Variances
Field(s):
Land Use & Law
Region of Focus:
General, North America
A variance is a legal exception to zoning regulations granted to a property owner when strict enforcement of the rules would cause undue hardship due to unique physical conditions of the property. Variances allow for flexibility in land use regulation while maintaining the overall intent of the zoning code.
Variances are typically issued by zoning boards or planning commissions after a public hearing and must demonstrate that the variance will not adversely affect the surrounding area. Variances are often sought for issues such as building height, setbacks, or lot coverage, and they play a critical role in balancing individual property rights with community planning goals.
Last update:
April 16, 2025
Developed by:
The Urban Lexis Editorial Team
Contributor(s):
With support from:
ChatGPT (by OpenAI) and DeepSeek
We acknowledge the assistance of AI tools in helping draft content. Final edits, fact-checking, and curatorial decisions were made by the Urban Lexis Editorial Team to ensure quality and relevance for our planning community.