Variances - Legal & Architect Costs

[Ron A.]

Hi, a friend is interested in developing his property and he is trying to decide if applying for a variance is worth the cost.

The land includes 2 properties, about 25' x 75' each and is located in the West Side area.

The properties are located on a block zoned for R1- 1-2 Family.

Just one block over, the area is currently designated as R-3 Multi-Family Mid-Rise.

One architect offered a fixed rate $42,000 fee that includes all of the plans, updates, zoning paperwork, and testimony in court.

Another architect offered $10,000 for just the plans and any updates to the plans.

What criteria would you use for this decision? Legal costs vs income produced over 30 years?

Are there any precedents for more air rights in cases like these or is it just not worth the headache?