2006 Annual Report of the Wilmot Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Wilmot Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) has been in existence since March 1968. Following an archival review this appears to be the first annual report. Therefore, a brief overview of the mission and structure might be in order with a touch of editorial license.
The ZBA is an all volunteer board composed of members of the Wilmot community. The members that serve on this board do so under strict local and state laws. The ZBA is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals of administrative decisions involving zoning ordinance, as well as applications for variance and special exception that may be necessary in order to fairly apply the zoning ordinance. The members are required to read, interpret and apply the zoning ordinance as enacted by the municipality. The Board works as a relief valve that allows the zoning ordinance to work while being both fair to the applicant and careful to base its decision on the terms of the ordinance not on the popularity of the applicant or the mood of the crowd at the public hearing. Members of the ZBA listen to the
testimony, consider the facts and apply these provisions fairly.
The Board shall have the following powers:
· To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official or body in the enforcement of the zoning ordinance.
· To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of the ordinance upon which the Board is required to pass under the ordinance.
After an individual or organization has followed the prescribed channels through the Planning Board and Selectmen and not obtained the desired results, they may file a formal application within the prescribed time frame based on one of the following categories:
· Appeal from an Administrative Decision
· Special Exception
· Use Variance
· Area Variance
· Equitable Wavier of Dimensional Requirements
Upon receipt of a completed application, arrangement for a public hearing will be set into motion.
In 2006 the ZBA held three public hearings; one each in April and October, mandated by policy. A meeting on May 30 addressed an Appeal to Administrative Decision (Approved) and on October 3 an Appeal on Use Variance (Denied).
The makeup of the Board calls for a Chairman, Vice Chairman, 3 voting members and up to 3 alternates. Members and alternates are appointed by the Selectmen for alternating 3 year terms. There must be 3 members present for a quorum. When a member is absent an alternate may be appointed as a replacement. At present the Board is actively seeking interested candidates. Interested parties are requested to contact the Selectmen’s office at the Town Office.
In closing, the Board wishes to thank Tracy Jordan, our Recording Secretary, for her knowledge and efforts on our behalf. Her dedication makes for a smooth administrative process.
Respectively Submitted,
Charles Stewart, Vice Chairman
Lynn Walker
Pat Brown
Don Lucas
Richard Dumais
Tracy Jordan, Secretary to Board
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