Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA)

Introduction

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) is a quasi-judicial body created and regulated by State statute and City ordinances. BOZA is authorized to hear appeals related to all zoning ordinances.

Applying for a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) is a complex process. It requires that you put materials together that will explain what you want to do and why you should be allowed to do it.

Because any decision of the Board may be appealed to the Circuit Court, it is important that the Board follows accepted procedures and fairly evaluates the relevant facts in each case that comes before it. This means that every appeal must meet the same standards, no matter how minor the case may appear to be.

It is very important that your application provides information that is clear and accurate. In order for staff and the members of the Board to understand the scope of your proposal, your application must have enough information to effectively communicate what you plan to do. At the hearing, the members of the Board of Zoning Appeals and representatives from various city departments will depend on the materials you have submitted.

If you are filing an application with BOZA, you are probably asking for one or both of the following:

• Special Use
• Variance

These types of cases are explained on the next page. Important information is included on what you will need to submit with your application.

Please remember that the zoning appeals process is a process that is separate from other plan review processes. Often a full plan review, inspections and other requirements must be completed prior to the issuance of your permit. Make sure that you apply for all of the necessary permits (building permit, occupancy permit, etc.), that you submit all of the necessary plans for review of those permit applications and make certain that you schedule all necessary inspections. If you have questions regarding the permit process, please contact the Development Center Permit Desk at 286-8211.

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