Batavia, NY · Genesee County
Use Variance Application – Statement of Unnecessary Hardship
This application helps property owners explain and document unnecessary hardship when asking the Zoning Board of Appeals for a use variance.
What this form is
Applicants use this document to explain how a property meets the four requirements for a use variance, including reasonable return, unique hardship, neighborhood character, and hardship that was not self-created. It also requests property, income, expense, investment, and financial evidence details to support the application. The document says additional pages may be attached and requires income and expense entries to be documented for at least two calendar years or from the purchase date, whichever is less.
Who needs it
Property owners seeking a use variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals use this document to explain the claimed hardship and provide supporting financial information.
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 document is signed and dated without a notary; the financial evidence attachment is supporting documentation, not a sworn statement.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Use Variance Application – Statement of Unnecessary Hardship PDF.
- 2
Complete The Application
Explain how the property meets each hardship requirement and complete the property, income, expense, and investment sections.
- 3
Gather Supporting Evidence
Include competent financial evidence and document income and expenses for at least two calendar years or from the purchase date, whichever is less.
- 4
Sign And Date
Sign and date the application and the statement of income and expense.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Use Variance Application document?
- It asks applicants to explain how the property meets four hardship requirements and to provide property, income, expense, investment, and supporting financial information.
- Who uses this use variance application?
- Property owners seeking a use variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals use it to describe the hardship and provide evidence about the property and its finances.
- Do I need a notary for the Use Variance Application?
- No. This document is signed and dated without a notary. The financial evidence attachment is supporting documentation, not a sworn statement.
- How do I submit the Use Variance Application?
- Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.