Under Public Act 474 of 1996, if the acquisition of a portion of a parcel of property needed by an agency would leave the remainder of the parcel in nonconformity with a zoning ordinance, the agency, before or after acquisition, may apply for a zoning variance for the remainder of the parcel. The bills amended the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and various zoning Acts to permit a condemning agency to seek a variance from certain zoning regulations in order to conform with these provisions of Public Act 474. For example, a condemning agency that acquires a parcel zoned for development as an office building may seek a variance for the portion of the parcel that the agency did not take under the Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act. Without the variance, the balance of the parcel perhaps could not be developed for its best use because it does not meet local zoning regulations, and the agency would have to compensate the owner for the property's loss in value. Traditionally, it was up to the property owner to seek a zoning variance, but an uncooperative owner could refuse to do so and, instead, try to get compensation for the nonconforming property. This amendment in Public Act 474 enables an agency to take steps to prevent avoidable expense, relieves the owner of having to seek a variance, and removes uncertainty over whether a variance will be granted.