Written by New Jersey Zoning Law Attorney, Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq.

The other major variance besides a "C" variance is the “D” variance, also known as a “use” variance. "D variances" are really complex and much more difficult to obtain than a "C variance".  There are six different types of use variances.

1.        (D)D(1) variance – An applicant seeks a use or principal structure on their property where such a use or principal structure is prohibited or restricted under the local land use ordinance.

2.        D(2) variance – An applicant seeks to expand in size or intensity his or her pre-existing, nonconforming use or structure.

3.        D(3) variance – An applicant seeks a conditional use variance, meaning that under certain conditions a use or type ofbuilding is permitted provided all of the specified conditions listed in the ordinance are met. If one or more of the conditions is not met, then a conditional use variance is required.

4.        D(4) variance – An applicant seeks a variance that allows an increase in the maximum permitted square footage of a structure.  This term is often referred to as the “floor area ratio of the building” (FAR).

5.        D(5) variance – An applicant seeks a variance allowing an increase in the permitted density of the property.  An example is a 2 family home in a single family district.

6.        D(6) variance – An applicant seeks a variance to allow a structure on a piece of property that exceeds the maximum height limit by 10 feet or 10%.

When dealing with an application for a D variance, the Zoning Board wants to know about “special reasons”. By showing special reasons as defined under New Jersey Law, an applicant is satisfying the positive criteria required for the granting of a D variance. Don’t forget however, that the negative criteria must also be proven, meaning an applicant seeking a D variance, in addition to showing special reasons, must also show that the variance can be granted without causing substantial detriment to the public good and won’t substantially impair the intent and purpose of the municipal zoning ordinance and municipal master plan.

For a "D variance", special reasons can be shown in three ways.

First, the use is “inherently beneficial” to the public good. An inherently beneficial use is generally a use that promotes the general welfare of the community. They are considered to be of universal value needed by the community. Some examples are hospitals, schools, public housing, child-care centers, etc. Uses that may be attractive because they provide jobs, services, products, and recreation are usually not deemed inherently beneficial.

If the D variance application is for a use that is not inherently beneficial, there are two remaining ways to show special reasons to satisfy the positive criteria. An applicant may show special reasons. Special reasons means “the property is particularly suitable for the proposed use”, thus serving the general welfare. Showing a site is particularly suited for a use involves showing that the municipality will benefit by placing the building where it is proposed, despite the fact that the local zoning ordinance prohibits that use in that particular location. Because the site must be uniquely suited for the use, a prerequisite is a showing that other locations in the surrounding area are not as suitable for the use. For example, an applicant may be allowed to build a parking lot for employee parking next to his office, despite the fact that parking lots are prohibited in the zone, because the site is particularly suited for a parking lot due to the fact that adequate space is not conveniently available elsewhere and the lot where the parking lot is placed had previously been a gas station.  When special reasons are shown the negative criteria must again be addressed. This means that in addition to showing the site is particularly suited for the proposed use, the applicant must also show that the variance is not inconsistent with the intent and purposes of the local master plan and zoning ordinance, as well as the fact that the use or structure will not cause substantial detriment to the public good.

The final way for an applicant to obtain a D variance is to show that special reasons exist because the applicant would suffer “undue hardship” if compelled to use the property in conformity with the permitted uses in the zone. This is not the same as the hardship standard for a C variance and is a much harder standard to satisfy. The undue hardship for a D variance involves showing that the property cannot reasonably be adapted to a conforming use. This situation exists mainly in two scenarios. First, when an area is zoned exclusively for outdated uses, such as a downtown main street zoned for residential uses. Second, when a split-zone lot exists, such as a lot that has the front half in a commercial zone and the back half in a residential zone. Courts have made it clear that an inability to make the most profit is not a sufficient reason to justify a D variance based on undue hardship circumstances.

Applying for a "D variance" is complicated. It involves tedious rules and specific proofs that must be established in order to get your variance. Courts have stated that a D variance will always be the exception, rather than the rule. It is important you have an experienced land use and zoning attorney who knows exactly what to show the board to get your variance application granted.

NJ Zoning Law | NJ Zoning Lawyer | Zoning Law Attorney

in New Jersey | D Variance

© Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.

Freehold, Red Bank, Wall, Long Branch, Marlboro, Manalapan, Howell, Jackson, Brick Township, Holmdel, Middletown, Atlantic Highlands, Aberdeen, Toms River, Manahawkin, East Brunswick, Monroe Township, Cranbury, Lyndhurst, Teaneck, Hamilton, Robbinsville, Millstone, Manasquan, Lakewood, Eatontown, West Long Branch, Tinton Falls, Ocean Township, Neptune, Spring Lake, Newark, Hillsborough, Somerset, Hoboken, Jersey City, Parsippany, Edison, Plainfield, South Plainfield, Dumont, Mount Laurel, Vineland, Cherry Hill, Ocean Township, Atlantic City, Camden, Union Township, Kearny, Lambertville

COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2013 Hanlon Niemann, P.C. All rights reserved. All information presented in this website is copyrighted by Hanlon Niemann, P.C., or other individuals or entities as designated. Any republication, retransmission, reproduction, downloading, storing or distribution of all or part of any materials found in this publication is expressly prohibited.

NO REPRESENTATIONS

This material may contain technical or typographical errors. Hanlon Niemann does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness or suitability. IN NO EVENT SHALL HANLON NIEMANN BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATING TO THIS MATERIAL, FOR ANY USE OF THIS PUBLICATION. Hanlon Niemann takes no responsibility and makes no warranty whatsoever for the content or information contained herein.

Information on this website has been prepared for general information. It is not meant to provide legal advice with respect to any specific matter and should not be acted upon without professional counsel.