A variance is a request to deviate from current zoning requirements. If granted, it permits the owner to use the land in a manner not otherwise permitted by the zoning ordinance. It is not a change in the zoning law. Instead, it is a specific waiver of requirements of the zoning ordinance.
Typically, variances are granted when the property owner can demonstrate that existing zoning regulations present a practical difficulty in making use of a specific property. Each municipality has rules for variance requests. Entitle and Permits will file on behalf of the land owner seeking the variance. Normally, the requests require notifying nearby and adjacent property owners and occupants. A Zoning Administrator will then hold a hearing to determine if the variance should be granted.