Considering the existing zoning and the proposed scope-of-work, the municipality will require a variance to be issued.   A variance is merely an exception to the current rules, which will need to be approved prior to receiving a building permit.  Each municipality is a little different, but the general steps are as follows. 

1-      Application of Zoning / Use Permit (this will be denied)

2-      We will have to appeal, usually 30-45 days.  This will schedule a hearing with the          Zoning Board. 

3-      Prior to the hearing, we will want to gather neighbor support, talking to any community groups, issuing a notification mailer, etc.  Each community group has their own requirements for applicants. Most require architectural drawings depending on the proposal. The Applicant must work to gain the support of the community before the hearing before the Zoning Board in order to maximize the chance of being granted a variance. Even with support of the registered community organization, some neighbors may present evidence that the proposed use is likely to cause a detrimental impact on the health, safety, and welfare of the neighborhood.

4-      At the hearing a determination will be made on whether the project can move forward or not.  There is sometimes an appeal process if denied or the AHJ may require additional information.

Navigating the variance process, regardless of the municipality, is a time-consuming process, sometimes grueling process.  Although The Polymath Design Collective has successfully received approved variance application, we prefer to focus on the design and documentation of your project and leave the variance application and process to a real estate attorney.   

Working closely with you, our client and a real estate attorney, Polymath will provide the visual material needed to submit for the application and the hearing presentation, based on what is required. If you do not currently have a real estate attorney, we can help you select one.  Since there is no way to forecast the requirements, all variance related tasks will be invoiced separately as an ASR – Variance at hourly rates, issued every 30 days.