Zoning Board of Appeals

The City of Dunkirk Zoning Board of Appeals is a review board established by both State and local law to address appeals from the strict application of the City's Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance and associated Zoning Map establish various acceptable land use areas throughout the City where various uses are either permitted or prohibited. Additionally, the Zoning Ordinance sets forth the manner by which properties are to be developed, including setbacks, height and bulk restrictions and lot coverage.

The Zoning Board of Appeals has a number of duties and responsibilities as provided in City of Dunkirk's Charter. Those duties include: zoning interpretation, overturning interpretations made by the Code Enforcement Officer, the Director of Planning, other City administrative officials and the Zoning Board itself, approve special uses, grant variances, granting approval for building, granting of temporary uses.

The Zoning Board of Appeals is comprised of five (5) members that are citizens of the City of Dunkirk. Zoning Board members are appointed by the Mayor.

The City of Dunkirk Zoning Board meets regularly on a monthly basis. All meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals are open to the public and, as such, are advertised in the Dunkirk Observer. In addition, all matters scheduled for review by the Zoning Board of Appeals are subject to additional public notice requirements. Neighborhood property owners of any subject property are notified by mail of an owner's intent to seek a determination from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Due to public notice requirements and the need for review of applications by other State and local agencies, there is a pre-filing deadline for all agendas.

Picture courtesy Dunkirk Observer by Gib Snyder www.observertoday.com