Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is authorized to hear and review appeals and variances.. The Board is given the power to grant or deny variances and special permits, and to interpret the provisions of the Village Zoning Law. The Zoning Board is required to consider all technical evaluations, relevant factors and specified standards while making an informed decision. The Board may attach conditions to approvals based upon the Village Code. 

Zoning Board of Appeals Members

Members and the chairperson of the Zoning Board or Appeals are appointed by the Mayor subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees. In the absence of a chairperson the Planning Board may designate a member to serve as the interim chairperson.

The Village Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five members, and up to two alternates. The current Board Members are:

• Chairperson - 
• Jenifer Driscoll
• Elliott Blauvelt
• Fred White
• Melanie Smith
•  

Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings

Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are held on an as needed basis as they meet regarding referrals from the Village Planning Board.

What is Zoning?

Zoning regulates the use of land within its boundaries. The zoning regulations have different zoning districts with each district having different permitted uses and requirements. The purpose of zoning if to:

• Promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the community
• Reduce congestion on the streets and highways
• Ensure safety from fire, panic and other dangers
• Provide adequate light and air
• Prevent overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population 
• Establish zones wherein regulations concerning the land and structures, the density of development, the size of yards, the percentage of lots that may be occupied and the provisions of parking will be set forth to encourage the most appropriate development

What is a variance?

A variance is permission granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals allowing a property to be used in a manner that is not allowed by the current Village Zoning Law.

Use Variance

A Use Variance permits the use of land that is not in line with the prescribed use for the zoning regulations for that area. Examples are: commercial use in a residential district, multiple-family dwelling in a district limited to single-family homes, or industrial use in a commercial zoned district. 

Area Variance

An Area Variance authorizes use of land in a manner that is not allowed by the dimensional or physical requirements of the zoning regulations. An area variance refers to the land itself. Examples are: building a deck or addition that violates the yard set-back restriction.