A. Establishment: There is hereby established, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-462.06 et seq., a town of Parker board of adjustment ("board").
B. Powers And Duties: In addition to any authority granted to the board of adjustment by Arizona law, the board shall have the following powers and duties:
1. To hear and decide appeals in which it is alleged that there is an error in an order, requirement or decision made by the zoning administrator in the enforcement of this title. This power shall include the power to reverse, affirm, or modify, wholly or partly, any order, requirement or decision of the zoning administrator properly appealed to the board, and make such order, requirement, decision or determination as is necessary.
2. To hear and decide requests for variances from the terms of this title, only if, because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including its size, shape, topography, location, or surroundings, the strict application of this title will deprive such property of privileges enjoyed by other property of the same classification in the same zoning district. Any variance granted is subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the same zoning district in which such property is located.
3. A variance from the terms of this title may only be granted, upon the presentation of evidence demonstrating that the specific requirements established by state statutes have been satisfied:
a. There exists special circumstances or conditions regarding the land, or building for which the variance or adjustment is sought, which do not apply generally to other land or buildings in the same zoning district; and
b. The above special circumstances or conditions are preexisting and are not created or self-imposed; and
c. The variance is necessary for the preservation of substantial property rights. Without a variance the property cannot be used for purposes otherwise allowed in the same zoning district and the variance or adjustment, as granted, is the minimum adjustment that will accomplish this purpose; and
d. The granting of the adjustment will not be materially detrimental to persons residing or working in the vicinity, to adjacent property, or to the neighborhood or the public welfare.
4. The board of adjustment may not:
a. Make any changes in the uses permitted in any zoning classification or zoning district, or
b. Make any changes in the terms of this title, provided the restrictions in this subsection shall not affect the authority to grant variances pursuant to state statutes.
C. Membership: The board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be residents of the town of Parker. All members shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the town council.
D. Term Of Office: The term of office of the members of the board shall be three (3) years, with the terms of members so staggered that the terms of no more than two (2) members shall expire on January 1 in any one year. The incumbent members shall continue to serve, after their term of office has expired, until a successor has been appointed. In the event of a death, resignation, or removal from the board, the town council shall fill the vacancy for the unexpired term.
E. Nonattendance: Two (2) successive unexcused absences from any regular meeting shall be grounds for termination at the will and pleasure of the town council without the necessity of a hearing or notice, and such action shall be final and the position shall thereupon be declared vacant.
F. Organization Of Board Of Adjustment:
1. Chairpersons: The board shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson from the members of the board at the first meeting held in each calendar year. The chairperson shall preside at all meetings, administer oaths and take evidence. The vice chairperson shall perform the duties of the chairperson in the latter's absence or disability.
2. Meetings: Meetings of the board of adjustment will be called as needed by the chair of the board. Meetings of the board shall be open to the public and public input shall be taken at the discretion of the chairman. The minutes of the proceedings, showing the votes of each member and records of its examinations and other official actions, shall be kept and filed in the office of the town clerk as a public record.
3. Quorum: Three (3) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. No matter may be considered by the board unless there are three (3) or more members present who are eligible/qualified to vote on the matter. The affirmative vote of at least the majority of the quorum present and voting shall be required to pass a motion. If a member has been present for the entire presentation of an issue, that member may abstain from voting only because he or she has a conflict of interest. If a member has a conflict of interest, he or she shall declare said conflict of interest prior to the presentation and shall abstain from all discussion and deliberation on the matter in question.
4. Rules And Regulations: The board shall follow the current edition of "Robert's Rules Of Order" for the conduct of its meetings in the event of a procedural dispute. The board may make and publish bylaws to govern its proceedings and to provide for its meetings. The bylaws are to be reviewed by the town attorney and approved by the town council.
G. Appeals Of Board Of Adjustment Decision: A person aggrieved by a decision of the board of adjustment or an officer or department of the town of Parker affected by a decision of the board may, at any time within thirty (30) days after the board has rendered its decision, file a complaint for special action in superior court to review the board's decision.
H. Compensation: The members of the board shall serve without compensation. The board members may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in connection with their duties upon authorization or ratification by the board and approval of such expenditures by the town manager. (Ord. 03-2005, 9-6-2005)