Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) was established through the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance and given the powers to:

1. Hear and decide appeals due to administrative decisions.
2. Issue "Special Use" Permits.
3. Grant "Special Exceptions" to the terms of the Zoning Ordinances.
4. Grant waivers to the Zoning Ordinances by "Variance."
5. Grant "Equitable Waiver" caused by a violation of a physical layout or dimensional requirement imposed by the Zoning Ordinance.

The appeals for an administrative decision are commonly due to the interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance by the administrative officer or land use board, such as the Zoning Compliance Officer, Planning Board, and/or the Board of Selectmen.

The ZBA provides an essential "safety valve" for land owners to appeal land use restrictions and is the first step in seeking relief from those restrictions. Using the standardized processes discussed above, the ZBA enables the land owner to make his case in a public forum at minimal expense prior to seeking legal recourse in NH Superior Court.

The ZBA consists of five members, up to five alternate members and a Secretary. All Board members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and serve in a three-year voluntary position. The Board meets when specific application for an appeal is submitted and operates under the by-laws as established by the Board.