David's architect told him that the house built on the lot must be within 20 feet from the lot line, while the zoning ordinance requires a 30-ft setback. David must apply and receive:

• A. A variance.
• B. A permit.
• C. A waiver.
• D. A rezoning.

Answer: (A)

Setbacks are limits on how close a building can be to a lot line set by zoning rules. When a plan would place the building closer than allowed, the property owner must seek permission to deviate from that rule. That permission is a variance, granted by the local zoning authority (often the zoning board of appeals). A variance recognizes that strict compliance would cause undue hardship or prevent reasonable use of the property, while still protecting neighbors and public safety.

In this scenario, the plan calls for a building 20 feet from the lot line, but the ordinance requires a 30-foot setback. A variance is the proper route to obtain an exception to meet the property’s needs. A permit would simply authorize construction under the current rules, not override the setback. A waiver isn’t the standard mechanism for zoning deviations, and rezoning would change the entire zoning classification for the area, not provide a one-time exception for this lot.