The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hears and makes decisions on questions that arise in the administration of the zoning ordinances, including variances from and interpretations of the zoning ordinances, and temporary use permits. It makes decisions on appeals from any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official or body charged with enforcement of the zoning ordinance. The ZBA meets when needed. 

A variance is permission granted by the ZBA to break the zoning law (zoning ordinance). It is permission that is not intended to be easy to achieve. Variances granted without proper justification may lead to an ordinance that becomes unenforceable. Additionally, the public’s confidence in the ordinance as a viable growth management tool may be significantly diminished.