How do I get a zoning variance in Sterling Heights?

Apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals through the Office of Planning. For a dimensional (non-use) variance, the Board must find a practical difficulty: strict compliance would unreasonably prevent use of the property or be unnecessarily burdensome, a lesser variance would not do substantial justice, the circumstances are unique to your property, and the problem is not self-created (Section 30.02.C.6.a). A majority vote decides.

A use variance is much harder: five concurring votes, proof of unnecessary hardship (the property cannot yield a reasonable return under any permitted use), and you must first obtain a written determination that the use is not permitted or a City Council denial of a rezoning (Section 30.02.C.6.b).

Hearings are noticed by mail to owners within 300 feet and published at least 15 days ahead (Section 28.20). A granted variance lapses after one year without a permit application, extendable once by six months (Section 30.02.E). Note the separate lanes: fence variances go to the Board of Ordinance Appeals (Chapter 19, 19-11), and some temporary sign relief goes to the Administrative Review Board first (Section 28.13.L.11). Properties with open code violations cannot even get on the agenda until resolved (Section 30.02.C.6.c).