What is the function of the town Zoning Board of Appeals?
The town Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is composed of five (5) members appointed by the Town Board for staggered terms of five (5) years. The Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to hear appeals from and review any order or decision made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer with respect to the town Zoning Local Law. The Board is authorized to grant either a use variance, which allows the applicant to use the land for a purpose not otherwise allowed or prohibited by the regulations, or to grant an area variance, which allows the applicant to vary the dimensional or physical requirements of the applicable zoning regulation (i.e. setback distance). Any grant of a variance requires at least one (1) public hearing and notification of adjacent landowners. The Zoning Board of Appeals may also grant certain Special Permits (although most Special Permits are granted by either the Planning Board or the Town Board). The Board is also authorized to issue opinions and interpretations of the Zoning La
