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The primary responsibility of the board is to interpret the provisions of the Fairfield zoning code and to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement or decision of determination by an administrative officials in the enforcement of such codes.

Appeals may include:

• Interpretation of zoning map: Where the street or lot layout on the ground, as recorded, differs from that shown on the city's zoning map.
• Variances: A variation of the requirements of the zoning ordinance must meet conditions as set forth in Section 1137.08 of the zoning code.

BZA meetings

The BZA meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Fairfield Municipal Building, 5350 Pleasant Avenue.

View all Board of Zoning Appeals agendas

Submitting applications for BZA

Individuals wishing to request a variance or appeal the zoning code must submit a Board of Zoning Appeals application.

The application must be completed in its entirety signed and submitted by the 15th of the month preceding the BZA meeting.

The application must include 12 copies of the following:

• List of property owners within 200 feet of the property that the appeal or variance is being requested for.
• Map showing properties within 200 feet of the property that the appeal or variance is being requested for.
• Site plan drawn to scale showing the location of existing buildings and structures, new building additions or structures and all pertinent dimensions.
• Building or structure drawings, drawn to scale.
• A check made payable to the City of Fairfield or cash payment in the amount to cover the cost of publishing and mailing the notices of the hearing shall accompany the application. In no event shall the fee be less than $25

The completed application, fee payment and required submissions (outlined above) can be returned to the City of Fairfield's Building Inspection and Zoning Division, 5350 Pleasant Avenue.

Members

The Board of Zoning Appeals consists of a planning commission representative, a City Council representative and five other individuals appointed by City Council.

Martha Tipton
Term expires: March 31, 2013

Susan Gassner
Term expires: March 31, 2009

Thomas Hasselbeck
Term expires: March 31, 2010

Debbie Pennington
Term expires: March 31, 2011

Ron Siciliano
Term expires: March 31, 2012

City Council representative: Mike Snyder

Planning Commission member: Jerry Dailey

BZA decisions

The decision of the BZA shall not become effective until the expiration of five days from the date of the decision unless otherwise specified by the board.

No variance shall be authorized by the board unless the board finds beyond reasonable doubt that all of the following facts and conditions exist:

• That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances applying to the property in question or to the intended use of the property that do not apply generally to other properties or classes of uses in the same zoning district.
• That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights possessed by other properties in the same zoning district and in the same vicinity; and
• That the authorizing of such variance shall not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and shall not materially impair the purposes of the zoning ordinance or the public interest.

The BZA may be contacted at 513-896-8158.