There are two types of variances, a Use Variance, and an Area Variance.
A Use Variance is defined as “The authorization by the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission for the use of land for a purpose which is otherwise not allowed or is prohibited by the applicable zoning regulations”.
An Area Variance is “Authorization by the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission for the use of land in a manner which is not allowed by the dimensional or physical requirements of the applicable zoning regulations”.
Each has different criteria that must be addressed as prescribed by New York State Law. An application for a variance requires a Cover Sheet and the appropriate variance application.