Zoning Facts: Part 1
Let’s explore the essential world of zoning. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or just curious about how your community grows and evolves, zoning plays a crucial role in shaping our neighborhoods and protecting property values.
From building new structures to making property improvements, understanding zoning laws can save you time, money, and frustration.
When do you need zoning approval?
Zoning approval is typically required when you intend to make changes to how a property is used, constructed, or altered in a way that might affect compliance with local zoning ordinances. Here are some situations when zoning approval is needed for residences:
New Construction
Building a new home or residential building.
Adding structures such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), garages, or sheds that exceed certain size limits.
Renovations or Additions
Expanding an existing home, such as adding extra rooms, a second story, or porches.
Modifying structures in ways that alter setbacks, height, or lot coverage requirements.
Local zoning laws vary significantly, so it’s essential for us to consult the county’s zoning office to determine the guidelines.
What is a variance?
A variance is a legal exception to a zoning ordinance, granted by a local zoning board or planning authority, allowing property owners to use their land in a way that deviates from the established zoning requirements. Variances are typically issued when strict enforcement of zoning laws would cause unnecessary hardship or practical difficulties due to the property's unique characteristics.
An Area Variance allows deviations from physical or dimensional requirements, such as minimum lot size, setbacks (distance from property lines), building height restrictions and lot coverage limits.
What are the steps to a variance?
Step 1: Preparing Your Application
Ensure you have an up-to-date property survey completed within the last five years.
Once the survey is ready, complete your variance application and submit it to the borough office.
Upon submission, the borough will provide you with a list of properties within a 200-foot radius of your property. You are required to send certified letters to the owners of these properties, informing them of the hearing date and the details of your variance request.
Step 2: Preparing For Your Hearing
Approximately two weeks before the hearing date, you will receive a report from the borough’s engineers.
This report will include the engineers’ assessment of your application and property, providing key insights into their review and considerations.The report will be the outline to follow when presenting to the board at the hearing.