Zoning Board of Appeals determines the viability of all zoning applications within the City limits, including hearing arguments for zoning exceptions and deciding the viability and merit of all zoning considerations.
Members
Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five (5) members: two (2) members are appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation and approval by Council; and three (3) are appointed by City Council. Appointments are for a term of five (5) years.
Resident Representatives:
- James Shook, Chair (term expires 12/31/2026)
- John Kilgore (term expires 12/31/2029)
- Andrew Renacci (term ending 12/31/2028)
- Nicole Slivinski (term expires 12/31/2030)
- David Updegraff (term expires 12/31/2027)
Responsibilities
- Hear and decide applications for exceptions to and variances from the municipal zoning ordinances, and hear and decide all appeals from orders, decisions, and regulations of municipal administrative officials or agencies related to those ordinances.
- The Commission shall not permit any exception or variance unless it determines that a practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship would result from the literal application of the zoning ordinances due to a peculiarity of the property in question, as distinguished from other properties in the same district. In such cases, granting the exception or variance must not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to surrounding property and must be consistent with the general purpose, intent, and objectives of the municipal zoning ordinances.
Meetings
Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December) at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Avon Lake City Hall, 150 Avon Belden Road.
To allow time for proper notification, applications for a Variance or Appeal must be in the Zoning office two (2) weeks (no later than 12:00 p.m.) prior to the meeting date. Scheduled meetings are available on the City calendar.
Please note: When presenting a case before the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Owner or Agent must be present at the meeting. More information, including zoning rules and regulations, can be found on the Zoning Department page.