Zoning Variances: Flexibility for Property Use and Business Development
Zoning variances, while not widely understood, play a crucial role in property use and development. They offer flexibility in situations where adhering strictly to zoning regulations would cause hardship or hinder reasonable property use. Let's delve into the world of zoning variances, their types, application process, and importance for businesses.
Zoning ordinances dictate how properties are used in specific areas, safeguarding residential zones from industrial influences and specifying land uses for agricultural, commercial, and other purposes. However, these regulations can sometimes pose challenges, leading to the need for zoning variances. These variances are formal exceptions to local zoning ordinances, allowing property owners to use their land in ways otherwise prohibited by standard zoning laws.
There are two main types of variances: area and use. Area variances involve requests like reducing required setbacks from roads, while use variances pertain to changing a property's designated purpose. Navigating the zoning variance application process involves understanding local zoning laws, determining the type of variance needed, preparing the application, engaging with the community, submitting the application, attending a public hearing, and following up on the decision. Strategies for addressing community concerns and opposition include hosting information sessions, engaging directly with opponents, leveraging support, emphasizing benefits, offering compromises, and considering professional representation.
An example of a zoning variant in a residential area is the 'Shared Space' concept used in Bohmte, Germany. Here, traditional traffic rules and signs are minimized to create a shared space that promotes social behavior and voluntary changes in driver conduct instead of restrictions. This integrates living space functions with traffic flow through design elements like narrowed lanes and visual focus on local buildings.
Zoning variances matter for businesses as they can affect where certain types of businesses can operate, parking requirements, property changes, home-based businesses, and the application process for small businesses. Understanding the zoning variance process and engaging with the community can help property owners and businesses navigate these regulations effectively, ensuring their needs are met while respecting local zoning laws.
