Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals hears arguments for the granting of a variance, or exception, to the zoning ordinance. An example would be a person who wishes to build a structure closer to the lot line than the Village Code allows. This person would be denied a building permit, since he/she did not meet the requirements. They could then "appeal" the denial of the permit to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The Board of Appeals meets as needed, at a time convenient to the members and the appellant.
The Board of Appeals consists of five citizen members, and two alternates, appointed by the Village President and confirmed by the Village Board for staggered three-year terms. Terms end on third Monday in April.
To be granted a variance, state law has very stringent guidelines the Board of Appeals must follow:
- The property owner must have no other use of the property without the granting of a variance.
- The property must be unique in some way, that makes it different from other properties
- The reason for the variance cannot be self-created (a person builds a shed without getting a building permit, and then it is discovered that the shed is too close to the neighbor’s lot line. A request for a variance to the setback provisions would not be granted as the reason the variance was needed was self-created).
Becoming a Member
Consider serving your community in this capacity and become more involved in the governing of your Village! The time commitment for either body is minimal, especially the Board of Appeals which typically meets once a year.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals, please contact the Clerk/Treasurer.