Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals is a quasi-judicial party and makes its decisions in accordance to law. It is authorized by state statute and city ordinance. The primary role of a zoning board is to review and decide cases where there is an alleged error in a zoning decision or where a relaxation of the ordinance is sought. Zoning boards may be authorized to participate in three types of decision-making:

Administrative appeal - a legally contested order or decision of the zoning official (usually associated with a contested map or text interpretation).

Variance – a relaxation of a dimensional or use standard specified in the zoning ordinance.

Special exception/ conditional use – a use or dimensional exception listed in the zoning ordinance that is not permitted by right but may be granted if certain conditions are met. ( Zoning boards do not have this authority unless authorized by local ordinance.)

This board meets whenever needed.