# Board of adjustment

A board of adjustment is an appointed board that decides zoning variances, appeals of staff decisions, and, in some places, special exceptions. Also called zoning board of appeals, board of zoning appeals, BZA, or ZBA.

Data as of Oct 11, 2026. Page: https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/board-of-adjustment/

## What it is

The board of adjustment, often called a zoning board of appeals, works like a small court for zoning. It hears variances, special exceptions, and appeals of how staff read the code.

## What it tells you

Board agendas show projects stuck on one rule, like height, parking, or a setback, which usually means detailed plans exist. A granted variance often clears the way for a site plan and building permit.

## How it moves through a city or county

1. An owner applies for a variance or appeals a staff decision.
2. Staff prepare a report, and nearby owners get notice.
3. The board holds a hearing and takes testimony.
4. It decides by vote, and appeals usually go to a state court.

Names and powers differ by state, and some states require more than a simple majority of the board to grant a variance. Some places use a hearing examiner instead.

Rules vary by state, county, and city. These pages describe common practice, not legal advice.

## Recent variances and special exceptions

From public filings in Georgia, Missouri, and West Virginia.

| Project | Location | Developer | Type | Size | Stage | Latest meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Unit Residential Development on 7.41 Acres | Cottleville, MO | Mid Rivers Equities II, LLC | Single-family | 3 homes · 7.41 acres | Seeking approval | Sep 28, 2026 |
| 48-Unit Residential Development on 22 Acres | Johns Creek, GA | Handsel Holdings, LLC | Single-family | 48 homes · 21.6 acres | Seeking approval | Sep 8, 2026 |
| 25-Unit Residential Development on 1.36 Acres | Monongalia, WV | T & H Development Corp | Multifamily | 25 units · 1.36 acres | Recommended | Jun 17, 2026 |

Samples show projects filed by companies or public bodies.

## Find it on Boardwalk

Pick Variance under Application Type to see the requests these boards hear. [Start free trial](https://boardwalkai.com/auth/signup/)

## Related terms

- [Zoning variance](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/zoning-variance/): A zoning variance lets one property depart from a zoning rule, such as a setback, when following it would cause a hardship.
- [Conditional use permit](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/conditional-use-permit/): A conditional use permit allows a use that the zoning permits only after case-by-case review, often with conditions attached.
- [Planning commission](https://boardwalkai.com/glossary/planning-commission/): A planning commission is an appointed board that reviews development requests and long-range plans, then advises or decides.

## Common questions

### Is the board of adjustment the same as the planning commission?

No, the planning commission reviews plans, rezonings, and subdivisions, while the board of adjustment decides variances and appeals. In some small places one body does both jobs.

### Are board of adjustment decisions final?

Board of adjustment decisions are usually final at the local level. Appeals typically go to a state court rather than the city council, within a short deadline set by state law.

## Get the full data

- **Count for free.** Connect Boardwalk to Claude or ChatGPT and ask how many projects match. Counting is free during your trial and on every plan. [Use it in Claude or ChatGPT](https://boardwalkai.com/mcp/)
- **Open the records.** Start a 7-day free trial, no credit card. It includes 50 project records. [Start free trial](https://boardwalkai.com/auth/signup/)
- **Use it in your tools.** CSV export, the API, and the MCP server come with every plan. [API docs](https://boardwalkai.com/docs/api/)

## How to cite

Source: Boardwalk, "Board of adjustment", boardwalkai.com/glossary/board-of-adjustment/, data as of Oct 11, 2026.

How we count: https://boardwalkai.com/coverage/#how-we-count