Who typically chairs the zoning board of adjustment?

The zoning board of adjustment is typically chaired by a regular board member rather than a designated official or professional. This structure is important because it ensures that the chairperson has firsthand experience and understanding of the board's functions and the community's needs. A regular member's perspective on the board's decisions enhances the board's ability to address the various applications they receive effectively, as they are directly involved in the board's operations and can contribute to discussions with insight grounded in their experience.

In many localities, the intention is to enable a board member, who is likely to be familiar with the nuances of zoning laws and local community concerns, to guide the meetings and facilitate discussions. This arrangement also helps in maintaining the independence of the board from political or administrative influences that might arise if the chair were to be someone like the mayor or planning director.

This way of organizing leadership within the zoning board supports fair and unbiased decisions in zoning matters, aligning with best practices in community planning and land use regulation.