What must Charlie obtain to extend the side of his house beyond the setback boundary?

To extend the side of his house beyond the setback boundary, Charlie must obtain a variance. A variance is a specific type of permission granted by a local government or zoning board that allows a property owner to deviate from the set requirements of zoning regulations, such as setback distances. Setback regulations dictate how far structures must be from property lines to ensure safety, privacy, and proper land use.

When a homeowner finds that the existing regulations unduly restrict the use of their property or if there are extraordinary circumstances affecting the land, they can apply for a variance. The approval process typically requires a compelling justification, and the board will consider factors such as the impact on surrounding properties and the intent of the zoning laws.

While a building permit is necessary for constructing or altering structures, simply seeking a permit does not address the issue of zoning regulations regarding setbacks. An easement involves granting someone else the right to use a portion of the property, and a zoning waiver is not a commonly recognized term in zoning law. Thus, the process of obtaining a variance is necessary for Charlie to legally extend his house beyond the designated boundary.