What is a variance and how do I get one in Ferndale?

A variance is permission to deviate from a specific zoning standard, granted by Ferndale's Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA has seven members: six appointed by the mayor with Council confirmation, plus one City Council ex-officio member; four members are a quorum (Sections 19.02, 19.03).

For dimensional variances, the standard is practical difficulties. Findings include special conditions peculiar to the land, deprivation of rights commonly enjoyed by similar properties, that the difficulty is not self-created, no special privilege, and that the variance is the minimum needed (Section 19.07).

Voting thresholds matter:

• Ordinary variances need a majority of the full membership, not just of members present
• Use variances need a two-thirds concurring vote of the full membership (Section 19.03)

A variance expires in 1 year unless construction begins (Section 19.05.B). For application deadlines, check the city's posted meeting schedule or call CED at 248-336-4370.