What is a zoning variance in Royal Oak?

A variance is permission to deviate from a specific zoning standard, granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Royal Oak's ZBA has nine regular members, no alternates, appointed by the City Commission (§ 770-121).

For a dimensional (nonuse) variance, such as a setback or lot coverage relaxation, the standard is practical difficulties, decided by majority vote (§ 770-124B(3)). The ZBA must find:

• Unique circumstances of the property
• That no lesser relaxation would suffice
• That the difficulty is not self-created
• That the relief granted is the minimum necessary (§ 770-124E(2))

A variance runs with the decision for a limited time; ZBA orders are valid for 1 year (§ 770-125K).

A variance is not a tool for changing what use is allowed; that is a use variance, with a harder standard. For application forms and hearing dates, contact the Planning Division at 248-246-3280 and check the city's posted meeting schedule.