What is a use variance?

A use variance is a specific type of zoning variance that grants permission to use land in a manner that is not typically allowed under the existing zoning regulations. This is important for property owners who want to utilize their land for purposes that differ from the designated zoning classifications. For instance, if a property is zoned for residential use but the owner wants to use it for a commercial purpose, they would need to apply for and be granted a use variance to proceed legally.

This concept is key to understanding the flexibility of zoning laws. Zoning ordinances are established to create consistency in land use and to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. However, there are circumstances where strict adherence to these rules may not be feasible or fair. A use variance allows for that flexibility by enabling a property owner to develop land in a way that serves both their interests and potentially provides benefits to the community, despite it not conforming to the standard zoning regulations.

The other options reflect permissions that do not align with the definition of a use variance. Altering an exterior of a building typically falls under building permits and not variances. Operating a business in residential neighborhoods would be a specific circumstance of a use variance, but it does not encompass the broader definition. Ext