Board of Zoning and Appeals (BZA)

What is the Board of Zoning and Appeals Appeals?

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA or Board) is a quasi-judicial body of five members that meets as needed in the Knightstown Town Hall (Council Chambers) 120 E. Main Street, Knightstown, Indiana 46148. There are 5 members of the BZA. The town Council President appoints 3 members, one of whom must be a member the plan commission and 2 of whom must not be members of the plan commission. The Council appoints one member but their appointment cannot be a member of the Plan Commission. The Plan Commission appoints one member who must be a member of the Plan Commission.

The Board conducts public hearings for citizen input in order to make its decisions.  The Board is charged with the responsibility of hearing appeals, requests for variances to the land use zoning regulations of the city, and requests for conditional uses. The Board conducts public hearings for citizen input in order to make their decisions.  

 

BZA FAQs

Q: May I communicate with the BZA members before the meeting?

A: No. The BZA is a quasi-judicial board and is only permitted to discuss items in a public hearing setting.

Q: How do I make comments to the BZA?

A: Comments received in writing (letter, email, and/or fax) prior to the hearing are presented to the Board for consideration at the beginning of the meeting. If you wish to speak at the meeting, please complete a “Request to Speak” form on the table at the entrance of the Council Chambers and present it to the recording secretary. When the Chairperson opens the public hearing for the item and calls your name, approach the podium, state your name and address, and state your objections or support.

Q: How do I appeal a decision of the BZA?

A: Decisions may be appealed only in the Hamilton County Circuit or Superior Courts. There is no city-level appeals process- See IC 36-7-4-1016 for details. The BZA shall hear and rule on the following types of requests:

  • Appeals of the Director’s/Historic Preservation Commission’s decisions.
  • Variances from the Development Standards of the Zoning Ordinance.
  • Land Use Variances as identified by state statute.
  • Conditional and Contingent Uses as identified in the Zoning Ordinance.
  • Interpretations of the wording of the Zoning Ordinance.
  • Determinations of all questions concerning the exact location of the district boundary line(s), in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.