Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides questions that arise in the administration of the zoning ordinance, including the interpretation of the zoning maps. The ZBA hears and decides appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official or body charged with enforcement of a zoning ordinance. The ZBA also hears and decides matters referred to it by the zoning ordinance or that it is required to pass under the zoning ordinance. The main function of the ZBA is to hear and decide variance requests.

The Zoning Board of Appeals has 5 regular members appointed by the Township board. The first regular member is a member of the Township zoning commission or planning commission. One regular member may be a member of the Township board, but a Township board member cannot serve as the chairperson of the ZBA. The current Zoning Board of Appeals members are:

• Marianne McCreary, Chair, Planning Commission liaison
• Rick Soucy, Board of Trustees liaison
• Bill Rockwell, Vice Chair
• Michele Kreutzberg
• Craig Fons
• Matthew Hurley (Alternate)

Staff

• Amy Ruthig - Planning Director - email

FAQ

How do I obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals?

If you would like to build an addition or garage closer to your property line than the zoning ordinance will allow, you can make application to have the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) consider granting a variance to allow construction otherwise prohibited by the Zoning Ordinance. Please submit an Application for Variance to the Township Zoning Department. Under normal circumstances, the case will be reviewed at the next regularly scheduled ZBA meeting (meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday after the first Monday of each month) and a decision will be made at that time. If the variance is granted, a land use permit can be approved for issuance the next day. There is a non-refundable fee required in order to apply to the ZBA.

What are the conditions that must be found before a variance can be approved by the ZBA?

The zoning board of adjustment shall have the power to grant variances if all of the following conditions exist

(1) A practical difficulty of the property is found by the board to unreasonably prevent the use of the property AND the appeal would have substantial justice to both the applicant as well as the other property owners in the district
(2) Extraordinary circumstances are found to exist on the property that are different on neighboring properties
(3) granting the appeal would be of benefit to the public safety and welfare
(4) granting the appeal would not interfere with or discourage the neighborhood

What are the fees for the ZBA?

The fees for the ZBA are $215.00 for residential projects and $395.00 for commercial projects and $300.00 for signs.

Are my neighbors notified of my variance application?

Yes. All property owners within 300 feet of the property being petitioned will be notified by US mail. It is recommended you speak to your immediate neighbors about your proposal before applying for a variance.

I received a variance. How long is it good for?

Variances are effective one (1) year from the date of approval.