1135.05 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS.
The Board of Zoning Appeals designated by the Mayor, as described in Section 1135.05.A., is described as a quasi-judicial body that shall hear requests for conditional uses, variances, and appeals and decide whether or not to grant the request.
A. Appointment of the Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals (Board) shall consist of five (5) members, who shall be qualified electors of the City appointed by the Mayor. The term of office shall be five (5) years and their terms shall be so arranged that the term of one (1) member shall expire each year. Any vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the manner the original appointment was made.
(Ord. 99-45. Passed 7-13-99.)
B. Proceedings of the Board of Zoning Appeals
1. The Board shall elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary, and shall adopt rules for the conduct of its affairs in keeping with the provisions of this Ordinance.
2. The Secretary shall record Board action and keep minutes of its proceedings showing the vote of each member upon each question or if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions. All minutes shall be public record and immediately filed in the Office of the Clerk of Council.
3. Meetings shall be held at the call of the Chairperson and at such other times as the Board may determine. The Chairperson, or in his or her absence, the Vice-Chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. All meetings shall be open to the public.
4. A majority of its members shall constitute a quorum and the concurrence of a majority of the members shall be necessary to determine any question or matter before the Board.
C. Duties of the Board of Zoning Appeals
For the purpose of this Ordinance, the Board has the following specific responsibilities:
1. Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, interpretation, or determination made by the Zoning Inspector.
2. Authorize such variances from the terms of this Ordinance as will not be contrary to the public interest, where owing to the special conditions, a literal enforcement of this Ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship and so that the spirit of this Ordinance shall be observed and substantial justice done.
3. Perform such other functions and have such other powers as provided by the Charter of the City of Norwalk and by City ordinances.
(Ord. 2001-37. Passed 5-15-01.)