Required / Purpose: The ZBA has authority to decide zoning issues in three distinct areas: (1) variance requests; (2) interpretation of existing zoning ordinances; and (3) requests for uses that may be permitted by the zoning ordinance on appeal. The function of the ZBA is to hear and decide upon the interpretation and application of the provisions of the zoning ordinance in special cases.
The City of Opelika Zoning Board considers and rules on all variance requests submitted to the City. A variance request may be granted if a developer or property owner is aggrieved by an adverse decision because the City's zoning ordinances creates an unwarranted hardship or practical difficulty.
Decisions of the Zoning Board are not subject to the review of City Council and can only be appealed to District Court.
Variance Request Applications
The deadline to submit a variance request application for Zoning Board review is three Tuesdays prior to the regularly scheduled meeting which is the second Tuesday of every month. The applications should be submitted to the Planning Department at the Public Works Facility at: 700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801