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Zoning Variances

Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968)
Section 910.2. Zoning Hearing Board’s Functions; Variances.

(a) The board shall hear requests for variances where it is alleged that the provisions of the zoning ordinance inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant. The board may by rule prescribe the form of application and may require preliminary application to the zoning officer. The board may grant a variance, provided that all of the following findings are made where relevant in a given case:

  • (1) That there are unique physical circumstances or conditions, including irregularity, narrowness, or shallowness of lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the particular property and that the unnecessary hardship is due to such conditions and not the circumstances or conditions generally created by the provisions of the zoning ordinance in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located.
  • (2) That because of such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of the zoning ordinance and that the authorization of a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property.
  • (3) That such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the appellant.
  • (4) That the variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare.
  • (5) That the variance, if authorized, will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least modification possible of the regulation in issue.

(b) In granting any variance, the board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this act and the zoning ordinance.

Zoning Hearing Board Application

Zoning Hearing Board Fees:

  • Zoning Variance – $400.00
  • Challenges to the Validity of the Zoning Ordinance – $350.00
  • Appeal of the Determination of the Zoning Officer – $100.00

* Fees are non-refundable

Contact for more information:
Gina Thompson
HARB, Zoning & Planning Administrator
gthompson@bellefontepa.gov
814-355-1501, Ext. 216