Zoning laws can impose significant barriers to property development—especially when applied to lots created long before modern regulations existed. This CLE course offers a comprehensive look at the process for obtaining a zoning variance, a critical tool for property owners facing regulatory hardship.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how variances function to address mismatches between existing land conditions and current zoning requirements. The course will walk through the typical application process, including the legal findings and supporting documentation required to justify zoning relief. With a focus on urban zoning frameworks, particularly in older cities, the session explores how historic land divisions can complicate compliance and when variances are necessary to enable viable property use. Attorneys will leave with practical insights into advocating for clients seeking to overcome zoning obstacles.