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Legal

Variance

Definition

Permission from a zoning authority to deviate from applicable zoning requirements.

Example

The setback variance allowed construction three feet closer to the property line than code permitted.

Frequently asked questions

What does Variance mean in real estate?

Permission from a zoning authority to deviate from applicable zoning requirements.

How is Variance used in practice?

The setback variance allowed construction three feet closer to the property line than code permitted.

This definition is provided for educational purposes. Legal and tax terminology can carry jurisdiction-specific meaning — confirm with a licensed professional before relying on it in a transaction.