HomeMy WebLinkAboutAP201800002 Correspondence 2019-01-18COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 972-4126
MEMORANDUM
To: Members of the Board of Zoning Appeals
Amelia McCulley, Zoning Administrator
Andy Herrick, County Attorney
From: Bart Svoboda — Chief of Zoning/Deputy Zoning Administrator
Subject: Letter from Peter Caramanis dated December 31, 2018
Re: AP2018-00002 Roslyn Farm and Vineyard
Date: January 17, 2019
Attached you will find a letter from Peter Caramanis dated December 31, 2018
regarding the decision from the December 4, 2018 BZA meeting relating to
AP2018-00002 Roslyn Farm and Vineyard. At that meeting, a motion was made to
deny the appeal. The BZA vote was taken and the outcome was a tie vote, 2-2,
which resulted in the failure to overturn the appeal as requested. Through the
attached letter, the attorney for the appellant is requesting that the appeal be
carried over to a future meeting or reconsidered.
You will also find the email response dated January 16, 2019 from Andy Herrick to
John Shepherd regarding the letter referenced above. This email response
included a copy of the BZA Rules of Procedure which are also attached.
Additionally, you will find attached references from the Code of Virginia regarding
ex parte communications, the carry-over of items resulting in a tie vote, and the
procedure for appeal as they relate to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Please be
familiar with this information as you review this request.
Thank you.
BJS
ROY E R PETER J. CARAMANIS
FEM
Attorney Late
& p
CARAMANIS caramanis(arcmplc.c.com
200-C Garrett Street
M c D O N O U G H Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 260-8767 ■ Fax (434) 710-4061
REAL ESTATE f BUSINESS E BANKING N WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES N CIVIL LITIGATION I! CRIMINAL DEFENSE II FAMILY LAW & MILITARY LAW
COLLISON F. ROYER
PETER J. CARAMANIS
STACEY L. MCDONOUGF
JESSICA F. PHILLIPS
ERNESTA. HARPER
SHELLIE S. TAYLOR
TAYLOR R. ODOM
SAMANTHA V. RICCI
31
December ? , 2018
Mr. John Shepherd, Chair
Albemarle County Board of Zoning Appeals
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Via Hand Delivery
RE: AP2018-00002 — Roslyn Farm and Vineyard
Appellant: MESA Associates / John & Trula Wright
Dear Mr. Shepherd:
As you know, the above -referenced matter came before the Board of Zoning Appeals on
December 41 2018. Based on procedural deficiencies at that hearing, as outlined below, I am
writing to request that this appeal be carried over to a future meeting, or reconsidered, as the case
may be.
The issues are as follows:
1. At the meeting on December 4, 2018, the motion made was "to deny the appeal." The resulting
vote was 2-2. According to the Albemarle County BZA Rules of Procedure Section 5.D., a "tie vote
shall defeat the motion voted upon." In other words, the motion to deny the appeal was defeated
by the tie vote. According to Section 5.E., "the defeat of a motion to deny a matter shall not be
deemed to be approval of the matter. In such a case, the Chair shall call for another motion."
Accordingly, the defeat of the motion to deny the appeal did not serve to grant the appeal, but also,
therefore, did not serve to resolve the matter in any fashion, and the issue remains before the BZA
for determination. That evening, it was treated as if the result of the motion was to deny the appeal,
but based on the BZA's Rules of Procedure, that is an incorrect result. Since this matter does need
to come back before the BZA for some final action, and since the vote on December 4 was 2-2, we
respectfully request that the matter be carried over to a meeting after a fifth member of the BZA
has been appointed and can cast a deciding vote.
2. Also at the December 4, 2018 meeting, you will recall that I interjected to ask if I could be heard
regarding a motion for deferral. I was immediately shouted down by the property owners'
attorney, and while it seemed the BZA briefly contemplated allowing me to be heard, ultimately, I
was not allowed that opportunity. It was my intent to request a deferral until a fifth BZA member
is appointed. According to the BZA Rules of Procedure 3.D., "The BZA may defer any matter at the
request of a member of the BZA, the County staff, or the applicant or appellant. The request may
ROYER, CARAMANIS & MCDONOUGH, PLC IS A VIRGINIA PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
www.rcmplc.com
be made either orally at the meeting, or in writing, and may be made at any time prior to the vote
on the matter." At the time I attempted to request a deferral, no vote on the matter had been taken,
and I should have been allowed to be heard, but was not.
