What is a zoning variance in Troy, Michigan?

A variance is permission to deviate from a specific zoning standard, granted by Troy's Zoning Board of Appeals. The ZBA has 7 members plus 2 alternates appointed by City Council, including one member from the Planning Commission (Section 15.02).

For a dimensional variance, such as a reduced setback, the standard is practical difficulties, and a majority vote decides (Section 15.04.E). The board must make findings, including:

• Exceptional characteristics of the property itself
• The difficulty relates to the premises, not the person
• The difficulty is not self-created
• No harm to neighbors or the public
• The variance granted is the minimum necessary

The self-created prong matters most in practice. If you caused the problem, by splitting the lot or building first and asking later, the findings fail.

For hearing dates, check the city's posted meeting schedule. Application questions go to the Planning Department at 248-524-3364.