Board of Zoning Appeals
What is the Dublin Board of Zoning Appeals and What Does It Do?
The city is made up of thousands of individual properties, all of which are subject to the requirements of the Dublin Zoning Code. In some situations, a property’s physical character will make it impractical to meet those requirements. It is the job of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to ensure that the Zoning Code is fairly applied to all properties and to grant modifications, or “variances” to the Code when warranted by these conditions. The BZA consists of five members who are Dublin residents and appointed by City Council. In addition to reviewing variance requests, the Board reviews and takes action on administrative appeals on any zoning or building decisions issued by the City. The Board also reviews special permits, which typically are a request for the operation of a model home or sales trailer, but could also include the operation of heliports, dish antennas, portable classrooms or construction trailers.
When and Where Are the Meetings?
BZA meetings are held generally on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Municipal Building Council Chambers. These meetings start at 7:00 p.m. (5200 Emerald Parkway). Click here for the 2010 meeting schedule.
What Should I Expect at the BZA Meeting?
The Chairperson calls the meeting to order and tends to any administrative business, including determining the order of the cases on the agenda and approving previous meeting minutes. Some cases may be placed on the “consent” agenda, which indicates that the applicant has agreed to all conditions of the City. Cases on the consent agenda may be processed at the beginning of the meeting, without a formal presentation. Anyone interested in speaking on an item on the consent agenda may do so after the case is called and the Chairperson asks for public comment.
Applications not on the consent agenda are then discussed individually and may include a presentation by the City. The applicant then has the opportunity to make a presentation to the Board, which may include any additional information that was not previously covered. At this point, the public has the opportunity to make comments about the case. Once all individuals have the opportunity to address the Board, the Board members discuss the case and take action on a case, which may include approval, approval with conditions, disapproval, or postponement.
What Happens If I Want to Address the Board?
Anyone wishing to address the BZA about a case should sign up on the list outside the chamber doors before the meeting. Names will be called in the order that they are submitted on the sign-in sheet. Anyone wanting to make comments will be asked to come to the podium and state their name and address. It helps if your comments are concise and directly related to the case. In the instances where multiple property owners would like to comment generally on the same issues, a designated spokesperson is encouraged.
How Do I Obtain More Information About a Case Before the Meeting?
The City of Dublin uses a variety ways to inform residents about pending cases. Agendas for all meetings are published in both the Dublin Villager and the Dublin News, as well as posted on the City’s website. Specific information related to the case may also be found on the web site. Notices regarding the meeting are sent to the surrounding property owners located within a certain proximity to the property. The City also places notice signs on the property to inform the general public. The agenda and related information for pending cases are available outside the chamber doors before the meeting and during the week of the meeting through the Land Use and Long Range Planning Department. For additional information, or to speak to the planner assigned to the case, call Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600.