Because it seems that no final decision has been made on this appeal, we believe this request is
properly treated as a motion to carry over, and not as a motion for rehearing. That being said, to the extent
the BZA considers that a decision was actually made on December 4, despite the facts summarized in
numbered paragraph 1, above, we ask that you treat this as a request for a rehearing of the matter after a fifth
and deciding BZA member is seated.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. I would be glad to answer any questions you or the
other BZA members may have as you consider it.
Best regards.
Very truly yours,
W --Y--
Peter J. aramanis
Cc: John & Trula Wright
ROYER
CARAMAN IS St Page 2 of 2
_,_.u_ McDONOUGH
Bart Svoboda
From: Andy Herrick
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 1:14 PM
To: John Shepherd
Cc: BZA; pcaramanis@rcmplc.com
Subject: RE: February BZA meeting
Attachments: BZA Rules of Procedure 181113.pdf
John,
Thanks for your call last Friday. As we discussed, though I do not represent die Board of Zoning
Appeals, I am happy to share die legal positions of die Board of Supervisors and its Zoning Administrator wide
you and the BZA. On a related note, C'odc § 15.2-2308.1 prohibits bode (a) die non -legal staff of a
governing body and (b) an applicant, landowner or his agent or attorney from having an ex parte discussion of die
facts or law relative to a particular case wide a member of die BZA prior to the hearing. Though there is no such
prohibition on discussions between BZA members and the le I staff of a governing body, I am cc:ing die
appellant's attorney on this response out of an abundance of bode caution and transparency.
Though there are three potential ways of addressing die appellant's letter of December 31, die County
does not believe that this item should be carried over, reconsidered, or reheard.
Carrying Over: I irbillrt Code § 15.2-23 1. 1 (D) provides that in appeals to the BZA, "if the board's attempt
to reach a decision results in a tie vote, the matter may be carried over until the next scheduled meeting at the
request of die person filing die appeal." Note that though die appellant may re uest that die matter be carried
over, die BZA is not obligated to grant that request, as indicated by die discretionary "may" of die statute. The
County would suggest that the BZA not grant die appellant's request, with one limited exception: if die BZA
wished to "carry over" die item for die sole purpose of confirming, on a motion to reverse die official
determination, that the appellant lacks die dhree votes necessary for reversal under C,ocle § 15.2-231.2.
Reconsideration: Section 5(I) of the BZA's Rules of Procedure (attached) allows BZA members to move
for reconsideration of any decision, but only "at die same meeting or an adjourned meeting held on die same day
at which die matter was decided." Therefore, at this point, such a motion would be untimely and out of order.
Rehearing: Sections 5Q) of the BZA's Rules of Procedure allow any decision of die BZA to be relheard
upon a member's motion for rehearing approved by at least three affirmative votes. However, die BZA may grant
die motion only if it finds:
(A) that die decision has not already been appealed to die Circuit Court and
(B) either
(1) that new evidence can be presented that, in die opinion of die BZA, is relevant and material to
die decision but could not have been presented at the original hearing; or
(2) that in die opinion of the BZA, one or more relevant and material conditions or situations have
changed so as to bear on the BZA's original decision.
In other words, to properly grant a motion to rehear, there must be new evidence (drat could not have been
previously presented) or new facts. Neither condition applies here. The appeal was fully presented at die prior
hearing, and die BZA has already heard and considered all relevant evidence. Not only is there no need for a
rehearing, there are no legal grounds for one.
In short, the BZA is not. obligated to carry over its prior tie vote, arid cannot properly reconsider or rehear
its prior decision. The I3ZA can best address this request by simply entcrtvning a motion to carry over its tie
vote, pursuant to I ll- ttra C odc § 15.2-2311(1)If that motion fails (including by another tie vote), the prior tie
vote would not be carried over and the BZA's role would be concluded. If the motion to carry over passes, the
County suggests that the BZA simply confirm, on a motion to reverse the official determination, that the appellant
lacks the three votes necessary for reversal under I C odt * 1 3.2-2312.
