Zoning Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:   What is a variance and how do I get one?
A:    A variance is relief from a particular code requirement, such as a building setback. Depending on the request, a variance application can be quite involved, requiring the assistance of an attorney with expertise in zoning and land use matters. More simple requests are frequently handled by a property owner or architect.  In order for the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a variance, the applicant must show the following:

  There are unusual circumstances affecting the property.
  The applicant did not cause these unusual circumstances to exist.
  These unusual circumstances are depriving the applicant of reasonable use of the property.
  The request is the minimum request which will allow reasonable use of the property.
  Applications are available in Room 316. 

Q: What’s so special about a special exception?
A: In a particular zoning district there are permitted uses – uses of property to  which a property owner is entitled as a right; prohibited uses – uses which are deemed to be incompatible with neighboring properties and special exception uses – uses which may be okay, but need a closer look. In order to have a special exception approved you are required to show: that there is a need for your proposed use at your proposed location and;
the use will be operated in a way that does not cause a negative impact on surrounding properties. (It’s actually a little more complicated than that, and it is advisable to be represented by an experienced attorney.)

Q: What does my grandfather have to do with any thing?
A: One of the more frequently tossed around terms in any zoning discussion is “grandfathered”, although you can search any zoning code and probably not find that word anywhere in the book. so what does grandfathered mean? The correct terminology is “legal nonconforming use”, or “legal nonconforming structure”. A legal nonconforming use is a use of property which began at a time when the zoning regulations permitted that particular activity, but were eventually changed so that use was no longer allowed under the code. For example, a used car business was started back in 1960 at a location where the zoning regulations did not distinguish between new and used car sales. If in 1980, the law changed to prohibit used car sales, no additional used car businesses are allowed in the area, however the pre-existing used car businesses are “grandfathered” and are allowed to remain in business.

2000 Statistics

• General Demographic Characteristics  

• Selected Social Characteristics  

• Selected Economic Characteristics  

• Selected Housing Characteristics  

• Population Report 1960-2000 

• Selected US Census Data for 1980, 1990 and 2000 

• Population Changes by Census Tract

• School Enrollment for Public Schools in Pompano Beach  

• Click on census map for larger version