Zoning bylaws impose regulations on all properties within a defined zone, and may not account for features such as topography and lot shape that are unique to specific properties. 

Planning legislation recognizes that a variance may be required on a property-specific basis. Variances can be issued for a variety of site development regulations, including:

• siting, size, and dimensions of buildings and other structures; or
• the location of uses on the land and within buildings and other structures.

A variance may not be issued for any land use or density restrictions under a zoning bylaw. A zoning amendment would be required.

Examples of where a variance may be beneficial include:

• An embankment may stop the construction of a building at the prescribed setback of the zoning bylaw. A variance could be requested to allow construction at a lesser setback than that required in the bylaw.
• To maintain access to property or support future transportation planning, a panhandle lot may be required which does not meet the minimum road frontage requirements for subdivisions. A variance from parcel frontage requirements can be provided to enable the subdivision.