Which term describes permission to deviate from a zoning ordinance?

• A. Variance
• B. Zoning permit
• C. Conditional use
• D. Special exception

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how a property owner gets relief from a strict zoning rule. That relief is called a variance. A variance provides permission to depart from the exact dimensional or use requirements of the zoning ordinance because applying the rule would create undue hardship or practical difficulties due to unique features of the property, such as its size, shape, topography, or existing development. It’s not a general permit to build or a change in uses; it’s a narrowly tailored exception granted after showing that the deviation won’t negatively impact the public welfare or the surrounding neighborhood.

A zoning permit simply authorizes construction or alteration that complies with current zoning and building codes. A conditional use and a special exception allow certain uses that aren’t normally permitted in a zone but are allowed under specific conditions and with review.