Board of Zoning Appeals

Overview

The Board of Zoning Appeals is a five-member body appointed by the Circuit Court based upon recommendation of The Board of Supervisors. Terms of members is five (5) years and they must be County residents.

The BZA has jurisdiction to hear three types of matters:  variances, appeals, and interpretations of the zoning map. 

• A variance is an instance where the ordinance is relaxed in order to reduce a hardship.  There are specific criteria, outlined in state code, that allow for the issuance of a variance. 
• Any person aggrieved with a decision of the zoning director may appeal that decision to the BZA. 
• If there is any uncertainty as to the location of a district boundary on the official zoning map, a citizen may apply to the BZA for an interpretation of the zoning district boundary. 
• Following a public hearing, the BZA decides to approve or deny the request, which is final, unless the aggrieved files a petition with the Circuit Court.

Related Code & Ordinances

• Board of Zoning Appeals Bylaws (PDF) - Amended September 18th, 2024
• Chapter 175, Article 18, of the Mathews County Code of Ordinances, provides the local requirements for Administrative Bodies and Their Responsibilities.
• Section 15.2-2309, of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, provides the framework for Boards of Zoning Appeals.