BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

are located at

1 Business Park Rd.,

Dayton, Ohio 45417

Meeting are open to the public.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m.

The BZA has three primary areas of responsibility:

• To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination of the Zoning Coordinator.
• To authorize variances from the rules and regulations of the Zoning Code where the applicant has demonstrated that the standards for a variance can be met.
• To review conditional uses according to the standards outlined in the Zoning Code.

The BZA is a quasi-judicial body and all appeals of its decisions are made to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

MEETINGS

• Date: 4th Thursday of each month
• Time: 5:00 p.m.
• Location: 1 Business Park Dr., Dayton, OH 45417
• Zoning Coordinator: Karen Kayler

SPEAKING AT A BZA MEETING

Public Participation Guidelines

The Board of Zoning Appeals welcomes public input on cases being heard. Public comment is taken during each case after the applicant presents and before the Board deliberates. To ensure an orderly and fair process, anyone wishing to speak must submit a speaker form by the start of the meeting at 5:00 p.m. All speakers will be sworn in before providing testimony.

🔹 How to Participate

• Submit a speaker form by 5:00 p.m. (start of the meeting)
• Come to the podium when recognized by the Chair
• State your full name and address for the record
• Indicate whether you are in support of or opposed to the request

🔹 Time Limit

• Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes

🔹 Guidelines for Speaking

• Direct all remarks to the Chair
• Stay focused on the zoning matter under consideration
• Speak clearly and respectfully

🔹 Please Avoid

• Interrupting others while they are speaking
• Personal attacks or inappropriate language
• Engaging in back-and-forth debate with the applicant, public, or Board members

🔹 Important to Know

• The Board considers all public input; however, decisions must be based on zoning laws and evidence presented during the hearing
• Clear, relevant comments are the most effective

What to Expect at a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Hearing

The Board of Zoning Appeals follows a structured process to ensure that each case is heard fairly and that all voices are considered. Below is the typical order of how a hearing works:

🔹 1. Meeting Begins (5:00 p.m.)

The Chair calls the meeting to order and the Board reviews its agenda. Cases are heard one at a time.

🔹 2. Case is Introduced

The Chair will announce the case number, property address, and the type of request (such as a variance or conditional use).

🔹 3. All Speakers Are Sworn In

Anyone who plans to speak—including the applicant, staff, and members of the public—will be asked to stand and take an oath to provide truthful testimony.

🔹 4. Staff Presentation

Township staff will present an overview of the request, relevant zoning regulations, and any recommendations.

🔹 5. Applicant Presentation

The applicant (or their representative) will explain their request and provide supporting information.

🔹 6. Board Questions

Board members may ask questions of staff and the applicant to better understand the request.

🔹 7. Public Comment

The Chair will open the floor for public comment.

• Speakers must have submitted a speaker form by 5:00 p.m.
• Each speaker will be called to the podium
• You will state your name and address for the record
• You will have up to 3 minutes to speak
• All comments must be directed to the Chair

🔹 8. Applicant Response (if needed)

After public comment, the applicant may respond to questions or concerns raised.

🔹 9. Public Comment Closes

Once all speakers have been heard, the Chair will close the public comment portion of the hearing.

🔹 10. Board Discussion

The Board will discuss the case, focusing on the zoning code and evidence presented during the hearing.

🔹 11. Decision (Vote)

The Board will make a motion to approve, deny, or table the request. A vote will be taken, and the result will be announced.

🔹 12. Next Case

The Board will move on to the next case on the agenda and repeat the process.

🔹 Important Reminders

• The Board must base its decision on zoning laws and evidence presented during the hearing
• Public input is important, but decisions cannot be based on opinion alone
• Maintaining a respectful and orderly environment ensures everyone has a chance to be heard

BZA MEMBERS

Interested in Joining the BZA?

• Make a Difference: Help shape policies that affect the township’s future development.
• Serve Your Community: Collaborate with other dedicated residents to uphold zoning standards.
• Learn and Grow: Gain valuable experience in local government and land use decision-making.

Requirements

• Must be a resident of Jefferson Township.
• A willingness to commit time to attend BZA meetings and review cases.
• An interest in land use, zoning, and community development.