Zoning Board of Appeals
Application Procedures
Meeting Schedule for Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals  
Planning & Zoning Application
Planning & Zoning Application Page 2(Variances Only)
Review Standards for Variances and Use Variances
The Zoning Board of Appeals has authority to interpret the Zoning
Ordinance and to grant variances from specific Ordinance requirements
in cases where topography, size, shape, or other situations where the
literal enforcement of the Ordinance would create undue hardship.
The authority to grant variances is generally limited to quantifiable
requirements such as set backs, lot size, or the like; however, any
question relating to special circumstances regarding the use of the
property may be considered.
The Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to grant use variances. A
use variance is a process by which the Zoning Board of Appeals evaluates
the allegation that there is no beneficial use and can provide relief from
the regulations by granting additional development potential to provide
a beneficial use of the property.
A person desiring a variance from regulations of the Ordinance or an
interpretation of the Ordinance may submit an application to the Zoning
Administrator. The application should be accompanied by a site plan,
if applicable, or a statement describing the request for an
interpretation.
Payment of the required fee ($150 for Residential / $300 for Commercial and Industrial) must be made at the time of the application.
The Zoning Administrator schedules a public hearing before the
Zoning Board of Appeals. Notifications of the applications are mailed to
all
property owners and tenants within three hundred feet of the property in question.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 4PM
and holds public hearings on each case before them.
At the public hearing the Board reviews staff reports, maps, and other
pertinent information. The public as well as the applicant is given
an
opportunity to be heard. Prior to adjournment of the meeting, the
Zoning
Board will either grant the petition in whole, or in part, or will deny
the
request.
The public is invited to attend any session of the Zoning Board
of Appeals.
Objections to decisions rendered by the Zoning Board may be appealed
to the Circuit Court by the applicant or any other person.
For more information contact:
The City of Muskegon Planning Department
Room 203
City Hall
933 Terrace Street
(231) 724-6702
For any questions, please e-mail: lonna.anguilm@postman.org
|
