What does the Use Variance Application ask for?

It asks for property, applicant, and owner information and requires supporting materials, including a cover letter, record of denial, tax map, site sketch, and application fee.

How do I submit the Use Variance Application?

Submit the required materials to the Planning and Community Development Director at 245 Washington Street, Room 305, Watertown, NY 13601. Include eight complete sets, or nine if county review is required.

What supporting materials are required?

The checklist calls for a cover letter, metes and bounds description, record of denial, highlighted tax map, $200 application fee, SEQR form if necessary, and site sketch or drawing.

Watertown, NY · Jefferson County

No notary required

Use Variance Application Form

Property applicants use this form to request a use variance from Watertown’s Zoning Board of Appeals and provide information about the property and proposed use.

What this form is

The application asks for the property address, tax parcel number, zoning district, and applicant and owner contact information. Applicants must include a cover letter addressing the hardship tests, a property deed or metes and bounds description, record of denial, highlighted tax map, site sketch, and a $200 application fee; a SEQR form is required unless an exception applies. The form notes that applying does not guarantee approval.

Who needs it

A property applicant seeking a use variance from Watertown’s Zoning Board of Appeals needs to complete this application and provide the listed supporting materials.

How to submit it

Submit the required materials to Michael A. Lumbis, Planning and Community Development Director, City of Watertown, 245 Washington Street, Room 305, Watertown, NY 13601. Provide eight complete sets, or nine if Jefferson County Planning Board review is required; the application fee is $200.

About notarization

This application is signed and dated without a notary; the attached SEQR form also calls for the applicant’s signature and date.

How to submit this form

1
Download The Application
Download the Use Variance Application and review its checklist and instructions.
2
Complete The Form
Fill in the property, applicant, and owner information, then sign and date the application.
3
Gather Supporting Materials
Prepare the listed attachments, include the $200 application fee, and assemble eight complete sets, or nine if county review is required.
4
Submit To The City
Submit the required materials to the Planning and Community Development Director at the address listed in the instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Use Variance Application ask for?: It asks for property, applicant, and owner information and requires supporting materials, including a cover letter, record of denial, tax map, site sketch, and application fee.
Do I need a notary for the Use Variance Application?: No. This application is signed and dated without a notary. The attached SEQR form also calls for the applicant’s signature and date.
How do I submit the Use Variance Application?: Submit the required materials to the Planning and Community Development Director at 245 Washington Street, Room 305, Watertown, NY 13601. Include eight complete sets, or nine if county review is required.
What supporting materials are required?: The checklist calls for a cover letter, metes and bounds description, record of denial, highlighted tax map, $200 application fee, SEQR form if necessary, and site sketch or drawing.

Need something notarized?

This Use Variance Application Form doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Watertown form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.