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the County's positions.
Andy Herrick
Deputy County Attorney
County of Albemarle
(434) 972-4067
Notice: This email may contain attornev-client privileged information, privileged work product, or other confidential information. It is intended only for the designated
recipient. If roll receive this message and are nol a designated recipient you are requested to delete This message ininiediately and notify me that you have received this by
mistake. "Thank you.
From: Bart Svoboda
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2019 10:04 AM
To: John Shepherd <jbshepherdl@gmail.com>
Cc: Amelia McCulley <AMCCULLE@albemarle.org>; Andy Herrick <aherrick@albemarle.org>
Subject: RE: February BZA meeting
John,
Hope all is well. After speaking with the County Attorney's Office, it is probably best to have you speak directly with
Andy Herrick regarding the February BZA meeting process and carry over request.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Thanks.
Bart J. Svoboda
Chief of Zoning / Deputy Zoning Administrator
County of Albemarle, Virginia
434-296-5832 ext.3225
bsvoboda@albemarle.o
www.albemarle.ore
From: Amelia McCulley
Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 9:03 AM
To: Bart Svoboda <bsvoboda@albemarle.org>
Subject: FW: February BZA meeting
From: John Shepherd <ibshepherdl@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2019 10:10 PM
To: Amelia McCulley <AMCCULLE@albemarle.org>
Subject: February BZA meeting
Amelia,
I would like to talk about the February meeting after you've had a chance to sort out the issues attached to the
rehearing request.
Thanks.
John
ALBEMARLE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
RULES OF PROCEDURE
The Albemarle County Board of Zoning Appeals, under the authority of Virginia Code § 15.2-2308
and Albemarle County Code § 18-34.1, establishes the following rules of procedure:
1. Officers
A. Chair. At its annual meeting, the Board of Zoning Appeals ("BZA") shall elect a
Chair who, if present, shall preside at the meeting and at all other meetings during
the year for which elected. On any application or appeal, the Chair may
administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
B. Vice -Chair. At its annual meeting, the BZA shall elect a Vice -Chair, who, if
present, shall preside at meetings in the absence of the Chair and shall discharge
the duties of the Chair during his absence or disability.
C. Secretarv. At its annual meeting, the BZA shall elect a Secretary. The Secretary
may be either a member of the BZA or another person. The duties of the
Secretary shall include keeping and maintaining custody of the records of the
BZA, drafting and signing all correspondence necessary for the execution of the
duties and functions of the BZA, and such other duties as these rules may provide
and the BZA may, from time to time, assign.
D. Recording Secretaa. The Zoning Administrator, or his or her designee, shall
serve the BZA as its Recording Secretary. The duties of the Recording Secretary
shall include keeping the minutes of the BZA's meetings and such other duties as
these rules may provide and the BZA may, from time to time, assign.
E. Other O f ces. At any of its meetings, the BZA may create and fill any other
offices as it deems necessary.
F. Term of Q(fice. The Chair and Vice -Chair shall be elected for one-year terms, and
until their respective successors take office. Either or both officers may be
re-elected for one or more additional terms.
G. Vacancies in Office. Vacancies in office shall be filled as soon as practicable
using the election procedures provided herein.
H. Absence of Chair and Vice -Chair. If the Chair and Vice -Chair are absent from
any meeting, a present member shall be chosen to act as Chair.
2. Meetings
A. Annual Meeting. The first meeting of each year shall be known as the annual
meeting. At the annual meeting, the BZA shall establish the day, time, and place
for regular meetings of the BZA for that year, and shall elect the Chair, the Vice -
Chair and the Secretary.
B. Regular Meetings. The BZA shall meet in regular session at the time and place
and on the day or days established for regular meetings. The BZA may
subsequently establish a different day, time, or place to conduct its regular
meetings by passing a resolution to that effect.
If the Chair, or the Vice -Chair if the Chair is unable to act, finds and declares that
weather or other conditions are such that it is hazardous for BZA members to
attend a regular meeting, the meeting shall be continued to the next regular
meeting date. This finding shall be communicated to the members of the BZA
and to the press as promptly as possible.
