The Zoning Hearing Board is a five-member appeals board appointed by the Board of Supervisors for staggered, five-year terms.

The Zoning Hearing Board hears applications for:

• special exceptions;
• nonconforming uses;
• variance requests.

It also hears appeals of decisions made by the zoning officer.

The Board gathers facts by taking testimony and by reviewing evidence from affected parties at public hearings. It is charged with the legal responsibility of approving or denying applications and appeals.

In rendering a decision, the Board considers all testimony, presented under oath at public hearings, and evaluates an application’s impact on the community. When necessary, the Board can require special stipulations in allowing special exceptions and variances.

The Board interprets, but does not set, the zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance and any revisions are prepared by the Planning Commission and adopted by the Board of Supervisors following a public hearing. The zoning ordinance was last adopted in February 2007.

After hearing an application or an appeal, the Zoning Hearing Board must, by law, make a decision within 45 days.