Sherman, NY · Chautauqua County
Application for an Area Variance
Property applicants use this form to appeal a zoning decision or request an area variance and provide details about the property and proposed relief.
What this form is
This application is for an appeal from a Zoning Enforcement Officer’s decision or a direct appeal from the planning board, as permitted by law. It asks for property and applicant details, the decision being appealed, the type and size of variance requested, the reason for the request, and a description of the neighborhood. The form identifies denials of building permit and certificate of occupancy applications as appeal options.
Who needs it
A property owner or authorized applicant seeking an area variance or appealing a zoning decision uses this application.
How to submit it
Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.
About notarization
This application is signed and dated without a notary; if the applicant does not own the property, include the owner's authorization statement.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the area variance application PDF.
- 2
Complete The Application
Fill in the property, zoning, appeal, requested variance, and applicant information.
- 3
Gather Attachments
If you are not the property owner, include the owner's authorization statement. Attach the relevant denied permit or certificate application if applicable.
- 4
Sign And Submit
Sign and date the application, then submit it to the city department named on the form.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the area variance application?
- No. The application has a signature and date field, but no notary block. If you are not the property owner, include the owner's authorization statement.
- How do I submit the area variance application?
- The form does not provide submission instructions. Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.
- What information does the application ask for?
- It requests property location and tax map details, zoning district, applicant contact information, the decision being appealed, and the type, size, and reason for the variance.
- What should a non-owner applicant include?
- The form says that if the property is not owned by the applicant, the application must include a statement from the property owner authorizing the applicant to appeal on their behalf.