Permit Technician Practice Test

What term is used to describe an easing of the terms of the zoning ordinance?

1. Variance

2. Conditional use

3. Special exception

4. Modification

The correct answer is: Variance

The term that best describes an easing of the terms of the zoning ordinance is indeed variance. A variance is a legal exemption granted to a property owner that allows them to deviate from strict compliance with the zoning regulations. This flexibility is typically sought and granted under specific conditions, demonstrating that there are unique circumstances affecting the property that warrant this exception. In contrast, a conditional use refers to specific uses of land that are not permitted by right but may be allowed under certain conditions. A special exception is similar but is often used for uses that are typically allowed under the zoning ordinance, subject to additional standards or criteria. Modification may refer to changes in the existing ordinance but does not specifically imply an easing of terms in the same way that a variance does. Thus, variance is the most accurate term for describing the easing of zoning ordinance terms.