Open Zoning Board of Appeals Position
The Village of Rhinebeck is currently accepting applications for a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) position to serve a term of 5 years. Please submit a resume to the Village Clerk, Martina McClinton by April 1, 2022.
TIME COMMITMENT: Approximately 1-2 hours per month
The ZBA consists of five (5) citizens from the Village of Rhinebeck. ZBA appointments are made by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Trustees.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Attendance at Meetings
· Irregular Meetings, scheduled for the third Thursday of each month at 7PM, but the ZBA meets as needed (2-3 times per year).
· Special Village Board Meetings, as requested by the Village Board.
· Work sessions, site visits and special presentations.
Legal Authority
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) interprets the Village Zoning Law and has the authority to grant variances. The two types of variances are the Area Variance, which allows deviation from dimensional specifications, and the Use Variance, which allows relief from use restrictions. The ZBA also considers appeals from actions of the Village's building and zoning officials.
QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF ZBA MEMBERS
· Must be a resident of the Village of Rhinebeck.
· Willingness to study, review, and complete orientation and training materials for ZBA members that is available on the New York State web site and through NYCOM. (Minimum four hours of relevant training.)
· Familiarity with land use and planning issues, zoning and subdivision processes, SEQRA requirements and procedures, site plan and subdivision evaluation, and best practices in land use planning and development is helpful but not required.
· Members must become familiar with Chapter 120 of the Village Code, the laws that cover open meetings laws, and the materials you are given upon being sworn in.
· Recognize and avoid or make public any conflict of interest your position may place you in; don’t pursue special privileges.
· Attendance at ZBA Meetings and those Board of Trustee meetings and workshops related to zoning laws.
· Have an interest in comprehensive community planning, zoning, related use issues, and the protection of the environment.
· Be available to represent the ZBA on the Comprehensive Plan Committee and other committees/task forces/working groups that may arise.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality on all matters before the ZBA.
· Have the ability to relate to others and their position or viewpoint.
· Have the ability, communication skills, patience, and willingness to encourage, accept, and evaluate input from citizens and other interested parties potentially affected by actions before the ZBA.
· Have a desire to assist in implementing the Village of Rhinebeck’s land use policies, including the Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision Ordinances, Zoning Ordinances, and environmental policy, for the purpose of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the residents.
· Be capable of working together as a team with fellow members and other Village/Town boards and officials, and to conduct dialogue between applicants and ZBA members in a public meeting.
· Willingness to say “no” to requests when appropriate. Applicants for variances are asking for an exception to the rules, and exceptions should only be made in certain circumstances.
A demonstrated record of community service is a plus but not required.
The following is a message from Mayor Gary Bassett:
Thank you for considering joining the ZBA! As a Citizen Planner you are looking forward to a rich and challenging experience. Remember that being an effective ZBA Member requires you to get involved in the community, become informed, and use common sense, fairness, and objectivity towards all that comes before you. It is your responsibility to balance the public good with private rights and interests.
Your involvement and service is a critical component in shaping our community’s future. Never forget that you are serving the common good of all the residents of the community.
Thanks again,
Gary