Which term refers to permission to deviate from established regulations?

The term that refers to permission to deviate from established regulations is variance. A variance is a formal request to obtain permission to deviate from the specific requirements of zoning laws or building regulations. This process typically occurs when a property owner seeks relief from certain aspects of the law that might impose undue hardship or prevent reasonable use of the property.

The granting of a variance allows for flexibility in the application of existing regulations, recognizing that strict adherence may not always be feasible or justifiable in every situation. When a variance is applied for and approved, it means that the individual or entity has met certain criteria demonstrating that the variance is warranted due to unique circumstances associated with the property.

In contrast, the other options describe different concepts. Deferment usually refers to delaying a decision or action, an exemption implies a complete release from compliance with certain rules, and modification suggests changes are made to existing regulations or designs rather than approval to deviate from them. The distinction is fundamental within regulatory contexts and understanding it helps in navigating licensing and compliance matters in manufactured housing.