Name of Applicant:_______________________________      Phone:_________________

Address of Property:______________________________      Tax Map:______________

Mailing Address:___________________________________________________________

Property Owner (If not applicant, owner shall provide a notarized statement authorizing application):_________________________________________________________________

Describe the general nature of the variance request:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

To the applicant:

The goal of zoning is to provide area standards that apply to all properties equally within a given zone. Acquiring an exception or variance to zoning setback standards may not be granted if the variance would cause the area of the structure to exceed the maximum permissible lot coverage. It is important you respond completely to the requests below:

1. Please complete the variance criteria form. Pay particular attention to the information provided in parentheses ( ).
2. A detailed plot plan or diagram must be provided showing dimensions and shape of the lot, the size and locations of existing features (buildings, driveways, septic, water, etc), the locations and dimensions of proposed buildings or alterations, and any natural or topographic peculiarities of the lot in question. This plot plan should also include the distances to the nearest structures on abutting properties.
3. Blueprints, surveys, photos and other documents may be helpful in explaining your variance request and should be included in your application.
4. Please complete the relevant dimensions in the space provided below:
   Required Setback _________    Requested Setback _________
   % Of Setback reduction _____    Proposed lot coverage ______
   

I certify that the information contained in this application and its supplement is true and correct.

Date:__________________    Signed________________________________________

This application and all documentation must be filed with the Code Enforcement Officer no later than two weeks prior to the meeting. A fee must accompany the application to cover the costs of notices and the public hearing. (7 copies)

**PLEASE CONTACT THE CODE OFFICE PRIOR TO SUBMISSION**

AREA VARIANCE REQUEST

In order for a variance to be granted, the applicant must demonstrate to the Board of Appeals that the strict application of the terms of the zoning ordinance would cause undue hardship. There are five criteria, each of which must be met before the ZBA can find that a hardship exists. Please explain how your situation meets each of these criteria listed below, either in the space provided or on a separate sheet:

1. The need for a variance is due to the unique circumstances of the property and not to the general conditions of the neighborhood. (The applicant must show that this property has unique characteristics different from surrounding properties and that these differences are the reason for the need for a variance.)
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   


2. The granting of a variance will not alter the essential character of the locality.
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   


3. The hardship is not the result of action taken by the owners or a prior owner. (The applicant must demonstrate that the need for a variance is due to the nature of the property, not the action of owners.)
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   


4. The granting of the variance will not substantially reduce or impair the use of abutting property.
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   


5. The granting of the variance is based upon demonstrated need, not convenience, and no other feasible alternative is available.
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________
   __________________________________________________________________