What is meant by “unusual hardship”?

This is a key issue, as the ZBA is only allowed to issue a variance if the applicant can demonstrate that an “unusual hardship” will result from strict enforcement of the regulation. The Connecticut courts have clearly stated that a valid hardship cannot be either self imposed or solely financial. The hardship must apply to the property and not to a person, as a variance stays with the property and remains in effect when there is a change in ownership. A valid hardship must result from conditions especially affecting a specific parcel of land, but not affecting, generally, the district in which it is situated.

There is a huge body of legal language and case law regarding this issue. Additional information can be found at the Pomfret Town Hall (books may be read, but cannot be removed), on the internet, or from a land use attorney.