What is the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA)?
The Board of Zoning Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board of five appointed members that hears applications for variances and special exceptions from the zoning ordinance, as well as appeals of administrative decisions. When making a decision concerning an application, the BZA takes into consideration the recommendations of the Bureau of Planning (BOP) staff and the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) as well as testimony given at hearings.
What is the Zoning Review Board (ZRB)?
The Zoning Review Board consists of nine members, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, who meet twice a month to consider property rezonings and special use permits. The Zoning Review Board takes into consideration the recommendations of the relevant Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) and the Bureau of Planning (BOP) staff and makes recommendations on rezonings to the Zoning Committee of City Council.
Variance
A modification of a zoning district regulation is granted by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).
Special Exception
Exceptions to zoning regulations are granted by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for specifically-defined situations where affects on surrounding property is of principal importance.
Special Administrative Permit (SAP)
A document issued by the Bureau of Planning where complex or unusual technical determination are involved and/or matters involving temporary uses.
Special Public Interest Districts (SPI)
Special Public Interest (SPI) Districts are created:
(1) To officially designate areas as having special and substantial public interest in protection of existing or proposed character, or of principal views of, from, or through such areas;
(2) Surrounding individual buildings or grounds where there is special and substantial public interest in protecting such buildings and their visual environment; or
(3) In other cases where special and substantial public interest requires modification of existing zoning regulations, or repeal and replacement of such regulations, for the accomplishment of special public purposes for which the district was established.
It is further intended that such districts and the regulations established therein shall be in accord with and promote the purposes set forth in the comprehensive development plan and other officially adopted plans of the city in accordance with it, and shall encourage land use and development in substantial accord with the physical design set forth therein.