How do I request a variance?

Apply to the Board of Adjustment under Sec. 2.3.8. The Board must find that strict application of the dimensional standard would create an unnecessary hardship (you do not need to show that no reasonable use of the property remains), that the hardship comes from conditions peculiar to the property such as its location, size, or topography rather than personal circumstances or neighborhood-wide conditions, that the hardship was not self-created (simply buying the property knowing about the constraint does not count as self-created), and that granting the variance is consistent with the purpose of the regulation. No variance may be granted from the permitted-use schedule itself, only from dimensional standards. A variance permit runs with the land but lapses if development under it stops for 12 months. Confirm the application process and fees with Planning and Community Development at 919-249-3426.