Buffalo, NY · Erie County
Area Variance Application
Buffalo property owners or applicants use this application to request Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a project that does not meet zoning dimensional or physical requirements.
What this form is
Use this application to request an area variance from Buffalo’s Zoning Board of Appeals when a project does not meet applicable zoning dimensional or physical requirements. The form asks for applicant, property, and project information, plus supporting evidence addressing the variance request. Applicants must attach required materials, which may include site photos, a Notice of Denial, plans, and environmental review documents, depending on the project.
Who needs it
Property owners or applicants seeking an area variance from Buffalo’s Zoning Board of Appeals must complete this application and provide the requested supporting materials.
How to submit it
Send a PDF copy with attachments to Room 913 City Hall by USB flash drive or email/file transfer to [email protected]. Hard copies may be sent to Room 913 if electronic submission is not possible.
About notarization
This document is signed without a notary; the property owner or applicant signs and dates the disclosure affidavit.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Area Variance Application PDF from the city website.
- 2
Complete The Form
Provide applicant, property, project, and variance request information; sign and date the disclosure affidavit.
- 3
Gather Required Attachments
Include site photos and the Notice of Denial, plus other requested project materials that apply.
- 4
Submit To The City
Send the PDF and attachments to Room 913 City Hall by USB flash drive or email/file transfer; hard copies may be sent if electronic submission is not possible.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Area Variance Application?
- No. The document has no notary block; the property owner or applicant signs and dates the disclosure affidavit.
- How do I submit the Area Variance Application?
- Send a PDF with attachments to Room 913 City Hall by USB flash drive or email/file transfer to [email protected]. Hard copies may be sent if electronic submission is not possible.
- What attachments are required for an area variance request?
- All applications require site photos and the Department of Permit and Inspection Services Notice of Denial. Other materials depend on the project and may include plans, elevations, or environmental review documents.
- What information does the application ask for?
- It requests applicant, property, and project information, along with supporting evidence about the variance’s benefits, neighborhood character, alternatives, scale, environmental or physical effects, and whether the difficulty was self-created.
Need something notarized?
This Area Variance Application doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Buffalo form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.