What is a Zoning Board? Zoning Definition
A local government body, often called the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), that hears and decides requests for variances, special exceptions, and appeals of zoning decisions made by administrative officials.
A zoning board, commonly known as a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) or Board of Adjustment, is a quasi-judicial body appointed by a local government to review and rule on specific zoning matters. Unlike the planning commission, which deals with long-range planning and policy recommendations, the zoning board focuses on individual cases where property owners seek relief from strict application of the zoning ordinance.
The zoning board typically handles three main types of cases. First, it considers variance requests where a property owner asks for permission to deviate from dimensional standards such as setbacks, height limits, or lot coverage. Second, it hears appeals when someone disagrees with a zoning administrator's interpretation or decision. Third, in many jurisdictions, it decides on special exception or conditional use applications for land uses that are allowed in a zone but only with board approval.
Zoning board hearings are public proceedings where applicants present their case and neighbors can voice support or opposition. Board members evaluate requests against specific legal criteria set by the zoning ordinance and state law. For example, a variance applicant typically must demonstrate a unique hardship related to the property itself, not just personal or financial difficulty. Decisions can usually be appealed to a court if a party believes the board acted improperly.
Most zoning boards are composed of appointed volunteers who serve staggered terms. Members are expected to be impartial and base decisions on evidence and legal standards rather than personal preference. If you need to appear before a zoning board, it is advisable to review your municipality's rules of procedure, prepare supporting documentation, and consider consulting a land use attorney.
Related Terms
Variance
A variance is official permission to deviate from a specific zoning requirement, granted by a local zoning board when strict compliance would cause unnecessary hardship.
Conditional Use Permit
A conditional use permit (CUP) is an approval that allows a specific land use in a zoning district where that use is permitted only if certain conditions are met, such as limiting hours of operation or providing extra parking.
Special Exception
A land use that is permitted in a zoning district only after review and approval by the zoning board or hearing body, based on specific criteria established in the zoning ordinance.