The Commissioner — Spring 2006

Resource Finder

Zoning Board of Appeals

An informed board is a successful board.

APA Planners Press Books

The Board of Adjustment
V. Gail Easley, FAICP, and David A. Theriaque, 2005
Compatibility, ethics, hearings, record keeping, variances, appeals. There are so many things board of adjustment members must consider — and so few sources to guide them. Novice members gain insight into the board's unique role, while veterans find tips and strategies that make their work go more smoothly. With checklists, sample reports, real-world examples, and easy-to-understand prose, the book demystifies waivers, conditional uses, legal issues, and more. It also covers bylaws, record keeping, and day-today operations.

CD-ROM Training Products

Zoning Variances and Findings of Fact: Zoning Clinic 2005
APA Education and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Defines variances and findings of fact and provides guidance on how boards of adjustment or appeals should utilize them. Hear about which practices result in litigation, how to develop defensible findings of fact, and how to prepare a solid record for decisions.

Conducting the Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing: Zoning Clinic 2004
APA Education and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
How can the zoning board of appeals function better? Discover the board's purpose, how it should approach decision making, and the use of an alternative structure — a hearing examiner. Gain insight into how to conduct administrative hearings, make findings of fact, and ensure your decisions can survive legal challenges.

Legal Foundation for Planning Commission and Zoning Board Decisions
APA Education, 1995
Which procedures help you avoid being sued as a planning commissioner? How do Supreme Court decisions affect your actions? Find out what's relevant and necessary to promote sound planning and zoning practices in your community. Questions from commissioners around the country supplement the prepared presentation.

Other Resources

Personal Liability of Planning and Zoning Officials
Michael M. Shultz, 1994
As a planning or zoning official, you can be sued for the land-use decisions you make. This report tells you what you can do to prevent a personal lawsuit — and how to handle one if it is brought against you. The author provides an overview of personal liability issues in land-use cases and analyzes state and federal claims that can be filed against planning and zoning officials.