Zoning Board of Appeals

The Borough of Donora is searching for interested RESIDENTS to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals (1 Resident).

Interested Residents are asked to submit a letter to the Municipal Building or an email to manager@donoraboro.org.

APPOINTEE TERM EXPIRES
John Conger 12/31/2027
Barry Hickman 12/31/2028
Dale Shawley 12/31/2029
Jon Bellamy 12/31/2030
Vacant 12/31/2031

**ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL MEMBERS interpret local zoning ordinances, decide appeals from zoning enforcement officials’ decisions, and grant variances for property owners. They conduct public hearings to review requests, apply zoning laws to specific situations, and make determinations based on the evidence presented. Their decisions must balance property owners’ rights with community interests and the goals of the zoning ordinance.

 

Primary duties:

Hear appeals: Listen to and decide on appeals from property owners who believe a zoning decision was made incorrectly or unfairly by an administrative officer. The board can uphold, reverse, or modify the official’s decision.

 

Grant variances: Authorize deviations from strict zoning requirements when a property owner can prove a hardship that prevents reasonable use of their property as zoned.

Interpret ordinances: Clarify the meaning of zoning ordinance text and maps when they are unclear or disputed.

 

Make recommendations: In some cases, a board may make investigations, create reports, and offer recommendations on zoning matters to other government bodies.