What is the exam-ready answer?
| Roadmap lesson | 61 of 500 |
|---|---|
| Official syllabus topic | Variances, Special Uses, and Nonconforming Uses |
| Official PSI area | Land Use Controls and Regulations |
| Published area weight | 5% of the 100-question national portion |
| Exam portion | National salesperson portion |
| Source edition | PSI Georgia Candidate Information Bulletin dated July 1, 2026 |
| Last verified | August 2, 2026 |
The Rule
PSI publishes the weight for the complete content area, not a fixed question count for this lesson. Learn the rule well enough to apply it when PSI changes names, numbers, or parties in a new scenario.
Complete lesson
Read each concept as part of one decision system. The exam often gives one accurate statement and three statements that belong to a nearby concept.
Variance
A variance usually addresses hardship tied to the property and provides limited relief from dimensional or similar requirements. It is not a blanket exemption from zoning.
Special or conditional use
The ordinance identifies a use that may be appropriate if the reviewing body approves it under stated criteria and conditions.
Rezoning
Rezoning changes the map classification or governing district. It is a legislative land-use decision, not the same relief as a variance.
Lawful nonconforming use
A use or structure that was legal when established can become nonconforming after an ordinance change. Expansion, rebuilding, abandonment, or discontinuance is governed by local law.
Decision rule
Georgia-specific distinction
Worked example
Scenario. A narrow corner lot cannot meet the side setback because of its unusual shape, and the owner seeks permission to reduce that setback.
Reason it through. The requested relief concerns one dimensional standard and does not ask to change the parcel's district.
Answer. A variance is the likely form of relief, subject to the local hardship standard.
Common exam traps
- Calling every exception a variance
- Assuming a variance rezones land
- Treating illegal use as lawful nonconforming use
- Promising grandfathered status
Original practice questions with detailed explanations
These questions were written for instruction and mapped to the current outline. They are not copied from PSI or any live examination. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Question 1Which action changes a parcel's zoning classification?
- A. Variance
- B. Rezoning
- C. Certificate of occupancy
- D. Building inspection
Show answer and explanation →
Answer: B. Rezoning
Rezoning changes the district classification; a variance normally grants limited relief within the district.
Question 2A legal store becomes prohibited after a zoning amendment. What is its likely status immediately after the change?
- A. Encroachment
- B. Lawful nonconforming use
- C. Variance
- D. Escheat
Show answer and explanation →
Answer: B. Lawful nonconforming use
It was lawful when created and became nonconforming only after the ordinance changed.
Question 3What is a special use?
- A. A private easement
- B. A use allowed after required review under ordinance criteria
- C. Automatic rezoning
- D. A tax exemption
Show answer and explanation →
Answer: B. A use allowed after required review under ordinance criteria
Special or conditional uses require approval under standards stated in the zoning ordinance.
Mastery tracking
Mark this lesson mastered only when every statement is true.
- State the direct answer and decision rule without notes.
- Explain every core concept in plain English.
- Solve the worked example after changing one important fact.
- Identify the Georgia distinction before reading answer choices.
- Answer all three questions correctly and reject every distractor.
- Repeat the topic in mixed practice on a later day.
Recommended next lesson
Continue with Private Land-Use Controls. Continue to roadmap lesson 62 and build on this decision rule.
Return to the Land Use Controls and Regulations hub to see every official branch and the complete lesson sequence for this content area.