Zoning Variances – Working With Your Local Building Department by Home Architects Simply Additions

Jan. 13, 2009 - PRLog -- Example: John Smith lives in Rocky Hill, CT in a nice saltbox home. He wishes to add a two car detached garage to his property, but his proposed garage would exceed his towns zoning setback laws by a mere two feet. John Smith can visit his town hall with his proposed plans for the garage and apply for a zoning variance, which if accepted would allow him to build the garage he needs.


Your Local Town Hall

All towns have zoning laws that govern the development of both residential and commercial property. Sometimes, a builder or homeowner does not have the ability to meet or has a need to step outside the boundaries of these laws. In such cases, a variance to a zoning variance can be requested.


How to Apply for a Zoning Variance

Step1
Bring your plans to your local building department and ask them if your project is possible.

Step 2
If the building official informs you that you need to file for a variance, request an application to file a variance with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Step 3
Ask the building official for a plot plan to review your property setback limits for yourself and if the variance you are requesting deals with information that is viewable on the plot plan, such as sewer locations, water lines, etc.

Note: Sometimes a plot plan will not be enough for your Town Hall and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and you may need to pay for a class A-2 survey to be completed by a licensed surveyor.

Step 4
Fill out all information on the application and include detailed descriptions of your project and why you need a zoning variance to make it possible.

Example: My house at 126 Goldleaf Lane is in need of a 24’ x 24’ two car detached garage. With my current setback limits on the right side of my property, this garage will need a variance of 2’ in order for me to acquire a building permit.

Step 5
Zoning Variance Applications must be filed and paid for to request a Zoning Hearing. Please ensure that you have all that is required prior to filing for the variance by confirming with your Town Hall Officials. Inadequate paper work or lack of detail in the Zoning Variance Application will slow down the process and possibly result in a disproved variance.

Step 6
Attend your Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing where you will be asked to briefly discuss your case and provide the committee with any documentation that you were well informed of to bring with you. Sometimes the ZBA will require notarized documents, or certified letter receipts to all of your neighbors, again please make sure you prepare properly so that you do not waste your time as well as the board time.


As a premiere builder of homes, home additions, and commercial project, we are equally dedicated to educating consumers about building processes. Our website http://www.simplyadditions.com is a source for building, construction, and process information to all consumers who seek information in these areas. Simply Additions is a local Connecticut Design/Build Construction Company that has won many awards ranging from sources such as the Ct Better Business Bureau to awards from the State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal himself. Our dedication is to our consumers and to everyone who can benefit from our professional guidance, products, and services. Please contact Voitek L. Klimczyk for media relations by visiting our websites contact us page.

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