A legal exception or deviation from a zoning ordinance or regulation that allows a property owner to use their land in a way that would otherwise be prohibited. It is typically granted when strict application of zoning rules would cause undue hardship.
From Latin 'variare' meaning 'to change or vary.' The legal use emerged in early 20th century American zoning law as cities needed flexibility in applying rigid zoning codes to unique situations.
Variances are like getting a hall pass from the city - you're asking permission to break the rules, but only if you can prove the rules are unfairly harsh on your specific property. Interestingly, variances 'run with the land,' meaning they transfer to future owners automatically!
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