variance legal definition

noun

1. A discrepancy between two documents or statements that should agree; especially in a criminal trial, a disparity between what is alleged in the charges and what is presented at trial as proof.
2. In zoning law, an exception to a specified zoning regulation that may be granted by a zoning board or authority; for example, reducing the number of required parking spaces for a business below the number set forth in zoning regulations as being required for a business of that size or type.