(a) Board members shall be appointed pursuant to Section 51, Article 24 (Chapter 8-24-51) of the Code of West Virginia, which states as follows:
'8-24-51. Board of Zoning Appeals - Creation; membership; terms; vacancies.
As part of the zoning ordinance, the governing body of the municipality shall create a board of zoning appeals consisting of five members to be appointed by the governing body of the municipality.
The members of the board of zoning appeals shall be individuals who are freeholders and residents of the municipality and at least three fifths of such members must have been residents of the municipality for at least ten years preceding the time of their appointment.
No member of the board of zoning appeals shall be a member of the planning commission nor shall any member hold other elective or appointive office in the municipality. Members of the board shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of their official duties.
Upon creation of a board of zoning appeals, the members shall be appointed for the following terms: one for a term of one year; two for a term of two years; and, two for a term of three years. The terms shall expire on the first day of January of the first, second, and third year, respectively, following their appointment. Thereafter, as their terms expire, each new appointment shall be for a term of three years.
If a vacancy occurs, by resignation or otherwise, among the members of the board of zoning appeals, the governing body of the municipality shall appoint a member for the unexpired term.
(b) At its first meeting of each year, the Board shall elect a president, vice-president, and secretary from its membership. The vice chairman shall have the power and authority to act as chairman during the absence or disability of the chairman.
(Ord. 2005-06-02. Passed 3-20-06.)