Demotown Variance Board

The first step in applying for a variance is filling out a Variance Application and returning it to the Main Office. There is a $125 fee to apply for a variance. Once the application has been submitted and the fee has been paid, a date will be scheduled for a public hearing during which all interested parties will have an opportunity to speak. The date and time of the public hearing must be published in the Town’s official newspaper, The Rome Sentinel, at least ten business days prior to the hearing and all neighboring property owners are notified in writing. The Variance Board must take into consideration all of the facts surrounding the proposed project and may conduct a site visit. Additional meetings of the Variance Board may be scheduled, as needed, to ensure a thorough review of all relevant information has been completed. The applicant must show substantial cause for a variance to be granted. Once a determination has been made by the Variance Board, the applicant will be notified. The process may take several weeks or more to complete due to the need to properly advertise the public hearing, so advance planning on the part of the applicant is necessary.