Without further public notice, a regular meeting may be adjourned from day to
day or from time to time or from place to place, not beyond the time fixed for the
next regular meeting, until the business of the BZA is complete.
C. pecial Meeting. The BZA may hold special meetings as it deems necessary at
such times and places as it deems convenient. A special meeting may be
adjourned from time to time as the BZA finds necessary and convenient.
A special meeting shall be held when called by the Chair or requested by two or
more members of the BZA. The call or request shall be made to the Recording
Secretary and shall specify the matters to be considered at the meeting. Upon
receipt of the call or request, the Recording Secretary, after consultation with the
Chair, shall immediately notify each member of the BZA and the County
Attorney's Office. The notice shall be in writing and shall be mailed or delivered
to each BZA member or to his or her place of residence or business at least five
(5) days prior to the special meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of
the special meeting and shall specify the matters to be considered. No matter not
specified in the notice shall be considered at the meeting unless all members are
present. The notice may be waived if the time of the special meeting was fixed at
a regular meeting, if all members are present at the special meeting, or if all
members sign a waiver for the notice.
Whenever state law requires public notice of a special meeting of the BZA, the
Recording Secretary shall provide such notice in accordance with Virginia Code
§ 15.2-2204.
2
3. Order of Business
A. Agenda Established by Secretary. The agenda for each regular meeting shall be
established by the Secretary in consultation with the Chair.
B. Organization of the Agenda. The agenda of each regular meeting shall be
organized in substantially the following order, subject to change at the request of
the Chair and with the consensus of the other members of the BZA:
(1) Call to order.
(2) Establish quorum.
(3) Matters deferred from previous meetings.
(4) Scheduled matters: hearings on special use permits, variances and appeals.
(5) Work sessions.
(6) Review and approval of minutes of previous meetings.
(7) Old business.
(8) New business.
(9) Adjournment.
C. Time Limits for Applicants, Appellants and Other Speakers. The BZA shall offer
an equal amount of time in a hearing to the applicant/appellant and County staff.
The applicant/appellant and County staff shall each be allowed a total of fifteen
(15) minutes to present its respective case at the outset of the hearing, and five (5)
additional minutes to present rebuttal or closing remarks at the close of the
hearing. Each person other than a party to the case or his/her legal
representative(s) shall be allowed one appearance not to exceed three (3) minutes.
A speaker may not reserve any initial speaking time for rebuttal or transfer any
time to another speaker. The time limits set forth herein shall not include any
time during which the applicant or other speaker is responding to questions asked
by the BZA. The Recording Secretary shall act as the timekeeper. The BZA may
set alternate time limits to those listed herein, provided that they are identified at
the BZA meeting prior to the meeting at which these new limits would be used.
D. De errals. The BZA may defer any matter at the request of a member of the BZA,
the County staff, or the applicant or appellant. The request may be made either
orally at the meeting, or in writing, and may be made at any time prior to the vote
on the matter. The person making the request shall state the reasons therefor.
In considering a request for a deferral of a hearing of an appeal or an application
for a variance pertaining to a zoning violation, the BZA should consider the
reasons for the deferral if the request is submitted by the appellant or applicant,
the recommendation of staff, and the comments of any member of the public. In
making its decision to grant or deny a request, the BZA should consider the
following factors: (1) whether the deferral would promote fairness in the process;
(2) whether the deferral would be solely for the convenience or personal benefit of
the appellant or applicant; (3) whether the deferral would delay the enforcement or
abatement of a violation that is adversely affecting an abutting property, a
neighbor, the neighborhood or the public; (4) whether the deferral would allow the
appellant or applicant to resolve the underlying issues so that BZA action might
be unnecessary; and (5) whether the deferral would allow the BZA to make its
decision within ninety days of the filing of the application or appeal, in
conformance with Virginia Code § 15.2-2312.
A motion to defer shall either specify the date to which the matter is deferred or
defer the matter indefinitely. If the motion to defer pertains to a matter for which
a noticed public hearing is required and the motion is to defer the matter to a
specific date, the Chair shall either close the public hearing or, if the public
hearing was not opened, open and then close the public hearing, before the BZA
votes on the motion.
