Zoning Board of Appeals

Overview 

The Schenectady Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a seven member citizen board appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The Board of Zoning Appeals is granted two appellate functions: the review of applications for use and area variances, and the power to render interpretations of the zoning regulations. As an appellate board, applications to the BZA can only be accepted to appeal a decision from a City official. These decisions could include a Zoning Determination Letter, referral from the Planning Commission, or other written City determination. The BZA has the authority to review the following:

• Area Variances: requests for dimensional relief from existing regulations relating to building setbacks, building heights, etc.
• Use Variances: requests for relief from existing regulations to allow for uses not permitted by current zoning.
• Interpretations: requests for interpretation of the regulations in the zoning ordinance made by the City’s Zoning / Code Officer.