The BOA has exclusive jurisdiction over what three things?

• A. Variance, Special Exception, Appeals from the decision of the administrative personnel
• B. Zoning Changes, Variance, Appeals
• C. Planning Permits, Special Exception, Appeals
• D. Building Permits, Variance, Zoning Changes

Answer: (A)

The Board of Adjustment handles three specific functions: variances, special exceptions, and appeals from administrative decisions. A variance lets a property owner deviate from exact zoning requirements (like setbacks or height) when strict application would cause practical difficulties due to the property’s unique condition, provided it won’t harm the public welfare. A special exception, or conditional use, allows a permitted use to operate in a district under stated conditions to ensure it fits with surrounding properties. Appeals are used when someone challenges a decision made by an administrative official, such as a zoning administrator or building inspector.

Other items in the list are typically handled by different bodies or processes: building permits are issued by the building department, and zoning changes or planning-related permits are decisions of planning commissions (and often city council) rather than the Board of Adjustment. So the three areas that fall under the BOA’s scope are variances, special exceptions, and appeals.