Government > Departments > Development and Planning > Division of Planning > Board of Zoning Appeals > Process

The BZA Process

Download BZA Process Flow Chart

I. Apply for a Zoning and Building Permit at the Division of Building and Codes- 165 Henry Johnson Boulevard
The Division of Building and Codes reviews your application to determine if it complies with the applicable zoning ordinances. If it does not comply, if it is deemed a special use, or if you require a parking lot permit, you will be issued a denial letter and you will have to apply for a variance, special use permit, or parking lot permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Submitting your BZA application will start the following process, which will take approximately one month to complete.

II. Legal Notification
Upon receipt of a completed application, the Planning Office sends out legal notification to the applicant, the Neighborhood Association, the Alderperson, and area residents and/or businesses, as well as other involved parties a minimum of 10 days before the hearing. This notice describes the proposal and provides the date, time, and location of the hearing where the applicant’s case will be heard. Anyone wishing to testify in support of or in opposition to the proposal has the opportunity to do so at the scheduled public hearing.