Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is part of the legal structure provided to fulfill the intent of the Zoning Ordinance.  If it were possible to write a Zoning Ordinance that, while meeting the needs of the community, would provide the remedy for every possible situation arising from its enforcement, there would be little reason for the Board.  That, however, is unachievable.  If the zoning function is to be fair, responsible and protective of individual's rights and community welfare, there must be a Board of Zoning Appeals to grant relief to citizens in special or unusual situations affecting a specific parcel of land.  This the Board must accomplish with wisdom and good judgment so that the spirit of the Zoning Ordinance is preserved.  The Board conducts public hearings and renders final decisions on the following types of Appeals:  Variance of Standards; Variance of Use; and Special Use - as listed/specified in the Zoning Ordinances.  An appeal from a decision of the BZA is made through the courts.

• Application and Instructions for Variance/Special Use
• Printable 2025 Schedule

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Members

2025

• 7 members
  • 4 Mayor appointments
  • 3 County Commissioner appointments
• Meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month
• Terms shall be four (4) years.
• QUALIFICATIONS
  • Not more than two (2) of the members appointed by both the Mayor and the County Commissioners shall be affiliated with the same political party.
  • All members appointed by the Mayor shall be residents of the City; members appointed by the County Commissioners shall reside in the unincorporated territory of Delaware County.
  • None of the appointed members shall hold other elected or appointed offices in the City or County government.  
• If a vacancy occurs, the Mayor or County Commissioners, according to jurisdiction, shall appoint a member for the unexpired term.

*All contact with the members shall be conducted through the Plan Commission Office. *

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS (BZA)

2026 SCHEDULE FOR VARIANCES / APPEALS

*APPLICANT OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVE MUST ATTEND THE MEETING*

* Schedule adjusted due to Holiday