Variance

A variance is a specific type of relief granted when a property owner can prove that complying with the zoning ordinance would cause an undue hardship. Crucially, this hardship must relate to the physical characteristics of the land itself, such as an odd shape, a sinkhole, or a protected creek, rather than a financial difficulty of the owner. For example, if a setback rule requires building 25 feet from the road but a steep drop-off makes that impossible, the board may grant a variance to build closer to the road. Once granted, a variance "runs with the land," meaning the permission transfers to any future owners of that property.