What is a variance in property law?

A variance in property law refers to a permission granted by a governing authority, allowing a property owner to deviate from the established zoning requirements, which might include aspects like setbacks, height restrictions, or land use regulations. This deviation is typically sought when a property owner is faced with unique circumstances that do not allow for strict adherence to the zoning code, thus enabling more suitable use of their property without undermining the overall intent of the zoning regulations.

When a property owner applies for a variance, they must demonstrate that their situation is unique and that granting the variance will not negatively impact the surrounding area or community. This concept is rooted in the idea of providing flexibility within zoning laws to account for individual property needs while still maintaining the integrity and goals of community planning and development.

The other options do not align with the definition of a variance. A limit on property taxes, for example, is unrelated to zoning laws or the variances that may be granted for land use. A type of property ownership indicates categorization rather than deviation from zoning laws, while a regulation on land subdivision pertains to the division of land into plots, which does not encapsulate the concept of a variance.