4. Ouorum
A majority of the members of the BZA shall constitute a quorum for any meeting of the
BZA. A majority of the members of the BZA present at the time and place established
for any regular or special meeting shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of adjourning
the meeting from day to day or from time to time. A meeting shall not be adjourned to a
date and time beyond the date fixed for the next regular meeting.
If, during a meeting, less than a majority of the members of the BZA remains present, no
action can be taken except to adjourn the meeting. If, prior to adjournment, a quorum is
again established, the meeting shall continue.
If disqualifications under the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act
(Virginia Code § 2.2-3100 et seq.) leave less than a quorum, the remaining member or
members of the BZA shall have authority to act for the BZA by a unanimous vote.
5. Votin2 Procedures
A. Approval of Motion. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraphs (1) and (2)
and in paragraph (H), each decision of the BZA shall be made by approval of a
majority of the members present and voting on a motion properly made by a
El
member and properly seconded by any other member. Any motion that is not
seconded shall not be further considered.
Variances. Special Use Permits and Other Matters. At least three (3)
affirmative votes shall be required to grant a variance, to grant a special
use permit, or to decide in favor of an applicant on any other matter upon
which the BZA is required to act upon under the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Appeals. At least three (3) affirmative votes shall be required to reverse
any appeal from an order, requirement, decision or determination of an
administrative officer.
B. Time for Vote. Any matter before the BZA requiring a public hearing shall not be
decided by the BZA until the public hearing has been held. The BZA may,
however, in its discretion, defer the holding of a public hearing or consideration of
such matter, in conformance with paragraph 3(E) above.
C. Manner of Vote. The vote on a motion pertaining to any variance, special use
permit, appeal, or application for interpretation of the district map shall be by roll
call vote. Any other matter may be either by roll call vote or voice vote, in the
discretion of the Chair; provided that a roll call vote on such a motion shall be
required if requested by a member of the BZA. For each roll call vote, the
Recording Secretary shall record the name of each member voting and how the
member voted on the motion. For each voice vote, the Recording Secretary shall
record the result of the vote.
D. Tie Vote. A tie vote shall defeat the motion voted upon.
E. Effect ofDefeat of Motion to Deny. The defeat of a motion to deny a matter shall
not be deemed to be approval of the matter. In such a case, the Chair shall call for
another motion.
F. Abstention. If any member abstains from voting on any motion, he shall state his
abstention. The abstention shall be announced by the Chair and recorded by the
Recording Secretary.
G. Motion to Amend. A motion to amend a motion before the BZA shall be
discussed and voted by the BZA before any vote is taken on the original motion
unless the motion to amend is accepted by both the members making and
seconding the original motion. If the motion to amend is approved, the amended
motion is then before the BZA for its consideration. If the motion to amend is not
approved, the original motion is again before the BZA for its consideration.
H. Previous Question. The discussion of any motion may be terminated by any
member moving the "previous question." Upon a proper second, the Chair shall
call for a vote on the motion of the previous question. If approved by a two-thirds
majority of those voting, the Chair shall immediately call for a vote on the original
motion under consideration. A motion of the previous question shall not be
subject to debate and shall take precedence over any other matter.
I. Motion to Reconsider. Any decision made by the BZA may be reconsidered if a
motion to reconsider is made at the same meeting or an adjourned meeting held on
the same day at which the matter was decided. The motion to reconsider may be
made by any member of the BZA. Upon a proper second, the motion may be
discussed and voted. The effect of the motion to reconsider, if approved, shall be
to place the matter for discussion in the exact position it occupied before it was
voted upon.
J. Motion for Rehearing. Any decision made by the BZA may be reheard upon the
granting of a motion for rehearing approved by at least three affirmative votes.
The motion may be made only after consideration of a written application by the
person requesting rehearing, which shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the
date of the BZA's original final decision. The BZA may grant the motion if it
finds that the decision has not already been appealed to the Circuit Court and: (1)
new evidence can be presented that, in the opinion of the BZA, is relevant and
material to the decision but could not have been presented at the original hearing;
or (2) in the opinion of the BZA, one or more relevant and material conditions or
situations have changed so as to bear on the BZA's original decision. If the BZA
grants the motion, it shall set the date for rehearing. Notice of the rehearing shall
be provided as otherwise required for the matter being reheard.
