Final answer:
When zoning causes undue hardship, the Zoning Board of Adjustment may issue a variance to modify the specific zoning regulations. This process involves quasi-judicial hearings given the complex nature of such issues, and expert legal assistance is recommended for challenging zoning restrictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When zoning causes a hardship on a property owner, the Zoning Board of Adjustment may issue a variance. This variance allows modifications to the zoning regulations applying to a parcel of land when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship due to circumstances unique to the individual property. As zoning regulations are intended to serve the public interest, the boards responsible for these adjustments conduct quasi-judicial hearings that consider all relevant circumstances, including the need of the municipality, the purpose of the regulations, and the specific characteristics of the property and neighborhood.
It is important for property owners to understand that zoning regulations are not absolute and can be challenged on various grounds. These grounds may include the reasonableness of the regulation, its relation to the public welfare, or potential constitutional issues such as a prohibited taking of private property without just compensation. Legal assistance is often advised when challenging zoning regulations due to the complexity of the legal process and specialized nature of these matters.