Site Plan
Scaled site plan showing property lines, dimensions, existing structures, proposed changes, setbacks, easements, and north arrow; include legend, scale, and professional seal where local rules require certified drawings.
A complete Real Estate Variance Application clarifies the applicant’s case, reduces processing delays, and documents public notice and agency findings for legal defensibility. Proper preparation helps zoning boards evaluate hardship, community impact, and conditions that may accompany approval under ESIGN‑friendly eSubmission workflows.
Typical users preparing or submitting a Real Estate Variance Application include property owners, authorized agents, surveyors, design professionals, and municipal planning staff.
Municipal planners, zoning officers, and board clerks also use the application to schedule hearings and publish required notices.
Property owner or titleholder who requests the variance; signs the application, provides authorization and supporting documents, and is responsible for fees and compliance with any imposed conditions. The owner’s accurate legal name and contact information are essential for notice and potential appeals.
Authorized agent such as an architect, attorney, or surveyor who completes technical sections, submits plans, represents the applicant at hearings, and coordinates revisions. Agent designation must include written authorization or power of attorney when required by local ordinance.
Scaled site plan showing property lines, dimensions, existing structures, proposed changes, setbacks, easements, and north arrow; include legend, scale, and professional seal where local rules require certified drawings.
Concise narrative explaining the unique physical or practical hardship creating the need for a variance, why strict application of the code is unreasonable, and alternatives considered to avoid the requested relief.
Photographs, elevations, engineering reports, surveys, and traffic or environmental studies that substantiate the claim; label exhibits and cross‑reference them in the narrative and site plan.
Proof of ownership or written authorization from the property owner if an agent files; provide title report excerpt or notarized owner consent as required by local rules.
Completed municipal application form, fee payment receipt, and any affidavit or checklist required for completeness review; include contact for billing questions and identify preferred method of contact for fee refunds or invoice disputes.
Reference applicable zoning code sections, standards the board must apply, and proposed conditions; address public welfare, consistency with the comprehensive plan, and mitigation measures and cite precedent or prior approvals when relevant.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Primary document upload (formats allowed) | PDF, JPG, PNG, max 25MB |
| Signature method and authentication settings | ESIGN-compliant eSignature; email or SMS code |
| Routing order and approvers list | Applicant -> Planner -> Zoning Board -> Clerk |
| Notification and automatic reminder schedule | Email notifications; customizable reminder intervals |
Many agencies accept electronic submission and eSignatures; confirm supported file types, authentication strength, and RON or notarization policies before filing.
14–30 business days depending on staff workload
10–30 days as required by ordinance
Often scheduled 30–90 days after acceptance
Board issues decision within 30 days typical
Varies; commonly 30 calendar days to appeal
Applicant submits materials; staff checks completeness.
Planner assesses zoning consistency and public impact.
Notice published; neighbors may submit comments.
Board hears case, may impose conditions or deny.
Tim Martin, founder of Martin Properties, moved multiple variance requests online to avoid in‑person signatures and reduce turnaround times for clients.
Brian Fitzgibbons, COO of Optica Ventures LLC, used online submissions for multi‑unit redevelopment variance requests, consolidating exhibits and legal narratives into a single package for staff review.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |