land in a way that does not conform to the local zoning laws. However, variances can also be controversial, as they can sometimes lead to the development of properties that are not in keeping with the character of the surrounding neighborhood. As a result, it is important for property owners to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of obtaining a variance before they apply for one.
