What is one purpose of a zoning variance?

A zoning variance serves a specific purpose within urban planning and land use management. It is granted to allow an individual property owner relief from the strict application of zoning laws or regulations. This means that if a property owner needs to utilize their land in a way that does not conform to existing zoning rules—due to unique circumstances or hardships—they can apply for a variance.

The approval of such a variance permits deviations from the established zoning requirements, allowing the property owner to use their property more effectively without requiring a complete overhaul of the zoning law itself. This flexibility is crucial in accommodating the diverse needs of property owners while still upholding the overall integrity and intent of zoning regulations.

In contrast, changing property ownership rights, increasing property tax assessments, or defining property value limits do not directly relate to the purpose of a zoning variance, which focuses specifically on modifications to zoning rules rather than other aspects of property rights or valuations.