(a) All members appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall, before entering their duties, qualify by taking an oath of office. The Board of Adjustment shall elect a chairman and vice- chairman from its members who shall serve for one (1) year or until re-elected, or until their successors are elected. The Board shall appoint a secretary, who may be a municipal officer, an employee of the Town, a member of the Planning Board, or a member of the Board of Adjustment. The Board shall adopt rules and bylaws in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and of Article 6, Chapter 160D of the General Statutes of North Carolina. Meetings and, when necessary, evidentiary hearings, of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman and at such other times as the Board may determine. The chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, is authorized to administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses by subpoena. All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall keep minutes of board proceedings.
(b) Conflict of interest. A member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall not participate in or vote on any matter in a manner that would violate affected persons' constitutional rights to an impartial decision maker. Impermissible violations of due process include, but are not limited to, a member having a fixed opinion prior to hearing the matter that is not susceptible to change, undisclosed ex parte communications, a close familial, business, or other relationship with an affected person, or a financial interest in the outcome of the matter.
(As Amended by Ord. of 6/24/21)