The Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five volunteer members and two alternate members, appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Board Trustees. Each member serves for five years, with one member’s term expiring each year. The Board’s public sessions are held at Village Hall, generally on the second Wednesday of each month, except that only one meeting will be held during July and August.

Upon receiving an application for a building permit, the Coordinating Office determines whether the plans comply with the Village’s zoning requirements. If the plans submitted do not comply, the applicant may choose either to appeal the ruling of the Building Inspector, or to apply for a variance.  There are two types of variances that an applicant can request.

1. Area Variances: The most frequent variance request is for an “Area Variance” – requests to modify the zoning code’s requirements for minimum setbacks from lot lines, maximum lot coverage, minimum lot area or lot frontages, maximum fence and wall height, maximum sign size, etc.

2. Use Variances: Much less frequent are applications for “Use Variances” – requests for a use of land that is not permitted by the zoning code. An example could be a request to conduct a business in a residential zoning district (other than those permitted in the code for home occupations, etc). Information on the proof required is available at the Coordinating Office. Because these requests are rare and require a higher level of proof to support approval, it is recommended that the applicant solicit the assistance of an attorney filing an application.

The Zoning Board of Appeals also approves Special Use Permits for uses that are permitted in the zoning code, subject to meeting certain conditions specified in the code. They are required for the construction of swimming pools and tennis courts, for "visible" home occupations in a residence, and for a few other categories of uses.

Visit the Planning Department Homepage for forms and more info.