Priya owns a legally zoned residential lot that is much narrower than neighboring parcels. She wants to build a house that is otherwise permitted, but she cannot meet the side-yard requirement because of the lot's unusual width. Which type of relief is she most likely seeking?
Correct Answer
D) An area variance
An area variance provides relief from dimensional requirements such as setbacks, frontage, height, or lot width when a parcel has unique physical constraints. Priya is not asking for a different use; she is asking for flexibility in a side-yard rule.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
A variance is an authorized deviation from the existing zoning ordinance granted to a property owner who demonstrates unique hardship. It allows a use or structure that would otherwise violate the current zoning rules.
Wetlands protection refers to federal and state regulations that restrict development on wetlands — areas where water covers the soil or is near the surface for part of the year. The primary federal authority is the Clean Water Act enforced by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Zoning is the government's division of land into districts with specific permitted uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural. It is the most common exercise of police power over private property.
More Land Use Controls Regulations Questions
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In July 2026, Harper bought 18 acres on the edge of town and planned to divide it into 24 residential lots with new interior streets and utility easements. Before most jurisdictions will allow those lots to be marketed, what approval is typically required?
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A repair shop became a legal nonconforming use after a city rezoned its block to residential. The shop then closed, removed its equipment, and remained vacant for 18 months. The ordinance states that a nonconforming use is lost after 12 months of abandonment. When the owner tries to reopen the shop, what is the most likely result?