notifications Notice: Sign up for the Town of DeWitt Newsletter close-icon

The Zoning Board of Appeals (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 York State 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, 
3. interpretation of an administrative decision.

When does the ZBA meet?
3rd Monday of each month  (6:30 PM)
DeWitt Town Hall
5400 Butternut Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057

Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule

Agendas 
You can also view Town Board, Planning Board, and Police Commission Agendas by selecting the category at the top of the page in the link provided.

The Zoning Board of Appeals is testing a new Agendas & Minutes Center where all new Agendas and Minutes can be found. Please click here for the link. Any past meetings and agendas can be found at the ecode link above.
 

Should I apply to the ZBA?
Applicants will receive a verbal or written denial of a permit or other permission from the Department of Planning & Zoning. 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?
Applications must be submitted and deemed complete on or before 3 pm of the last Monday of the previous month, in order to be considered on the Agenda for the next ZBA meeting.

 

What is a “complete” application?
A complete application consists of:            
Fee Schedule 
Zoning Board Application and Hearing Guide
Use Variance Addendum
Specific Use Addendum

Environmental Assessment Forms - SEQRA
   - short form 
   - long form  

Current survey  
Site and architectural plans

Public Notice of Meeting
The Town Clerk will publish notice in the official paper of the Town, the Eagle Bulletin or Post Standard, within five days of the scheduled meeting and send letters to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property.

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 Planning & Zoning
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 Planning & Zoning Department.

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.

 

Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes
Copies of the approved Minutes of the DeWitt Zoning Board of Appeals and the DeWitt Planning Board are provided at this site as a public service. Please be advised that the DeWitt Town Clerk's Office is the official Records Management Officer for the Town and responsible for the custody, storage and disposition of  ZBA and Planning Board Minutes. 

Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes

Members:
Kelly O'Connor, Chairperson 
Joseph DellaPosta                        
Daniel Kornfeld
Maxwell Perrin
Jamie Trevvett
Joshua Werbeck
Matt Natoli, Attorney

 

Links, Forms and Brochures
Video: How to Apply for a Variance
Citizens Guide to the DeWitt Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals
Zoning Board of Appeals Application
DeWitt Town Code

Questions: 
Planning and Zoning
(315) 446-3910 x 3
plan_zone@townofdewitt.com

Sign Up for Alerts