What is a request for a variance?
A. A request for a variance is what a property owner seeks when strict compliance with the zoning ordinance such as application of setback, height, or area regulations would create an unnecessary hardship on the owner of a particular piece of property. To be considered for a variance, the board of adjustment must be assured that the hardship is not self-imposed, is unique to the property (size, shape, topography of the lot or tract), is not financial in nature; and does not simply preclude development for the “highest and best use” of the land.
