Board of Zoning Appeals

Applications

For dimensional variance requests

Application for Dimensional Variance

For non-conforming requests

Application for Non-Conforming

For Use Variance Requests

Application for Use Variance(PDF, 128KB)

For Non-Use Variance Requests

Application for Dimensional/Non-use Variance(PDF, 143KB)

For sign Variance Requests

Sign Variance Review Standards

Application for Sign Variance

Other Requests

BZA Interpretation Application(PDF, 1MB)

BZA Appeal Application(PDF, 468KB)

Fees

AS OF JULY 1, 2022

Board of Zoning Appeals Fee Schedule(PDF, 21KB)

Bylaws

Board of Zoning Appeals Rules of Procedure(PDF, 105KB)

Meeting Schedule

We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 1:00 pm.

Paper Schedule

Download Annual Meeting Schedule

We Keep a schedule of all meeting changes/cancellations.

Meeting Location

Development Center
1120 Monroe Ave. NW
Meeting Room 201

Webpage

You can access the Board of Zoning Appeals page using this link:

Board of Zoning Appeals Details

You'll see a quick description of the board and a list of its members at the top of the page. You can also find meeting minutes, agendas, and other important documents on this page.

Note: scroll near the bottom of the page. The meeting schedule, minutes, and agendas are below the listing of board members.

Member Details

• 9 members
• 2 alternate members are appointed to serve in case of the absence of a permanent member
• The City Commission appoints members on the first Monday in January
• Members cannot hold other public office or public employment while serving on board

Traci Montgomery

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/1/2024

Ryan Kilpatrick

       City Commission Appointment
       Ward 2 Resident
       Term ends 1/2/2023

James Lewis

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/2/2023

Rafael Castanon, Vice Chair

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/2/2024

Micah Perkins

City Commission Appointment
Ward 1 Resident
Term ends 1/1/2026

Lynn Rabaut, Board Chairperson

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/2/2023

Mary Swanson

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/3/2022

Fred Stella

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/2/2023

Cortney Schaffer

City Commission Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends 1/3/2022

Kristin Turkelson, Planning Director

Carol Gornowich, Recording Secretary

Dale Fitz, Planner II 

Bruce McCoy, Alternate

City Commission Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends 1/2/2023 

Lawrence Zeiser, Alternate

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/1/2024 

Residency Requirement

You must live within the city limits of Grand Rapids to be a member of this board.

No Term Limits

Each term lasts 3 years. There is no term limit, so you can serve an unlimited number of terms.

Compensation

Members receive $10.00 per meeting they attend. They also get $10.00 for each inspection committee they serve on.