The Role of the ZBA

The Role of the ZBA
One might think that in the “Live Free or Die” State, that we should be able to do whatever we want with our own property.
Right?
Well, you can… to a point and within boundaries. And these boundaries are the Windham Zoning Ordinances. 
So, what happens if you want to do something on your property that is not allowed by Zoning?
The “constitutional relief valve” for property owners is the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The Windham ZBA is an elected board of 5 members and 3 alternates, who meet the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month. 
Similar to a referee, the ZBA affords every person a timely hearing without the expense of going to court. It has the authority to hear/grant Administrative Appeals, Special Exceptions, Variances, and Equitable Waivers.  
The ZBA has the power to hear and decide appeals if it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official and to hear administrative appeals of decisions made by the Planning Board, which are based on their interpretation of the zoning ordinance.
The Town website contains the Zoning Ordinances, which can be found at
www.windhamnewhampshire.com, under the ‘Government’, ‘Local Ordinances’ tab and also on the ZBA webpage, under the ‘Committees’ tab, which lists members, minutes, and bylaws. If you want to speak to someone regarding a zoning issue, please call the Community Development Department at 432-3806.