Can Neighbors stop a variance?
If you receive a notice that a neighbor or some property owner nearby to you proposes to build something that would require a zoning change or variance and you object to the purpose, you have the right to voice your opinion and try to prevent this change.
What does the ZBA grant?
What types of relief can the ZBA grant? The ZBA can grant (or deny) two types of relief: interpretive and variance. In either case, the ZBA will either affirm, reverse, or modify the enforcement officer’s decision. In so doing, it will either grant or deny the requested relief.
What does the board of adjustments do?
Boards of adjustment have the power to grant dimensional variances, which are deviations from the dimensional requirements of a zoning ordinance pertaining to height, width, location of structures, or setbacks. When a board grants a variance it must make certain statutorily required findings of fact.
How do you find zoning variance in Philadelphia?
If a variance is required, the first step is to apply for a zoning or use registration permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspection. The application will be rejected. The applicant has 30 days to appeal to the Zoning Board, which will schedule a hearing to decide whether to grant a variance.
How do you get the variance approved?
Usually, the land owner seeking the variance files a request or written application for a variance and pays a fee. Normally, the requests go first to a zoning board. The zoning board notifies nearby and adjacent property owners. The zoning examiner may then hold a hearing to determine if the variance should be granted.
How long does it take to get a variance approved?
You may not appeal a Planning Commission decision on a variance. How long will it take for approval? If a public hearing is involved, 4 to 6 months. If your request is processed administratively without a public hearing, approximately 3 months.
What does a local zoning board do?
Zoning Adjustment Board A group appointed by the local legislative body to consider minor zoning adjustments such as conditional use permits and variances. It is empowered to conduct public hearings and to impose conditions of approval. Its decisions may be appealed to the local legislative body.
What does the zoning board of Appeals do?
The general purpose of the Zoning Board of Appeals is to hear and decide any appeal or decision, order or interpretation by the officer whose duty it is to enforce the zoning ordinance, and it shall have the power to reverse any decision of such officer on a concurring vote of the board as provided by statute.
How long does a variance last?
As a generally accepted legal principle, zoning variances run with the land. That means that they’re unaffected when you sell your house. However, some variances can be limited for 5 or 10 years, and when they expire, the new owner would have to obtain a new variance.
Who can approve variances?