Planning & Development > ZONING DIVISION
Division Of Administration Of Board Of Appeals
This division provides administrative services for the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). It is headed by the Secretary to the Zoning Board of Appeals, a full-time Town employee, who oversees a full-time staff that performs administrative functions for the ZBA.
The ZBA is an autonomous, quasi-judicial body that issues variances and exemptions from the Town zoning ordinances where strict conformity would result in unnecessary hardship and conducts public hearings on such requests. It comprises a chairman, vice chairman and five members, all of whom are members of the community appointed by the Town Board for five-year terms. Meetings are generally held twice a month.
When an applicant files an application, it is processed by the office staff and scheduled for a public hearing. The applicant must send a notice to surrounding property owners, as well as post a sign on the subject parcel. At the time of the hearing, the applicant is expected to present his case to the Board based on certain criteria explained by office staff at the time of filing. The applicant must also be prepared to answer any questions the Board may have and are given the chance to rebut any testimony from objecting neighbors.
Once a decision is rendered, a formal decision letter is sent to the applicant. If it is an approval, the applicant may then proceed to the Building Division to obtain a permit. If it is a denial, the applicant has the right to appeal in a higher court by filing an Article 78 within 30 days from the date the decision is filed with the Town Clerk’s office.