The word gerbil is a diminutive form of  jerboa , though the jerboas are an unrelated group of rodents occupying a similar ecological niche.
A variance is a form of equitable relief that allows a property owner to bypass local zoning laws so they can use their land in the most efficient manner possible. When unusual circumstances make it difficult for a property owner to comply with local zoning laws, cities and counties may grant what are known as variances to allow property owners to circumvent the traditional zoning laws in an area.
A variance is a form of equitable relief allowing the applicant to use his land in an efficient way by bypassing the local zoning laws. A vaiance is likely to be granted for unusual circumstances such as an especially narrow lot or a stream on the property making it especially difficult to comply with the local zoning ordinance.