Zoning Hearing Board

In Pennsylvania, a Zoning Hearing Board is a quasi-judicial body that handles disputes and requests related to local zoning laws.

Every municipality that has zoning ordinances (rules about how land can be used) must also have a Zoning Hearing Board.

Role of the Zoning Hearing Board

• Interpret zoning ordinances.
• Hear appeals if someone feels the zoning officer misinterpreted the zoning ordinance.
• Decide on special exceptions or grant variances (permissions to do something that's normally not allowed under the rules).

Key Functions of a Zoning Hearing Board

Variances
If strict enforcement of zoning rules would create an unnecessary hardship (like irregular property shapes, topography issues, etc.), a property owner can request a variance to be allowed to use their land differently.

Special Exceptions
Certain uses are allowed if conditions are met; the board decides if the applicant meets those conditions.

Appeals
If someone thinks the local zoning officer made a mistake interpreting or enforcing the zoning ordinance, they can appeal to the board.

Challenge Ordinances
They also hear challenges if someone thinks a zoning law is unconstitutional or improperly enacted.


What to Expect During a Hearing

• A hearing is a formal meeting open to the public.
• Both sides (the applicant and any opponents) can present evidence and witnesses.
• The Zoning Hearing Board listens, asks questions, and makes a decision based on the facts and the law.
• Decisions are usually made in writing and if an applicant disagrees with the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board, the decision can be appealed to the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas.

How is a Zoning Hearing Board Created

• A Zoning Hearing Board is usually comprised of residents appointed by the elected officials of the municipality. In Freemansburg, Borough Council appoints members to the zoning hearing board through a majority vote at a public meeting.
• Typically, a Zoning Hearing board has three to five members. Freemansburg Borough has a three (3) member zoning hearing board, with one additional alternate member.

Members

To requests a hearing in front of the Zoning Hearing Board, please complete and submit the application in the link below.

Click here to access the Application.