Zoning Board of Appeals

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

The Zoning Board of Appeals shall consists of five members appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Common Council, for three years, except that of those first appointed, one shall serve for one year; two for two years. The City Clerk serves as the secretary.

For a list of current members, see the Directory of Elected Representatives Boards and Commissions (PDF).

Duties

The Board of Appeals shall have the following powers:

  • To hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator
  • To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of this Code upon which the Board of Appeals is required to pass
  • To authorize, upon appeal in specific cases, such variance from the terms of this Code as will not be contrary to the public interest, when, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, so that the spirit of the ordinance shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done
  • Permit in appropriate cases, and subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Code, a building or premises to be erected or used for such public utility purposes in any location which is reasonably necessary for the public convenience and welfare

Appeals

  • Appeals to the Board of Appeals may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department, board or bureau of the City of Lake Geneva affected by any decision of the administrative officers. Such appeal shall be taken within thirty days, as provided by the rules of the Board of Appeals, by filing with the officer(s) from whom the appeal is taken and with the Board of Appeals a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof, together with payment of a filing fee as may be established by the Common Council.
  • The officer(s) from whom the appeal is taken shall forthwith transmit to the Board of Appeals all papers constituting the record of appeals upon which the action appealed from was taken. The Board of Appeals shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of appeals and give public notice thereof as well as due notice to the parties in interest, and shall decide to same within a reasonable time.

Fore more information about the Zoning Board of Appeals, view Section 934 of the Zoning Ordinances (PDF).