Variances - Board of Adjustment

Process Description:
The Raleigh Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board of city and county citizens elected by the City Council. The purpose of this group is to hear requests for Variances to the Zoning Code, Special Use Permits, and appeals of zoning code interpretations made by the Zoning Administrator.

Variance permits are classified as (but not limited to): Limited Home Business, Day Care Facility, Nonconformity and other Special Use permits as listed in the City of Raleigh Zoning Code - Part 10 Chapter 2 Section 2144. Special Use permit applications are reviewed and approved by the City of Raleigh Board of Adjustment.

Are there any prerequisites to this process?

• The completed Variance Application must be reviewed by a Zoning Technician located at One Exchange Plaza Suite 400, Raleigh NC PRIOR to being submitted to the City Clerk's Office. Please allow adequate time for this review.
• Completed and reviewed applications must be received in the City Clerk's Office at least three weeks prior to the meeting date (Filing Deadlines and Meeting Dates) to allow time for placing on the Board of Adjustment Agenda.
• Application must be approved by the Board of Adjustment prior to permit issuance.

How do I start the process?

• Contact the Zoning Division at (919) 516-2550 or email barbara.simpson@raleighnc.gov in the Zoning Division to discuss the proposed use and determine if project qualifies as a Special Use.
• Obtain and complete the Variance Application and then submit to the Zoning Technician located at One Exchange Plaza Suite 400, Raleigh NC. The application must be signed and notarized by the property owner.
• Client will need to obtain a GIS Zoning Map from the Zoning Division located at the One Exchange Plaza Suite 400. If the property is not shown on this map, please request a copy of the portion of the Wake County Property Map which shows the property and ask the technician what the zoning of the property is. Mark the property in black ink on the map.
• Adjacent property owner information, and corresponding PIN numbers are required as part of the application. This information must be supplied in mailing label format at the time the application is reviewed by the Zoning Technician.

What do I need to submit to the City?

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE

Required for Submittal

Completed Variance Application signed and notarized by the property owner List of adjoining property owners and corresponding PIN numbers (in mailing label format) Scaled drawing GIS Zoning Map Include photographs or any other exhibits that may support the request. If exhibits are in color, please submit 12 copies. The City Clerk's Office will provide black and white copes for all other exhibits. Filing fee $200

What additional documents may be needed?

• Supplemental A - Limited Home Business
• Supplemental B - Daycare Facility
• Supplemental C - Other Special Use Permits (Adult Establishments) - See City Code
• Supplemental D - Nonconformity
• Board of Adjustment Motion for Rehearing Application

Where can I find detailed information regarding submittals?

• Board of Adjustment Variance Application
• Board of Adjustment Filing Instructions
• Board of Adjustment Rules of Procedure
• Filing Deadlines and Meeting Dates
• Board of Adjustment Agenda
• Board of Adjustment Decisions
• Rezoning

Where do I submit my application?

*Note: Remember that the Zoning Technician must review the completed application before submitting to the City Clerk's Office.

What are the keys to success?
Variance requests must be supported by a practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship placed on the property owner by current zoning code requirements.

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?
$200 filing fee is due upon submittal of application to the City Clerk's Office located at 222 W. Hargett Street Room 207 Raleigh N.C.

How long will this process take?
The Board of Adjustment meets once a month. The application must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office no later than three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled meeting date (Filing Deadlines and Meeting Dates). This process takes a minimum of one (1) month.