Land Use & ZoningIntermediateAlaska Exam

A variance in zoning law is permission to:

AUse property for a use not permitted in the zone

BDeviate from specific zoning requirements (such as setbacks) due to unique hardshipCorrect

CRezone a parcel from residential to commercial

DBuild a structure that violates the building code, as is typical in most transactions

Why Deviate from specific zoning requirements (such as setbacks) due to unique hardship Is Correct

Answer B: Deviate from specific zoning requirements (such as setbacks) due to unique hardship

A variance is relief from the strict application of a zoning requirement (such as setback, height, or lot coverage) granted when the property owner demonstrates unique physical hardship. A variance does not change the permitted use — a conditional use permit or rezoning is needed for that.

Key Land Use & Zoning Terms in This Question

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

Variance

Official permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.

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Key Terms to Know

Variance

Official permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.

Eminent Domain

The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.

Pre-Approval

A lender's conditional commitment to loan a specific amount to a borrower, based on verified income, credit, and assets.

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