The principal duty of the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) is to decide on requests from owners seeking to do something on their property that does not meet the requirements of the Township Zoning Ordinance. The ZHB currently meets at 7:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month when there are applications to be heard. Each member receives compensation of $10.00 for each hearing they attend.
The most common type of application is for variances from zoning requirements. For example, a homeowner may seek a variance for an addition they wish to build when they cannot meet the minimum required setbacks from a property line due to an unusually shaped lot. The ZHB makes a decision during a quasi-judicial hearing where the testimony of the applicant and any interested neighbors or other parties is heard and transcribed. The ZHB solicitor (attorney) assists with the proceedings of the hearing.