Application for Variance

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is created to offer reviews and decisions when an interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance is questioned, when an order or decision of an administrative official or body is questioned, or when a variance from the strict interpretation of the ordinance is sought to avoid a specific hardship. A hardship must involve a unique situation rather than one which represents a minor inconvenience. The ZBA is not a legislative body; it does not have the power to rezone or change uses. Any decision of the ZBA must comply with the basic spirit (intent) of the ordinance while maintaining the public health, safety and welfare of the area and the community at large.

In order to expedite your request, it is required that you submit certain basic information to allow ZBA members the opportunity to properly understand and consider the request.

When providing the required information, you may attach additional or supplemental information if you feel it will be useful.

There are five (5) regular members on the ZBA. If at the time of the hearing there are only four (4) ZBA members present, the possibility of a tie vote exists. If a tie vote should occur, the variance is not approved. However, you will be given the option at the beginning of your hearing of either continuing or bringing your case before the ZBA at a future hearing.

The fee for a variance is $250.00. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets regularly (if needed) on the third (3rd) Thursday of each month. The hearing will be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting following receipt of the application, provided it is received soon enough to allow adequate time for publicizing the hearing.
You may acquire your building permit within twenty-one (21) days following approval of the variance.

To obtain a copy of the Application for Variance, stop by the township office, or download a copy. The application is an Adobe Acrobat file (PDF). If you don't have Adobe Acrobat, you can download a free copy here.