PLANNING AND ZONING

The Zoning Board of Appeals, or “ZBA,” is a vital link in the administration of the Zoning Code. Created in 1940, its role is to be a “safety valve” for the resolution of zoning matters that may unreasonably affect the use of real property. The ZBA is a quasi-judicial body whose methods and decision making are governed by New YorkState law. Its jurisdiction extends to all questions relative to the Zoning Code of DeWitt which fall into one of three categories:

1.      variances,
2.      specific use permits, and
3.      interpretation of an administrative decision.

When does the ZBA meet?
3rd Monday of each month  (7:30 PM)
DeWitt Town Hall
5400 Butternut Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057

Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule 2012

Events Calendar

Should I apply to the ZBA?
Applicants will receive a verbal or written denial of a permit or other permission from the Department of Development  & Operations. A staff member will discuss with you the options you may pursue such as modifying your proposal and/or applying for relief from the zoning rules.

When can an application be submitted?
Until the close of business on the last Monday of the month prior to a regular meeting.

What is a “complete” application?
A complete application consists of:            

Fees of Development & Operations 
Zoning Board Application and Hearing Guide Rev. 3.11
Environmental Assessment Forms - SEQRA
- short form 
- long form  
Current survey 
Site and architectural plans

How to communicate with the ZBA
The best way to communicate your thoughts to the ZBA is to speak at a public hearing and/or write a letter to the Chairman at:

Chairman – Zoning Board of Appeals 
C/O Department of Development & Operations
Town of DeWitt
5400 Butternut Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057.

County Planning Agency review of certain matters.
The Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency is required by New York State General Municipal Law, Section 239 l and m, to review certain applications that come before the ZBA prior to a decision being made. Such matters are referred to the county by the Development & Operations office. As an applicant, you are NOT REQUIRED to prepare these materials. Occasionally, meeting schedules of the county and ZBA do not coincide, which may result in a delay of a decision by the ZBA until the county’s recommendation is received. You will be notified if a delay is expected.

How and when are decisions made?
Following the close of a public hearing, the Chairman will direct discussion of a case by the members of the ZBA, at which time a formal vote may be taken to approve, modify or deny the application. A simple majority of the full membership is necessary to pass a resolution.

To obtain a copy of a decision.
Decisions of the ZBA are filed in the Town Clerk’s Office and can generally be obtained within three weeks of a ZBA vote.

Can the decision of the ZBA be appealed?
A decision of the Board may only be appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction – typically the New York State Supreme Court.