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Frequently Asked Questions
The Board of Zoning Appeals may only approve a variance
when the following conditions exist, according to the
Code of Virginia (1950, as amended) Section 15.2-2309:
1. That the subject property was acquired in good faith.
2. That the strict application of the Ordinance would
produce undue hardship.
3. That such hardship is not shared generally by other
properties in the same zoning district and the same
vicinity.
4. That authorization of such variance will not be of
substantial detriment to adjacent property.
5. That the character of the district will not be changed
by the granting of the variance.
6. That the condition or situation of the subject property
concerned is not of so general or recurring a nature as to
make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general
regulation to be adopted as an amendment to the
Ordinance.
7. That the variance is not of such a scope as to amount
to a rezoning of the property.
8. That the variance will be in harmony with the intended
spirit and purpose of this Ordinance and will not be
contrary to public interest.
Town of Abingdon, Virginia
Department of Planning
Appeal and Variance Process Guide
Contact Information
You may find the following numbers helpful during your
application process:
Planning Department
Town Attorney
Town Manager
276-628-3167
276-492-2149
276-628-3167
Step 1. Meet with town staff to discuss your proposed project.
Staff members can assist you with the application and answer
any questions you may have about the rezoning process.
Step 2. Applications are always due by the fourth Tuesday of
the month prior to the meeting. A non-refundable application
fee of $100 is due upon submittal ($125 if a special meeting is
called).
Step 3. Your application is reviewed by town staff for
completeness. Applicants are notified if there are any
deficiencies.
Step 4. Complete applications are advertised for public hearing.
Fees for advertising must be paid by the applicant prior to
scheduling the public hearing.
Step 5. The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting is held on the 4th
Tuesday of every month, pending agenda items.
Step 6. Appeal of decisions of the Board of Zoning Appeals
must be received by the Circuit Court of Washington County,
Virginia within thirty (30) days of the decision of the BZA.