Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) supports the implementation of the Village’s zoning ordinance by hearing and deciding:

• Variances, which allow for deviations from the zoning ordinance requirements when an applicant can demonstrate that the ordinance presents a substantial hardship based on unique parcel characteristics (common requests include setbacks and signs).
• Interpretations, which help bring clarity to zoning process.
• Appeals, which are requests to overturn a decision made by the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission or Council related to zoning.

The five-member board meets as needed. To request a meeting with the ZBA, an applicant must have first met with the Zoning Administrator and exhausted other options through the zoning ordinance. For more information on the role of the ZBA, check out this 2015 Handbook from the Michigan Municipal League.