How to Talk to a Zoning Board

Your dream of a growing business and a large home can be brought back to reality in front of a zoning board. Zoning boards use zoning laws to limit commercial, residential and industrial development in municipalities. You need to know how to talk to a zoning board correctly in order to obtain permission to improve your property.

Instructions

1. Develop a portfolio of testimonials from neighbors sharing your property line to support your case before the zoning board. You should request letters specific to your latest application to help a zoning board make an informed decision.

2. Seek a qualified attorney to talk on your behalf at contentious board meetings. You should budget money to hire an attorney to cover subsequent appeals and legal actions.

3. Submit all of your applications, fees and supporting documents to the city's zoning office before you talk at a board meeting. You should complete and hand in these materials at least 1 week before your meeting with the zoning board, allowing time for your information to enter the city's database.

4. Draw a diagram of your current property with the proposed additions. You should create a key using special symbols, and supply accurate measurements.

5. Learn the language of local zoning laws by reading city and state building codes before you talk at a zoning board meeting. You should become familiar with the zoning philosophy used by your city, developing an effective argument on your behalf.

6. Examine the appeals process for zoning board decisions as you prepare your initial zoning presentation. You should keep potential appeals and legal actions in mind as you make your arguments to a zoning board.

7. Present the history of your property's expansion and development to a zoning board to show precedent for future permit requests. You should create a single illustrated poster, starting with original blueprints and proceeding through each addition approved by past zoning board committees.

Tips & Warnings

• Express your concerns about speaking to a zoning board with the zoning office staff when you turn in your forms. These staff members possess intimate understanding of zoning bureaucracy that is invaluable during your presentation. Take time to speak with the person taking your forms about the best ways to present your case.

• Avoid elaborate speeches and diagrams when presenting to a zoning board. Your presentation of facts and potential additions to your property should be concise, taking into account the busy schedules of board members.