Rotterdam, NY · Schenectady County
Area Variance Application
This seven-page application asks Rotterdam property owners or their authorized representatives to provide project details and explain why the Zoning Board of Appeals should grant an area variance.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
The Town of Rotterdam Zoning Board of Appeals uses this application to review requests for relief from zoning requirements. Applicants provide property, project, and adjacent-landowner information, attach a deed and scaled site drawing, and address five variance criteria. The Town requires ten complete sets and an electronic copy; complete applications must arrive at least 21 days before a meeting. Each legal owner signs a sworn statement, and an owner authorization letter is also notarized when submitted.
Who needs it
Property owners seeking an area variance from Rotterdam’s Zoning Board of Appeals, or representatives applying with the owner’s written authorization, need this form.
Why it needs a notary
The form includes jurats for each legal owner’s sworn application statement and for the property owner’s authorization letter; each signer signs before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Application
Get the Rotterdam Area Variance Application and review the procedures and required supporting materials.
- 2
Complete the Form
Fill in the property and project details, answer the variance criteria, and prepare the required attachments.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule an online notarization for each owner's sworn statement and any owner authorization letter.
- 4
Sign on Video
Meet with a commissioned online notary and sign the applicable jurat documents during the session.
- 5
Submit to the Town
Provide the required application sets, electronic copy, attachments, and fee to the Town of Rotterdam.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Rotterdam. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get the owner’s affidavit notarized online?
- Complete the application, then book a session with a commissioned online notary. Each owner whose signature appears on a jurat must sign during the video session.
- Do I need to notarize the owner authorization letter?
- The form includes a notary block on the owner authorization letter. The property owner signing that letter must swear to it before a notary.
- Can I sign this Rotterdam application with a commissioned online notary?
- New York authorizes remote online notarization by its notaries under Executive Law §135-c. Confirm with the city, town or village if unsure whether it will accept your notarized document.
- What else must I submit with the variance application?
- The instructions call for ten complete sets, an electronic copy, a scaled site drawing, a deed, and the applicable non-refundable fee. Other materials may be required depending on the proposal.
Area Variance Application in other Schenectady County cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.