Variances

Variance requests are usually for relief from setback, lot coverage and building height requirements. The hardship must relate to special circumstances or conditions that are unique to the property and must not be purely economic or self imposed. The Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals cannot change or alter a zoning ordinance but may consider granting a variance from an ordinance upon consideration of the following factors:

1. That special conditions and circumstances exist which are unique to the land, structure, building, or property involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings in the applicable zoning district.
2. That the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant and are not purely economic in nature.
3. That granting the requested variance will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is otherwise denied by the provisions of the Ordinance, and that not granting the request will constitute necessary and undue hardship on the applicant.
4. That the variance granted is the minimum variance that will make possible reasonable use of the land, building, or structure.
5. That granting the variance will be in accordance with the general intent and purpose of the ordinance, and the variance will not be injurious to the area involved or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.

Applying for a Variance

An application for a variance is made through the Community & Economic Development Department via iMS and is due on the 5th day of the month. The case will be heard by the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals (ZBAA) the first Tuesday of the month following receipt of the application. Approved variances are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of approval.

Click here to reach a planner to discuss your project before applying. Please submit the variance application via iMS.

Click this icon for a step-by-step guide to applying for a variance

An application for a variance is made through the Community & Economic Development Department via eTRAKiT and is due on the 5th day of the month. The case will be heard by the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals (ZBAA) the first Tuesday of the month following receipt of the application. Approved variances are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of approval.

Click here to reach a planner to discuss your project before applying. Please submit the variance application via eTRAKiT. Click here for a step-by-step guide to applying for a variance.

Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals

The Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals meets every first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM in the City Commission Chamber of City Hall to review variance requests. The Board is made up of seven citizens appointed by the City Commission and is assisted by the staff of the Community & Economic Development Department. The concurring vote of five members is necessary to grant a variance. To apply for the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals please visit the City Clerk page.

Agenda packets are posted on the Board Meetings & Agendas page.

Download and print a copy of the schedule here.

ZBAA Board Members

Correspondence

Please send any correspondence to members of the Zoning Board of Adjustments & Appeals

to planningtechnicians@lakelandgov.net or by traditional mail:

(Board Member)
c/o Christelle Burrola

CED-City Hall

228 S Massachusetts Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33801