American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a reason for granting a variance?

1. To change the zoning of the property

2. To compensate for a deficiency in a real property

3. To create new zoning laws

4. To replat the property

The correct answer is: To compensate for a deficiency in a real property

A variance is a request to deviate from the established zoning regulations for a specific property. This is typically granted to address situations where strict adherence to zoning laws causes undue hardship to the property owner, often due to unique circumstances associated with the land. Compensating for a deficiency in real property aligns with the rationale behind granting variances, as it offers the property owner relief from zoning restrictions that would otherwise negatively impact their use of the property. For example, if a property has physical constraints—like an unusual shape or topography—that hinder its development in compliance with zoning requirements, a variance might allow for modifications that accommodate its specific context. The other options involve actions that do not pertain directly to the purpose of a variance. Changing zoning or creating new zoning laws involves processes like rezoning and legislative changes, which are broader than individual property variances. Replatting pertains to the subdivision of land, often requiring different approvals rather than a variance. Thus, the best answer is the one that accurately reflects the role of variances in addressing unique deficiencies related to a specific property.