Which legal framework typically establishes a Board of Adjustments within a municipality?

• A. State Law
• B. City Ordinance
• C. Federal Regulation
• D. State Constitution

Answer: (A)

The authority to create a Board of Adjustment for a municipality comes from state law. States pass enabling statutes that authorize cities and counties to regulate land use and to establish boards that hear variances, special exceptions, and appeals. This state framework provides the legal basis, powers, and procedures the board must follow. A city then uses its own ordinances to implement that authority locally, specifying how the board operates within the state-provided structure. Federal regulations don’t set up local boards, and a state constitution typically offers broad powers rather than the detailed mechanism for forming a specific municipal board.