Responsibilities of the Zoning Board of Appeals

• Upholds the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance to the maximum degree possible, grants or recommends to the Village Council that variances be granted only when the proposal is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance and only where there are practical difficulties or particular hardships, that run with the land, which prevents compliance with the zoning provisions;
• Conducts public hearings and prepares findings of fact for zoning variance approval or denial;
• Receives and reviews applicant evidence that requests for zoning variances, as required by state law, meet the following criteria: That the property in question cannot yield a reasonable return if permitted to be used only under the conditions allowed by the zoning ordinance; that the plight of the owner is due to unique circumstances that are associated with the land; and that the variation, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality.
• Receives and reviews applicant evidence that requests for zoning variances, as required by ordinance, meet the following village resident preferences: That adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property will not be impaired; that hazard from fire and other damages to the property will not be increased; that the taxable value of land and buildings throughout the village will not diminish; that the congestion in the public street will not increase; and that the public health, safety, comfort, morals and welfare will not otherwise be impaired;
• Conducts public hearings and prepares findings of fact and recommendations for the Village Council’s consideration of Zoning Variance requests for yards and/or setbacks that exceed the minimum requirements by more than 20 percent and for all building size (Gross Floor Area).
• Conducts public hearings and prepares findings of fact and recommendations for the Village Council’s consideration of Special Use Permit Requests
• Considers administrative appeals from any Village Zoning Ordinance decision or interpretation.