Board of Zoning Appeals Vacancy Announcement

St. Albans Township Board of Trustees is currently accepting letters of interest for those interested in serving on the St. Albans Township Board of Zoning Appeals. Any St. Albans Township resident interested in serving in this volunteer capacity should email their letter to Fiscal Officer Bridgett Reeves (stalbanstownship@gmail.com) no later than Noon, July 29th.

Anyone interested in this position should fully understand the role of the BZA which is found in Section 508 of the Township Zoning Resolution and summarized below:

In exercising its duties, the Board of Zoning Appeals may, as long as such action is in conformity with the terms of this resolution, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and may make such order, requirement, decision, or determination as ought to be made, and shall have the powers of the Zoning Inspector from whom the appeal is taken. For the purpose of this resolution, the Board of Zoning Appeals has the following specific responsibilities:

1. To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, interpretation, or determination made by the Zoning Inspector.

2. To authorize such variances from the terms of this resolution as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to the special conditions of the land, a literal enforcement of this resolution will result in practical difficulties, and so that the spirit and intent of this resolution shall be observed and substantial justice done.

3. To grant conditional use permits as specified in the Official Schedule of District Regulations and under the conditions specified in Article 8, “District Regulations” and such additional safeguards as will uphold the intent of this resolution.

4. To interpret the zoning map and resolution upon appeal of Zoning Inspector's decision. Where the streets or lot layout actually on the ground, or as recorded, differs from the streets and lot lines as shown on the zoning map, the Board of Zoning Appeals, after notice to the owners of the property or properties concerned, and after public hearing, shall interpret the map in such a way as to carry out the intent and purpose of this resolution. In case of any questions as to the location of any boundary line between zoning districts or where there is uncertainty as to the meaning and intent of a textual provision of the resolution, a request for interpretation of the zoning map or the textual provision in question may be made to and a determination shall be made by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

5. Upon receipt of any request of variance or conditional use, the chairperson shall forward all documentation to all Board of Zoning Appeals members and request that all members inspect the property affected.