The ZBA plays a vital role in town government: It interprets and applies the zoning ordinance, it has the authority to overrule any administrative zoning decision, and it decides whether an applicant has met the criteria for a special exception, a variance, or an equitable waiver. While rewarding, the position can also be challenging, as the Board may need to make difficult and/or unpopular decisions when required by the evidence.
The position requires a three-year commitment to meeting (usually) twice a month; on the fourth Thursday evening of the month for a public hearing, at which the Board hears cases and considers evidence, and the following Thursday for a deliberative session at which the Board decides the previous week’s cases. You will also be expected to periodically draft (with the assistance of staff and/or other members) written decisions for cases the Board has heard, setting out the important facts of the case and the Board’s reasoning for its decision.
Email or call Bruce.Simpson@hanovernh.org (603-640-3213) if you think you may be interested in volunteering for the position, or if you would like more information about it.