Ace the Illinois Real Estate Exam 2025 – Unlock Your Property Pro Potential!

A property owner who wants to make an improvement that is not compliant with zoning ordinances should request a variance. A variance allows the owner to deviate from specific zoning requirements due to unique circumstances related to the property's shape, size, or topographical conditions. By granting a variance, the local zoning board acknowledges that strict adherence to zoning laws would impose unreasonable hardships on the property owner.

Other options might not be suitable for this situation. A special exception generally refers to a use that is permitted under specific conditions established by the zoning ordinance but doesn't apply to all types of non-compliant improvements. A conditional use permit is similar to a special exception in requiring certain conditions to be met, allowing particular types of development that are not typically allowed in the zoning district. A building permit, on the other hand, is necessary for actual construction or significant renovations but does not grant permission to deviate from zoning laws. Therefore, seeking a variance is the appropriate course of action for addressing non-compliance with zoning ordinances.