Requesting an Administrative Variance

Exceptions Granted from Building Setback Requirements

An administrative variance is an exception granted by the Planning director from any building setback requirement. This may include exceptions to setbacks for existing or proposed structures. Administrative variances are evaluated for a specified hardship as outlined by the zoning ordinance.

An administrative variance for a building setback requirement may be granted by the Planning director when the director finds in writing that:

  • The strict application of the ordinance requirement would produce undue hardship.
  • Such hardship is not shared generally by other properties in the same zoning district and the same vicinity.
  • The authorization of such variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property.
  • The character of the zoning district will not be changed by the granting of the variance.

Administrative Variance Process

  1. Initiate Request

Initiate Request

Contact the Planning Department by calling 804-748-1050 to speak to a planner and discuss your administrative variance request. During this call, planners will help identify the need for supporting documentation for your request, which may include a sketch plan of the site showing existing or proposed setback for a structure with a statement explaining the hardship of the proposed location.

  1. Staff Evaluation
  1. Pre-Application Meeting
  1. Submittal of Online Administrative Variance Application
  1. Application Review
  1. Adjacent Owner Objection
  1. Approval or Denial of Request
  1. Appeal of the Director's Decision