Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
Related Links:
> BZA Application for Variance or Appeal
> View BZA Agendas
The primary responsibility of the BZA 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 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Fairfield Municipal Building, 5350 Pleasant Avenue.
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 the following:
- 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. If larger than 8 1/2 X 11, then submitt 11 copies.
- A check made payable to the City of Fairfield or cash payment in the amount of $25 (non-refundable).
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.
Chad Oberson
Term expires: March 31, 2013
Donald E. Carpenter, Jr.
Term expires: March 31, 2014
Jack Wesseler
Term expires: March 31, 2015
Joseph Koczeniak
Term expires: March 31, 2016
Ron Siciliano
Term expires: March 31, 2012
City Council representative: Debbie Pennington
Planning Commission member: Scott Lepsky
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 513-896-5318.