Land Use & Zoning

A 'variance' in zoning law is:

AA change to the comprehensive land use plan

BAn authorization to deviate from specific zoning requirements✓ Correct

CA rezoning of the entire district

DA temporary suspension of building codes

Explanation

A variance is a grant of relief from specific zoning requirements — such as setback or height limits — when strict application would cause undue hardship. It allows a particular use that zoning would otherwise prohibit.

People Also Study

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.

Easement

A non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.

Eminent Domain

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