Common Reasons Homeowners in Summit Need to Obtain a Variance

For any residential homeowner in Summit who is planning to make any changes or additions to their property, it is important to understand that you may be required to obtain variance approval or another form of land use permission under municipal law. To be clear, even small additions or changes to your property, whether to your home itself or to the land around your home that is part of your lot, are likely to require you to obtain permission from the City of Summit Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board, depending on the specific plans you have.

If you are required to obtain a variance of any type, you typically must submit specific and detailed plans, and you will need to go through a public hearing process in which members of the public, including neighbors and others in Summit, can ask questions or raise concerns with the plans you are proposing. This might sound daunting, and it can be when you do not have a lawyer representing you. However, when you work with a land use attorney in Summit, your lawyer will be able to handle all aspects of your case, from submitting required documentation to representing you in the public hearing and, if necessary, appealing on your behalf. Are you currently wondering if you need to go through this process? You may be surprised at some of the common structures or development plans that require Zoning Board permission or other permissions in the City of Summit

Development Plans That Require Variance and Other Permissions

Have you been thinking about fencing your backyard or adding a shed? Or have you discussed a minor home renovation with your family? These plans and more are likely to require that you obtain a variance. The following is a list of common additions and alterations to Summit residential property that require approval from the Zoning Board or Planning Board:

• Addition to your home, such as another room;
• Alteration of any part of your home, such as adding or removing a door or window, or even changing equipment or fixtures;
• Basement or attic completion or partial completion;
• Carport;
• Deck;
• Dormer window;
• Fence;
• Hot tub;
• Garage;
• Outdoor storage space;
• Patio;
• Porch;
• Sauna;
• Shed; or
• Swimming pool.

You should also keep in mind that if any of your development plans involve using part of your home as a business, or changing the nature of your property from its zoned use, then you will also need to go through additional steps.

Contact Our Summit Land Use and Zoning Attorneys Today for Help with Your Development Plans

Nearly any plans you have for your residential property in Summit will likely need to be approved by the City of Summit Zoning Board of Approval or the Planning Board. For most types of plans to renovate, or even to add something seemingly minor to your property such as a fence or a shed, you will likely need to obtain a variance that involves the approvals we noted above. While this process can seem daunting for an individual homeowner — especially appearing in a public hearing — the process can be made significantly easier by hiring a Summit land use lawyer to represent you. One of the experienced Summit land use and zoning lawyers at Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan can speak with you today to answer any questions you have, and we can begin working with you on your development plans in the area. Contact our firm to get started.

Source:

cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/View/3616/Development-Regulations-Ordinance-DRO-FINAL?bidId=