Requirements for Variance

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) reviews variances.  The ZBA meets once a month in the City Chambers Building.  Meetings are held in the evenings (either 7:00pm or 7:30pm).  The following items are needed before variances are put on the agenda.

1. Variance Request Application.  Please read “Notice to Petitioner”.  Board wants to know unique hardship that prevents ordinance from being followed.
2. Drawing of property showing location of proposed construction (or sign).  Be sure to include setbacks from property lines and the size of proposed construction.  Make sure drawing(s) are neat and legible.  For variances for additions, garages, carports to residences, be sure to show all other buildings on the property and the distances they will be from proposed construction.  Sign variances need to include drawing of sign (with dimensions) and locations on building.
3. There is a non-refundable fee of $150.00 for both commercial and residential variances.

The above items need to be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the meeting.  Notices will be mailed out to property owners within a 300-foot radius of applicant’s property.  The ZBA usually makes a decision that night to either deny the variance, approve it as requested, or approve a smaller amount of variance.

Jeremiah Klemann, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Zoning Board of Appeals
517-264-4861
FAX: 517-265-8798