THE DEVELOPER'S GUIDE TO OMAHA - City of Omaha

ZONING VARIANCEThere may be times when the details of a project do notor cannot conform to the site development regulationsfor the current zoning of a property. The Zoning Boardof Appeals (ZBA) is authorized to grant a waiver of thezoning ordinance when strict interpretation of theordinance produces a hardship or practical difficulty.This waiver does not require Planning Board or CityCouncil approval.PROCESS APPLICANT PROCESSING AGENCYPre-application ConferenceContacts Planning Department to discuss project andneed for a variance.Planning Department discusses the project with theother departments and provides advice on a variety ofdevelopment related issues back to the applicant.Application and PlanningDepartment ReviewFiles variance application, supplemental information,and fee.Planning Department reviews application, site, andformulates its recommendation and notifies adjacentproperty owners. The application and recommendationare forwarded to Zoning Board of Appeals.Zoning Board of Appeals MeetingAttends ZBA public hearing to formally presentproposal, provide information and answer questions.ZBA holds a public hearing on the request and makesdecision to grant or deny the variance.All approved variance are effective the followingbusiness day.Appeals of the ZBA’s decision are made toDistrict Court.Processing time: 3-4 weeks.ZONING VARIANCE PROCESSNeed for varianceidentified andconference held withPlanning Department.File applicationand fee. Staff siteinspection andrecommendation.Zoning Boardof Appeals1. Public Hearing2. DecisionVariance effectivefollowing day.7