Criteria for Review of Rulings on Variances Explained

The Second Department explained the general critieria for reviewing a variance-ruling by a town zoning board of appeals (ZBA):

In reaching its determination, the ZBA engaged in the balancing test prescribed by Town Law § 267-b(3)(b), and properly found, inter alia, that the requested variances were not substantial, would not produce an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties, and would not have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood * * * Since the determination under review was not illegal, arbitrary and capricious, or an abuse of discretion, and was supported by a rational basis …, it must be sustained. Matter of Harbor Park Realty, LLC v Modelewski, 2014 NY Slip Op 02931, 2nd Dept 4-30-14