The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi-judicial board that acts as the
Township's first court of appeals for anyone, seeking a variance from the Zoning
Resolution. In addition to granting variances, the BZA also will rule on certain
interpretation the Zoning Inspector makes in the enforcement of the Resolution.
The BZA also grants special uses of the land called "Conditional Uses". The
Conditional Uses are defined in the Zoning Resolution, and are normally of such
a complex nature that it is wise to have a board review the use, and to define
any special requirements needed to protect the Township. The Conditional Use is
authorized for a period of one (1) to five (5) years in length. The Conditional
Use must then be reviewed by the BZA at the end of that time period, before a
new Conditional Use permit is granted or disapproved or modified by the BZA. The
BZA is made up of five (5) township residents appointed for five (5) year terms.
The Township Trustees may, at their discretion, appoint up to two (2) alternate
members to serve as stand-ins in case a board member is unable to attend a
meeting for any reason. Alternates would be required to sit in the audience to
stay abreast of current cases, but would have no voice in any decision unless
actually sitting on the board as a temporary active member. The BZA also has a
secretary appointed by the BZA for the purpose of taking minutes and to handle
the administrative duties for the board. The current members are: Mr. Richard
Makowski (chairman), Mr. John Swartz (vice-chairman), Mr. Ronald Skully
(member), Mr. Barton Ziganti (member), and Ms. Mary Lou Fende (secretary). The
Board of Zoning Appeals holds a hearing on the second Monday of each month.