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Land useSubject 6 of 19

Area variance

Permission to deviate from a dimensional or physical zoning requirement.

Direct answer

What does Area variance mean?

Permission to deviate from a dimensional or physical zoning requirement.

Exam cue: New York boards balance the benefit to the applicant against the detriment to neighborhood health, safety and welfare using statutory factors.

What does it look like in a question?

New York example

A homeowner asks to build closer to the side lot line than the setback permits.

Common exam trap

What should you not confuse it with?

An area variance concerns dimensions. A use variance concerns a use that zoning does not allow.

Related land use terms

Building codeA set of government standards for construction, alteration, occupancy and building safety.Certificate of occupancyAn official document confirming that a building or space may be occupied for the approved use under applicable code and local requirements.Eminent domainThe government's power to take private property for public use with just compensation as required by law.Nonconforming useA land use that lawfully existed before a zoning change but does not comply with the new zoning rule.Police powerThe government's authority to regulate for public health, safety, morals and general welfare.Site planA drawing and supporting materials showing the layout and design of a proposed development or use.
Sources used3 references with section locators

The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.

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