Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) provides property owners an opportunity to request variances from the City’s zoning regulations, allowing for reasonable development that might otherwise be limited by a property’s unique conditions or layout.

In addition to these duties, members of the Board also serve on the Building & Standards Commission (BSC). This Commission is responsible for determining and enforcing standards related to the safety and integrity of structures.

ROLE OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:

• Hears and decides appeals where it is alleged an error was made by an administrative official in the enforcement of any zoning ordinance.
• Hears and decides special exceptions to the terms of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
• Grants exceptions to zoning rules in specific cases where strict enforcement would cause unnecessary hardship due to special circumstances.

ROLE OF THE BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION:

• Assessing the occupancy load or vacating structures that present a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of occupants.
• Ordering the demolition of structures determined to be urban nuisances.
• Requiring or facilitating the correction of dangerous conditions.
• Assessing civil penalties.
• Declaring buildings substandard when appropriate.

BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP:

• Board and commission appointed by City Council.
• Five resident members and two alternate members.
• Two alternate members, who are appointed for two-year terms.
• At least one member must reside in each of Districts 1 through 4.
• Two-year terms with a limit of four consecutive terms.

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be a qualified voter.
• Must have been a resident of Texas for at least one year.
• Must be a Richardson resident for at least six months immediately prior to the date of appointment.
• Must hold no elected public office.
• Must not be in arrears in taxes or other liability due the City of Richardson.

MEETING FREQUENCY:

• The Zoning Board of Adjustment is expected to meet once per month on the third Wednesday of the month (January through November). The Building and Standards Commission is expected to meet as needed on the third Wednesday of the month.
• Members are expected to attend at least 75% of scheduled meetings.