Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals consists of five citizens of the Town of Wise who are appointed by the Wise County Circuit Court Judge upon recommendation by the Town Council. Members are appointed for five year terms. Powers and Duties of the Board of Zoning Appeals include:

To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the administration or enforcement of the Town of Wise Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.
To hear and decide on applications for special exceptions upon which the Board is specifically authorized to pass under the Town of Wise Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.
To authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance from the terms of the Town of Wise Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations as will not be contrary to the public interest, when owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of said zoning ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship; provided that the spirit of the zoning ordinance shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done as hereinafter provided.
To hear and decide applications for interpretation of the Zoning District Map where there is any uncertainty as to the location of a district boundary.
To determine, in cases of uncertainty, of the district classification of any use not specifically named in the Town of Wise Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations; provided, however such use shall be in keeping with uses specifically permitted in the Zoning Districts in which such use is to be classified.

Town Planner/Zoning Administrator is the liaison between the BZA and the public.

Town Planner Contact Information - Reagan L. Walsh, CZA - Phone: 276-328-6013 x204 - Email: rwalsh@townofwise.org

All Board of Zoning Appeals Forms can be found at www.townofwise.net/forms