Land Use & Zoning
A variance in Massachusetts zoning law allows a property owner to:
ARezone their property to a different classification
BUse or develop property in a way that deviates from the current zoning requirements✓ Correct
CBuild without a building permit
DOverride deed restrictions in the neighborhood
Explanation
A variance is permission granted by a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to deviate from the strict terms of the zoning bylaw when literal enforcement would cause undue hardship unique to the parcel.
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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.
ZoningLocal government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.
DeedA written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).
Joint TenancyCo-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.
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