Board of Appeals

“Serving on a municipal board of appeals is one of the most difficult jobs that a citizen can volunteer to do. The appeals board must decide legal questions in accordance with local ordinances, State Laws, and court cases. Often those decisions will seem harsh and contrary to “common sense,” both to board members and to the general public. This is particularly true when the board is asked to decide a request for a variance. However, the board is bound to follow the law until the law is changed. Explaining this to citizens seeking help from the board probably is one of the boards’ most unpleasant tasks.” ~Local Board of Appeals, December 2010 edition