The Board of Adjustment (BOA) is an appointed, quasi-judicial citizen board that primarily considers appeals, variances, and requests for interpretation of the Unified Development Ordinance. The authority of the Board of Adjustment (BOA) may include the following:
1. Hear and decide appeals from any order, decision, determination, or interpretation made by the zoning pursuant to or regarding these regulations;
2. Hear and decide petitions for variances from the requirements of these regulations;
3. Make an interpretation of any portion of Unified Development Ordinance;
4. Change the use of, or expand certain nonconformities;
5. Allow temporary uses in zoning districts where such uses are not normally permitted;
6. Hear an appeal from a decision of the Historic District Commission;
7. Shall have other powers and duties as may be listed elsewhere in the City of Gastonia Unified Development Ordinance.
Public Hearing Meetings:
The Board typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 9 a.m.
How to Submit an Application:
Contact the Zoning Administrator, Jason Putnam to discuss proposal and submit applicable public hearing application online.
To schedule an appointment, email jason.putnam@gastonianc.gov or call 704-866-6741. If you call and he is unable to answer, a message must be left to get a call back. The following information must be provided for a call back: Leave your name, reason for the call, phone number, and if available email.
Brief Summary of Process:
- Applicant contacts Zoning Administrator to discuss proposal.
- Applicant submits a variance application using the online portal.
- Staff reviews submittal and returns comments to applicant.
- Staff notifies adjoining property owners and posts zoning signs.
- Board of Adjsutment hears case.
- Decision of Board of Adjustment shall be placed in writing and mailed to applicant.
- Minutes will record decision of the board and be filed for public record.
- Right of appeal to Superior Court: Any aggrieved party shall have the right to appeal the Board's decision by filing a petition for review with the Gaston County Clerk of SuperiorCourt within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice of the decision.