In 2026, Owen built a detached garage five feet into a required setback without first obtaining zoning approval. After the city issued a violation notice, Owen asked the zoning board for a variance, arguing that moving the garage would be expensive. Under standard variance principles, which statement is most accurate?
Correct Answer
A) A self-created hardship generally does not justify granting a variance
Variance relief is generally disfavored when the hardship is self-created by the owner's own actions, such as building first and seeking permission later. The mere cost of correcting an unauthorized improvement usually does not convert the problem into a qualifying land-based hardship.
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