The Warren County Zoning
Ordinance contains certain regulations for the use and development of land.
These regulations include setback distances from property lines, height
limitations, and buffers between different types of development.
Since a zoning ordinance
cannot provide for all situations, there are some cases where its regulations
may not be appropriate. In such cases, a variance, or relaxation of the normal
standards, may be appropriate.
Examples:
Situations where a Variance
is appropriate:
A stream or very steep
slope may not allow the normal setback requirement to be met for a house.
A narrow parcel of land may
not be able to provide required distances from adjoining properties and
still allow for any development of the property.
Situations where a Variance is not appropriate:
A proposal to place a structure
closer to the property line than allowed when the structure could be placed so
as to meet the setback requirements.
A proposal to relax the
requirements in order to minimize expenses for a builder.
The use is not allowed.
How to obtain a Variance?
Come to the Planning and Zoning Department and talk with the Zoning Administrator about your
proposal. Find out if a variance is necessary and if it is appropriate to apply
for a variance.
Complete and submit an
application for a variance to the Planning and Zoning Department. Forms are
available at the Department and the staff will be happy to help you with your
application. There is a fee required for a variance application.
Attend the public hearing held by the Board of Zoning Appeals on the
variance. Once your application is submitted, the staff will schedule a public hearing for your
application. You will be notified of the time and place of hearing, as will
adjoining property owners. Comments on the application will be welcomed. The
Board of Zoning Appeals will make the final decision on the application. The
staff will officially notify you of the final decision.