Zoning Appeals Board

BZA

The Board of Building Code and Zoning Appeals (BZA) assists in the administration of the Building Code and Zoning Code and the ICC International Property Maintenance Code, particularly to decide and interpret provisions which require impartial adjustments of conflicting interests and to grant variances from the strict letter of the Code in instances of unnecessary hardship.  It is composed of five members, appointed by the Mayor with the approval of City Council. Board members serve a four-year term.
 

Please click here to obtain a packet to apply for a variance.

1248.08 REASONS FOR GRANTING VARIANCES 

 

The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have the power, in specific cases, to vary the application of certain provisions of this Zoning Code in order that the public health, safety, morals and general welfare may be safeguarded and substantial justice done for the following reasons:

(a) Where the literal application of the provisions of this Zoning Code would result in unnecessary hardship peculiar to the property involved and not based on conditions created by the owner (a theoretical loss or limiting possibilities of economic advantage are general hardships, not unnecessary hardships);

(b) Where other exceptional circumstances or conditions (such as topographical or geological conditions, or type of adjoining development) are only applicable to the property involved or to the intended use of the property or to a limited number of adjoining properties;

(c) Where granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the neighborhood in which the property is located; and

(d) Where the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the general purpose, intent and objectives of this Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Plan. When appealing for a variance or modification, the appellant shall state and substantiate his claim that each of the four conditions listed above exists.
(Ord. 1978-165. Passed 10-16-78.)

 

 The BZA meets in City Council Chambers, 18688 Royalton Rd., the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Caucus starts at 6:45 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m.   

The BZA also hears objections to building permits for a $50 fee.

Please refer to the City Codified Ordinances Chapter 1248 and Chapter 1414 in this website for variance criteria. Notice of all meetings scheduled will be given in accordance with Chapter 208 of the Codified Ordinances of the City.  All are encouraged to listen in on Caucus while the Board reviews the evening’s agenda. Minutes of meetings will be posted to this site after they are approved by the Board.


2024 MEETING SCHEDULE

January 10 and 24

July 10 and 31

February 7  and  21 

August 14 and 28

March 6 and 20

September 11 and 25

April 10 and 24

October 9 and 23

May 8 and 22

November 6 and 20

June 12 and 26

December 4 and 18

Dates and/or times are subject to change. Call Mitzi Anderson at (440) 580-3166 to confirm.