6. Final Decision
A. Date o�final decision. For the purpose of calculating the time in which an
aggrieved party may submit a petition for writ of certiorari in Circuit Court
requesting the court to review the decision of the BZA, the date of the BZA's final
decision shall be the date on which the BZA took its final vote on the merits of the
matter.
B. Deferral o�fnal decision. If the BZA elects to defer its final decision, nothing in
this rule prevents the BZA from obtaining a consensus of its members on the
matter to be decided and requesting one or more of the parties to prepare a
proposed written decision to be considered when a final vote is taken.
C. Effect if written decision adopted after final decision. The date of the BZA's final
decision shall not be extended if the BZA later adopts a written decision.
7. Amendment of Rules of Procedure
Any of these Rules of Procedure may be amended by a majority vote of the BZA at the
next regular meeting following a regular meeting at which notice of the motion to amend
is given.
rol
8. Suspension of Rules of Procedure
These Rules of Procedure may be suspended by the majority vote of the members of the
BZA present and voting. The motion to suspend a rule may be made by any member of
the BZA. Upon a proper second, the motion may be discussed and voted. The effect of
the motion to suspend a rule, if approved, is to make that rule inapplicable to the matter
before the BZA; provided, however, approval of a motion to suspend the rule shall not
permit the BZA to act in violation of a requirement mandated by the Code of Virginia, the
Constitution of Virginia, or any other applicable law.
9. Rules of Procedure not Covered by These Rules of Procedure
Any rules of procedure not covered by these Rules of Procedure shall be governed by the
current Robert's Rules of Order.
(Adopted 1-5-2016)
(Last Amended: 11-13-2018)
7
Code of Virginia
Title I S.2. Counties, Cities and Towns
Chapter 22. Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning
§ 15.2-2308.1. Boards of zoning appeals, ex parte
communications, proceedings
A. The non -legal staff of the governing body may have ex parte communications with a member
of the board prior to the hearing but may not discuss the facts or law relative to a particular case.
The applicant, landowner or his agent or attorney may have ex parte communications with a
member of the board prior to the hearing but may not discuss the facts or law relative to a
particular case. If any ex parte discussion of facts or law in fact occurs, the parry engaging in such
communication shall inform the other party as soon as practicable and advise the other party of
the substance of such communication. For purposes of this section, regardless of whether all
parties participate, ex parte communications shall not include (i) discussions as part of a public
meeting or (ii) discussions prior to a public meeting to which staff of the governing body, the
applicant, landowner or his agent or attorney are all invited.
B. Any materials relating to a particular case, including a staff recommendation or report
furnished to a member of the board, shall be made available without cost to such applicant,
appellant or other person aggrieved under § 15.2-2314, as soon as practicable thereafter, but in
no event more than three business days of providing such materials to a member of the board. If
the applicant, appellant or other person aggrieved under § 15.2-2314 requests additional
documents or materials be provided by the locality other than those materials provided to the
board, such request shall be made pursuant to § 2.2-3704. Any such materials furnished to a
member of the board shall also be made available for public inspection pursuant to subsection F
of § 2.2-3707.
C. For the purposes of this section, "non -legal staff of the governing body" means any staff who is
not in the office of the attorney for the locality, or for the board, or who is appointed by special
law or pursuant to § 15.2-1542. Nothing in this section shall preclude the board from having ex
parte communications with any attorney or staff of any attorney where such communication is
protected by the attorney -client privilege or other similar privilege or protection of
confidentiality.
D. This section shall not apply to cases where an application for a special exception has been
filed pursuant to subdivision 6 of § 15.2-2309.
2015, c. 597.
The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section
may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose
provisions have expired.
