Definition
Official permission to deviate from zoning requirements, granted by local government when strict application would cause hardship. It's a get-out-of-jail-free card for zoning violations you'd like to commit.
Example Usage
We need a variance to build our fence three feet taller than allowed, which requires a hearing and probably bribing the neighbors with cookies.
Origin
Municipal planning terminology from the early 20th century zoning era
Fun Fact
Getting a variance typically requires proving 'undue hardship,' which is surprisingly hard to prove when your hardship is 'wanting a bigger garage.'
Source: Zoning and land use terminology
Related Terms
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See “variance” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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