Zoning Board of Adjustments

A Quasi-Judicial Citizens Board

The Zoning Board Of Adjustments is a “quasi-judicial” administrative body that performs the following duty: to hear and decide appeals from; and to review and order requirements, decisions, or determinations made by the Zoning Administrator or Building Inspector. The Board’s function is that of granting variances and conditional use permits. For more information on the Zoning Board of Adjustment refer to Article 3, sections 3-14 through 3-17 of the Southport Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

A Variance is a request to deviate from current zoning requirements. The Zoning Board Of Adjustment may grant variances in certain situations, enabling a property owner to make use of his/her property in some way that conflicts with the literal provisions of the Southport Unified Development Ordinance. For more on Variances see Article 5 of the UDO.

A Conditional Use Permit is a special permit granted only by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Certain uses in a given zoning district are only permitted by special exception. A Conditional Use Permit allows for certain land uses in a given zoning district to be studied more thoroughly because of their unique characteristics. For more information on Conditional Use Permits refer to Article 12 of the UDO.

Membership on the Zoning Board of Adjustment is by appointment of the Board of Aldermen. Please click here for an application to be considered for this board and file it with the City Clerk.

In general, the board of adjustment is the body established to:

• Hear appeals of decisions rendered by zoning administrators
• Interpret unclear provisions in the zoning ordinance
• Decide on applications by landowners to permit buildings or land uses which vary from the zoning regulations