This CLE course will detail the typical application process and required findings to obtain a zoning variance. Variances are designed to alleviate a zoning hardship that prevents the property from being developed with a viable use. Zoning regulations are often enacted decades after many of the impacted tax lots were first created, in some cases over 100 years ago. Although the zoning regulations attempt to reflect the character of the existing lots and buildings, often there are mismatches and zoning relief is required. Most zoning regulations, particularly in large cities, establish an application process that provides such relief. However, the property owner must detail the reasons relief is justified.