variance hearing

Has anyone gone to a hearing for a variance? What is the process do they ask questions, etc. Do I need to be prepared with anything?

Any experience or advice is appreciated.

Re: variance hearing

I've been to 2 (for the same permit... )

Depending on what the variance is for, they may just look at the request, ask the room if there are any objections, and approve it. That's what happened for my first variance. I was following the existing back wall of my house, so I needed a variance to build too close to the back fence. The 2nd variance was for the roof height. I needed measurements to show that the house was well below the height restrictions from ground level, even though the town measured the roof height from the street level...

You should have a current survey with the "from" and "to" plans on it (they should have that with the variance paperwork, but it's still a good idea to have another copy), and just explain why you need the variance.

At both of mine, there were maybe 20 other people getting their variance approved as well. There were very few that were more than reviewing the request, chatting amongst the board, asking for any objections (neighbors are allowed to show up and object), then approving it.

Re: variance hearing

I didn't go to ours but DH did and he wishes we had handled it differently. We had our architect/expeditor speak for us because we thought he knew better what he should/should not say and we regret that we didn't approach the board directly. I'd say make yourself available for any questions the board may have.

Good luck -- these can be sooo stressful!

Re: variance hearing

We did and they just called us up, discussed amongst themselves and we were on our way. It was actually much easier than I anticipated.

Re: variance hearing

Thanks for the responses