Zoning Board of Appeals

Established by vote of a town meeting on February 11, 1952, Chapter 97 of the Bethany Code, the Zoning Board of Appeals is responsible for the following:

  • Acting on applications for variances from the Zoning Regulations where, among other things, a strict adherence to the Zoning Regulations would cause exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship due to unique or unusual conditions of the land.

  • Acting on appeals to orders of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

  • Acting on any matter so authorized in the Zoning Regulations.

Members

Carol R Goldberg, Chairperson

Brian Sackett, Alternate

David M. Forman

Steven A. Massey, Secretary

Arnold E. Sabatelli, Vice Chairman

Rudolph W. Beckert, Jr.

James W. Foley, Alternate

Ruth Beardsley, Alternate

Staff

Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer

Antonia Marek, ZBA Clerk

Contact

Zoning Board of Appeals

Bethany Town Hall

40 Peck Road

Bethany, CT 06524-3338

203-393-2100 x115

203-393-0821 (fax)

ZBA Clerk, 203-393-2100 x115,

Hours

Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM or by appointment

FAQs

When are the meetings?

Do I need an attorney to present my case to the board?

How can I best prepare myself for an appearance before the Zoning Board of Appeals?

If I am seeking a zoning variance, should I present evidence of support from my neighbors?

In cases where a variance is sought for a construction project, what supporting evidence must I submit to describe the project?

Where can I find all of the requirements for filing ann application for a Zoning Variance?



 
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When are the meetings? Back Image

The Board as necessary at 8:00 PM in the Commission Room of the Bethany Town Hall at 40 Peck Road. Contact the ZBA Clerk for specific meeting times.

Do I need an attorney to present my case to the board? Back Image

The presence of any attorney is not required. An applicant may present his/her own case if he/she wishes. In many instances, particularly in more complicated cases, applicants have chosen to be represented by a professional, such as an attorney, a planning consultant, an architect, or a contractor, well versed in zoning matters. Sometimes an applicant will choose a relative or friend to represent him/her. This choice is entirely up to the applicant

How can I best prepare myself for an appearance before the Zoning Board of Appeals? Back Image

The best preparation for a Zoning Board of Appeals appearance is to attend a hearing before your own hearing is scheduled. By listening to the presentations and the questions asked by the Board, you will get a sense of the workings of the Board.

A Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing, while quasi-judicial in nature, is still relatively informal. The Board goes out of its way not to be intimidating. After all, the members of the Board are all volunteers, and are your neighbors

If I am seeking a zoning variance, should I present evidence of support from my neighbors? Back Image

In all zoning cases, the Board schedules a hearing. Neighbors may or may not choose to appear. However, the Board always welcomes the opinions of neighbors who may be affected by zoning variance. Therefore, while not required, input from neighbors can be helpful. If a neighbor does not choose to appear, a letter indicating support for or objection to an application may be submitted as evidence.

In cases where a variance is sought for a construction project, what supporting evidence must I submit to describe the project? Back Image

All applicants are required to submit an application and plans for the project. In addition, oral presentations are helpful to describe plans. In addition, drawings and photographs that show the property both before and after any planned construction will be helpful. Specific dimensions are required to describe the size of additions, decks, patios or other features. Where the slope of the lot is important to the location of any construction, an adequate description of the degree of slope and its location should be presented. Applicants are encouraged to have professionally prepared plans.

Where can I find all of the requirements for filing an application for a Zoning Variance? Back Image

Consult the Zoning Board of Appeals By-laws.

 

 
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