Code of Virginia
Title 15.2. Counties, Cities and Towns
Chapter 22. Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning
§ 15.2-2311. Appeals to board
A. An appeal to the board may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department,
board or bureau of the locality affected by any decision of the zoning administrator or from any
order, requirement, decision or determination made by any other administrative officer in the
administration or enforcement of this article, any ordinance adopted pursuant to this article, or
any modification of zoning requirements pursuant to § 15.2-2286. Notwithstanding any charter
provision to the contrary, any written notice of a zoning violation or a written order of the zoning
administrator dated on or after July 1, 1993, shall include a statement informing the recipient
that he may have a right to appeal the notice of a zoning violation or a written order within 30
days in accordance with this section, and that the decision shall be final and unappealable if not
appealed within 30 days. The zoning violation or written order shall include the applicable
appeal fee and a reference to where additional information may be obtained regarding the filing
of an appeal. The appeal period shall not commence until the statement is given and the zoning
administrator's written order is sent by registered mail to, or posted at, the last known address or
usual place of abode of the property owner or its registered agent, if any. There shall be a
rebuttable presumption that the property owner's last known address is that shown on the
current real estate tax assessment records, or the address of a registered agent that is shown in
the records of the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. The appeal shall be taken within
30 days after the decision appealed from by filing with the zoning administrator, and with the
board, a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. The zoning administrator shall
forthwith transmit to the board all the papers constituting the record upon which the action
appealed from was taken. The fee for filing an appeal shall not exceed the costs of advertising the
appeal for public hearing and reasonable costs. A decision by the board on an appeal taken
pursuant to this section shall be binding upon the owner of the property which is the subject of
such appeal only if the owner of such property has been provided notice of the zoning violation
or written order of the zoning administrator in accordance with this section. The owner's actual
notice of such notice of zoning violation or written order or active participation in the appeal
hearing shall waive the owner's right to challenge the validity of the board's decision due to
failure of the owner to receive the notice of zoning violation or written order. For jurisdictions
that impose civil penalties for violations of the zoning ordinance, any such civil penalty shall not
be assessed by a court having jurisdiction during the pendency of the 30-day appeal period.
B. An appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from unless the
zoning administrator certifies to the board that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay
would in his opinion cause imminent peril to life or property, in which case proceedings shall not
be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order granted by the board or by a court of record, on
application and on notice to the zoning administrator and for good cause shown.
C. In no event shall a written order, requirement, decision or determination made by the zoning
administrator or other administrative officer be subject to change, modification or reversal by
any zoning administrator or other administrative officer after 60 days have elapsed from the date
of the written order, requirement, decision or determination where the person aggrieved has
materially changed his position in good faith reliance on the action of the zoning administrator
or determination was obtained through malfeasance of the zoning administrator or other
administrative officer or through fraud. The 60-day limitation period shall not apply in any case
where, with the concurrence of the attorney for the governing body, modification is required to
correct clerical errors.
D. In any appeal taken pursuant to this section, if the board's attempt to reach a decision results
in a tie vote, the matter may be carried over until the next scheduled meeting at the request of
the person filing the appeal.
1975, c. 521, § 15.1-496.1; 1983, c. 12; 1993, c. 780; 1995, c. 424;1997, c. 587;2005, cc. 625, 677;
2008, c. 378;2010, c. 241;2011, c. 457;2012, cc. 400, 550, 606;2017, c. 665.
The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section
may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose
provisions have expired.
Code of Virginia
Title 15.2. Counties, Cities and Towns
Chapter 22. Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning
§ 15.2-2312. Procedure on appeal
The board shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of an application or appeal, give public
notice thereof as well as due notice to the parties in interest and make its decision within ninety
days of the filing of the application or appeal. In exercising its powers the board may reverse or
affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify, an order, requirement, decision or determination
appealed from. The concurring vote of a majority of the membership of the board shall be
necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision or determination of an administrative
officer or to decide in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is required to pass under
the ordinance or to effect any variance from the ordinance. The board shall keep minutes of its
proceedings and other official actions which shall be filed in the office of the board and shall be
public records. The chairman of the board, or in his absence the acting chairman, may administer
oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
197S, c. S21, § 1S.1-496.2; 1983, c. 444; 1986, c. 483; 1997, c. S87.
The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section
may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose
provisions have expired.
1/17/2019