Use Variance Criteria
The Second Department explained the criteria for a use variance as follows:
“[A] landowner who seeks a use variance must demonstrate factually, by dollars and cents proof, an inability to realize a reasonable return under existing permissible uses” …. Here, [the property owner] failed to show, based on competent financial evidence, that it cannot yield a reasonable rate of return absent the requested variance. Therefore, the ZBA’s [Zoning Board of Appeals’] determination to grant a use variance for parking in the BB residence district must be annulled. Matter of Hejna v Board of Appeals…, 2013 NY Slip Op 02395, 2011-08146, Index No 29063/07, 2nd Dept 4-10-13