What is a (c.) (1) or hardship variance?
This variance may be sought where an applicant can show that strict application of the ordinance, where there are unique and exceptional characteristics of the subject property, would result in undue hardship to the applicant.

In Ric-Cic Co. vs. Bassinder, 252 N.J. Super. 334 (App. Div. 1991), the court held that denying setback and off-street parking variances would create hardship where they would make development of the applicant's property impossible under the circumstances. The applicant was rebuilding a restaurant on an ocean pier which had no space for parking or for the required setbacks.

Note: Personal hardship is not grounds for granting the variance. Nor is a self-created hardship grounds for granting the variance such as when an applicant constructs a dwelling in ignorance and in violation of the required setbacks. Negligence or flagrant violation of the zoning laws will not be rewarded with a variance. The proper analysis focuses upon the hardship arising out of the conditions peculiar to a specific piece of property.

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1. If I make a zoning complaint about a particular property or person does my name or written complaint become public record?
2. My neighbor and I are having a dispute regarding the boundary line of our properties. Can the Zoning Office help me?
3. My neighbor's tree hangs over the fence into my rear yard. I am afraid that a tree limb will fall into my yard and cause damage. Can the Zoning Office help me?
4. Can I make an anonymous zoning complaint?
5. What is an Administrative Officer Error Appeal?
6. What is an interpretation of the land use ordinance?
7. What is a special questions application?
8. What is a (c.) (1) or hardship variance?
9. What is a (c.) (2) or substantial benefit variance?
10. What is a (d.) (1) or Use Variance?
11. What is a (d.) (2) or variance for the Expansion of a nonconforming use?
12. What happens to a variance if I sell my home or business?
13. Does the Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board have to grant me a variance?
14. I was told that a homeowner on the other side of town received a variance similar to the variance that I am requesting. Shouldn't my variance be granted too?
15. Do I need a lawyer to represent me before the Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board?
16. I was advised by the clerical employee at the Zoning Office that I should request a certain type of variance and that the Board of Adjustment should grant my application. Is that true?
17. The Zoning Officer refuses to give me a zoning permit and says that I will have to obtain a variance. Can the Mayor or committee members order the Zoning Officer to give me a variance?