Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)

20170513_103237Meetings

  • 6 p.m.
  • The 1st Wednesday of each month
  • Fairfield Municipal Building
    5350 Pleasant Avenue
    City Council Chambers
         Fairfield, OH 45014

Members

  • Alex Saurber
    Term expires: March 31, 2024
  • Anthony Rawe
    Term expires: March 31, 2025
  • Mark Rhodus
    Term expires: March 31, 2026
  • Erin Simons
    Term expires: March 31, 2027
  • William Campbell
    Term expires: March 31, 2028
  • Dale Paullus
    City Council representative
  • Scott Lepsky
    Planning Commission representative

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) consists of a Planning Commission representative, a City Council representative and 5 other individuals appointed by City Council.  Click here for agendas and minutes.

About the Board

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.

Applications for the Board of Zoning Appeals

Individuals wishing to request a variance or appeal the zoning code must submit a Board of Zoning Appeals application. To apply for a "Use Variance", please use the Board of Zoning Appeals Use Variance 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.
  • 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 can be returned to the City of Fairfield’s Building Inspection and Zoning Division, which is located at:

5350 Pleasant Avenue
Fairfield, OH 45014

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
  • 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 secretary may be contacted at 513-867-5318.


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