What is/are not meant to be a method of completely departing from the intent of zoning ordinance, but rather a means of judiciously affording relief to those adversely affected by a zoning ordinance?

Variances serve as a mechanism within zoning regulations that allows for deviations from established zoning ordinances under specific circumstances. They are not intended to completely set aside the intent of the zoning laws but are instead designed to provide relief for individuals or properties that experience undue hardship due to the strict application of these laws. This helps ensure that the zoning system remains flexible enough to accommodate unique situations without undermining the overall planning goals and regulations.

By allowing variances, zoning authorities can address specific cases where compliance would be impractical or would cause unnecessary difficulty, thereby fulfilling the intent of zoning regulations while also being responsive to the needs of property owners. The process typically involves an application, public notice, and a hearing to assess the merits of the request, ensuring that decisions are made judiciously and transparently.