The Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) is in independent agency authorized to hear appeals in matters relating to all zoning ordinances and to review zoning ordinance interpretations made by the Department of City Development. Because the Board acts somewhat like a court, it is called a quasi-judicial body and is required to follow accepted procedures and to fairly evaluate the relevant facts in each case that comes before it. The Board schedules approximately 12 hearings per year (one every three to four weeks) and hears roughly 700 cases each year.

BOZA members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council for a term of three years.

BOZA is supported by an administrative staff that receives and reviews applications. The staff is also responsible for sending out notification of pending appeals to interested parties.

BOZA works closely with the Department of City Development, the Department of Neighborhood Services, the Department of Public Works, and other City agencies to gather information that is useful and relevant to the outcome of an appeal.

Before you can apply for a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing, you must meet with a Plan Examiner at the Development Center (809 N. Broadway, 1st Floor, 286-8211). Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Wednesday - Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Development Center - Front desk

For more information, please call (414) 286-2501, or email boza@milwaukee.gov