Instructions for the completion of Applications to the Zoning Board of Appeals

 

  1. In general, you must first have made the application to the Building Inspector or the Planning Board.  The Board of Appeals cannot take your application unless they have first acted upon your request.  You must then file your request for the appeal within 30 days of their action. 

 

SIX COPIES OF THE APPEAL FORM NEED TO BE FILED

 

2.     Please attach to your appeal application a copy of the original application that you made to either the Building Inspector or the Planning Board with their decision.  Also include all pertinent information that was attached to that first application (i.e. Plans, drawings, maps, survey, etc.)

3.     The Zoning Board of Appeals will schedule a hearing within sixty (60) days of the filing of the application for appeal.  The Zoning Board of Appeals must receive the application and check for the filing fee at least twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to a scheduled meeting.  Meetings are normally held on the first Thursday of the month. 

4.     The application must include the property tax map number or a full address, which will allow positive identification of the parcel. 

5.     Please remember the Board of Appeals will consider the following in granting:

a.     The Use Variance

                                                              i.      That the land, property, structure, or building in question cannot yield a reasonable economic return if used only for a purpose allowed in the zone; and

                                                             ii.      That the need for a variance was not caused by the applicant; and

                                                           iii.      That the use to be authorized by the variance shall not alter the essential character of the neighborhood, nor depreciate aesthetic or property values of the locality; and

                                                          iv.      That the plight of the owner is due to the unique circumstances, which may reflect the unreasonable uses of the zoning law itself. 

b.     The Area Variance

                                                              i.      Whether the applicant has shown it will suffer significant economic injury if the variance is not granted;

                                                             ii.      Whether the variance sought is of large magnitude with regards to the impact on the character of the neighborhood

                                                           iii.      Whether the difficulty alleged was created by the applicant;

                                                          iv.      Whether the difficulty alleged may be avoided by some other means than a variance;

                                                           v.      Whether the interest of justice will be served in granting the variance.

c.      Change of Non- Conforming Use

The Board of Appeals is authorized to decide whether such change of use is as conforming or more conforming to the character of the neighborhood and zone district in which it is located as compared to the current nonconforming use. 

         d. Attach Certified Check or Money Order for the proper fee.

Commercial/ Industrial/Manufacturing Appeals           $150.00

All other Appeals                                                      $ 75.00

 

It is recommended that the applicant, or a representative be present at the hearing. 

 

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