Board of Adjustment Lakewood Case Files, 1941-1989

The Board of Adjustment (BOA) is a seven-member board that considers granting variances in cases where a property owner cannot meet the standards in their zone district; to consider granting special exceptions for temporary activities and to consider appeals of the Director of Planning and Zoning’s written decisions, determinations and interpretations.

The BOA is created by state statute and appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. When a case is scheduled for hearing before the BOA, a public notice sign is posted on the subject property for a minimum of 14 days, and written notification is provided to all adjacent property owners. Public input is encouraged. Variances (e.g., reduction of required setbacks or lot size, or increase in height, etc.) run with the land, while most special exceptions (e.g., temporary structures, home occupations, etc.) are granted for a specified length of time, and require rehearing and renewal upon expiration.

It is not within the purview of the BOA to change land use, and therefore variances, when granted, do not constitute a rezoning. Decisions of the BOA are final, and the appeal process is through District Court.

Board of Adjustment Membership

The Board of Adjustment is made up of volunteers who are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Five regular members of the Board of Adjustment are appointed for three year terms and two associate members are appointed for one year terms.