ZBA Membership

Overview

The function of the ZBA is to be a quasi-judicial body, to carry out two principal functions:

  1. To hear and decide appeals of administrative decisions made in implementing the zoning ordinance; and
  2. To hear and decide requests for variances from the strict terms of the zoning ordinance.

In addition, the ZBA is occasionally called upon to interpret the provisions of the zoning ordinance.

The ZBA enjoys all the powers granted to it by Public Act 110 of 2006, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, as well as the St. Ignace Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 38, Division II. 

Meetings of the ZBA are scheduled as needed.

Desired Background

The only formal membership requirements for the ZBA are that it shall consist of seven members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. One ZBA member shall be a member of the City Council, and the other six are citizens-at-large. 

While no other formal requirements exist, members should have a general interest or working knowledge of land use planning, architecture, policy formulation, building construction/engineering, or real estate. Leadership, organizational, decision-making, and communication skills are a plus.

Expectations

Members are expected to:

  1. Attend all meetings,
  2. Be willing to do outside training to stay up-to-date,
  3. Keep an open mind,
  4. Review all materials before meetings,
  5. Meet the City's ethics and conflict-of-interest policies, 
  6. Carefully process all facts, documents, and rules pertaining to cases
  7. Discuss and analyze the impact and consequences of their decisions
  8. Communicate conflicts between the Zoning Ordinance and the Master Plan with the Planning Commission 

How Can I Become a Member?

ZBA vacancies are filled by the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council. Vacancies will be filled as they occur; an application of interest can be submitted at any time to be kept on file.