Title
DISSOLUTION OF JOINT CITY-COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS (BZA) AND CREATION OF COUNTY BZA.
Presented by: Robert W. Parnacott, Assistant County Counselor.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution.
Body
Prior to 2013, Sedgwick County had a separate County BZA that heard applications for variances from zoning code requirements, and appeals from various administrative actions. Beginning January 1, 2013, the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners (the Board) dissolved the County BZA and created a joint City-County BZA with the City of Wichita. The City and County also designated the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Commission to serve as the joint City-County BZA.
Under state law, members of the BZA serve without compensation. The Board can set their terms at 3 or 4 years. Initial terms must be staggered as one, two and three year terms, divided as equally as possible between the members. Any vacancies are filled for the remainder of the applicable term. The BZA may annually elect a chair, and appoint a secretary. The secretary may be a staff member or officer of the county. The BZA may adopt rules of procedure consistent with the authorizing resolution. Meetings may be held at the call of the chair, or at such other times set by the BZA. The BZA must keep minutes, showing the evidence presented, findings of fact and decisions by the BZA and the vote on any question presented. BZA records are public. The Board may set reasonable fees for applications made to the BZA.
The BZA shall administer any appeals from or other matters referred to it regarding the application of the zoning code. The BZA may set a reasonable time for hearing an appeal or other matter. Notice of the time, place and subject of any hearings shall be published in the official county newspaper at least 20 days prior to the hearing date. Copies of the notice shall also be mailed to each party and to the planning commission.
Persons aggrieved by action of any offi...
Click here for full text