Board of Zoning Appeals

Meetings

  • The Board of Zoning Appeals generally meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm
  • Historic Courthouse
    17 Church Street
    Mathews, VA 23109

Members

  • Sue Thomas, Chairman
    P.O. Box 710
    North, VA 23128
    Phone: 804-815-6116
    Email Sue Thomas
    Term expires: June 2024
  • Peter Clendenin, Vice Chairman
    P.O. Box 125
    Hallieford, VA 23068
    Phone: 804-725-1930
    Email Peter Clendenin
    Term expires: March 2023
  • Tim Doss, Secretary 
    P.O. Box 549
    Port Haywood, VA  23138
    (To fill the unexpired term of VandenBout)
    Term expires: March 2025
  • Tom Robinson 
    239 Billips Creek Lane
    Moon, VA 23119
    Phone: 804-240-4065
    Email Tom Robinson
    Term expires: June 20, 2024

               

  • Sonny Fauver
    Box 14
    Bavon, VA 23138
    Phone: 804-334-2625
    Email Sonny Fauver
    Term expires: April 2026

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