General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and hereby created a Board of Appeals, consisting of five (5) members. Board members shall be chosen and appointed based on diversity and building construction knowledge, all of whom shall be residents of the City of Altoona, Iowa. One (1) member of said Board of Appeals at a minimum shall be a private citizen. The Building Official or designated representative shall be an ex-officio member without a vote and shall act as secretary of the Board. The appointment of members shall be for four (4) year terms, expiring on December 31, with not more than three (3) members’ terms expiring any one year.
The Building Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to Council approval, and shall serve without compensation. The Board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the Building Official with a duplicate copy to the appellant, and may recommend to the City Council such new legislation as is consistent therewith. The Board shall meet at will and when there are appeals or business on file for a hearing.
Nominal appeal fee to the Building Board of Appeals shall be paid as set forth in Section 156.03 #7 PERMIT FEES. The appeal shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of the Board approval to the commencement of work and to the completion of work undertaken pursuant to the approval.