(A) Composition. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall consist of at least five members, each to be appointed for three-year terms. In appointing the members or in the filling of vacancies caused by the expiration of the terms of existing members, the governing board may appoint certain members for less than three years so that the terms of all members shall not expire at the same time. All the members shall reside within the Planning and Development Jurisdiction as established pursuant to this chapter. The Board may appoint advisory bodies and committees as appropriate.
(B) Alternate members. The governing board may appoint alternate members to serve on the board in the absence or temporary disqualification of any regular member or to fill a vacancy pending appointment of a member. Alternate members shall be appointed for the same term, at the same time, and in the same manner as regular members. Each alternate member serving on behalf of any regular member has all the powers and duties of a regular member.
(C) Compensation. Members shall serve with such compensation as shall be determined by the governing board. Also, members may be removed by the Council for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, and such removal shall be reported at the next meeting of the governing board and recorded in the minutes of such meeting.
(D) By-laws. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall adopt by-laws and rules of procedure that shall govern its proceedings.
(E) Duties and powers.
(1) To hear and decide appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by any administrative official charged with the enforcement of this chapter.
(2) To hear and decide requests for variances from the requirements of this chapter.
(3) To review applications for special use permits as authorized under this chapter.
(4) To make interpretations of the Official Zoning Map and to pass upon disputed questions of lot lines or district boundary lines and similar questions as arise in the administration of this chapter.
(5) To enter, at reasonable times, upon private lands and make examinations or surveys as necessary for the performance of its official duties.
(6) To request Town Council to hold public hearings on matters within the purview of the Board.
(7) To hear and decide any other matter as required by the provisions of this chapter or the Town of Wilkesboro Code of Ordinances.
(Res. 2022-23, passed 8-1-2022)