Maybe so. Needing it is different than qualifying for it but maybe so.
I read a LOT of zoning ordinances when we moved to this area, because I knew I wanted chickens. And quite a few when we moved into other areas back when I I was thinking of getting a couple of calves. They vary a lot...
Have you looked into the specifics of getting a variance? Quite often the code is written so that it can't be used to make an exception for an owner of a typical property. The intent is to give a bit of flexibility for unique parcels and specifically not to let some people have different rules...