Board of Zoning Appeals

Meetings

  • 6:30 pm
  • 4th Monday of every month (with holiday exceptions)
  • City Hall
    Council Chambers
    6070 Central Avenue
    Portage, IN 46368

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Members

  • Tom Cherry, Plan Commission Representative
  • Frank Farkas, Citizen/Mayor
  • AJ Monroe - Executive Secretary
  • Denise Little, Mayoral Representative from Plan Commission
  • Pete Trinidad, Jr, Citizen/Mayoral
  • Jim Weller, City Council Appointment

Overview

Zoning is intended to guide the growth and development of the City in accordance with the goals, objectives, and strategies stated within the Portage Comprehensive Plan and for the following purposes:

  • To secure adequate light, air, and convenience of access; and safety from fire, flood, and other dangers.
  • To promote public health, safety, comfort, convenience, morals, and general welfare.
  • To plan for the future development of the City with considerations such as:
    • Community growth with adequate public ways, utility, health, educational and recreational facilities
    • The needs of industry and business are recognized in future growth
    • That residential areas provide healthful surroundings for family life
    • That the growth of the community is commensurate with and promotes the efficient and economical use of public funds
    • That the community strives for high aesthetic value and quality planning and design.

Activities Of the Board of Zoning Appeals

  • Review and hear appeals of decisions made under this chapter by the director of community development or by any other administrator, However, the BZA does not hear appeals of rulings made by the plan commission.
  • Review, hear and approve or deny all petitions for special exceptions based on the provisions of this chapter and the Indiana State Code.
  • Review, hear and approve or deny all petitions for variances from development standards (such as height, bulk, or area of this chapter.
  • Review, hear and approve or deny all petitions for variances of use regulations in this chapter.
  • Other duties as permitted by Indiana State Code.

Term

  • 4-year term
  • 5 members:
    • 3 citizens appointed by the Mayor
    • 1 appointed by the Council
    • 1 appointed by the Plan Commission