Process to obtain a variance to split a lot

[Webster Mangham]

Hi.  I am new to the site and the real estate investing world.  I joined a partnership with a couple of buddies and we purchased a property two weeks ago.  So far, so good.  I am interested in approaching the city about splitting the lot into two.  The city requires that the each lot be 100' in length, and we have one lot that is 194'.  I have approached the city, but was told by the administration staff that I could not split the lot because it would not result in 2 100' lots. 

I assume there is a variance request process, but I do not know how to proceed.  Has anyone faced the same issue before?  If so, any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks,

Web