Which term describes a request to vary from the literal interpretation of the ordinance, potentially granted when there is undue hardship on the owner?

• A. Zoning special exception
• B. Zoning variance
• C. Grandfathering
• D. Legal nonconforming use

Answer: (B)

This is about a zoning variance. A variance is a permission to depart from the exact terms of the zoning ordinance when strict application would cause undue hardship for the property owner due to a unique property feature, such as shape, size, or location. The hardship isn’t about convenience or cost, but about inability to use the land reasonably under the current rules. The variance is granted by the zoning board of appeals and aims to balance the owner’s need with the public interest, preserving the neighborhood’s character.

This differs from a special exception, which allows a use that isn’t automatically permitted but can be allowed under specific conditions, usually without requiring hardship. It also differs from grandfathering or legal nonconforming use, which protect existing uses or structures that didn’t conform to current zoning at the time of the rule change. They aren’t about deviating from the ordinance due to hardship.