Does every applicant for a variance get one?

No, by state law, the issuance of a variance is limited by the following strict criteria:

  • A variance cannot undermine the overall purpose and intent of the Zoning Regulation
  • A variance cannot be issued if it would endanger public health and safety.
  • A variance must be supported by a claim of “unusual hardship” which would be caused by a strict enforcement of the regulation.