Councilor Colette Zapata reintroduces zoning board transparency and board‑composition reforms
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Summary
Councilor Colette Zapata filed a two‑part package to modernize the Zoning Board of Appeal with online searchable databases, improved notices, annual reporting and ethics training (ordinance) and a special‑law petition to add seats including a renter and environmental expert to rebalance representation; both dockets were referred to Government Operations.
Councilor Colette Zapata reintroduced two dockets aimed at modernizing the Zoning Board of Appeal and broadening its representation.
"This is a reintroduction of a 2 part revised legislative package to modernize and strengthen the zoning board of appeals," Zapata said, outlining requirements for a searchable online database, improved public notice and translation access, ethics trainings for board members and biannual public reporting on variances by neighborhood and zoning district.
The second filing is a special‑law petition intended to rebalance the board’s composition by adding seats for an environmental protection expert, an urban planner and a renter alongside seats for trades, real estate and neighborhood representation. Zapata said the measures seek to make the board easier to navigate for residents, particularly those without attorneys, and to increase council oversight through an annual hearing.
Councilor Santana and others voiced support; both dockets were referred to the Committee on Government Operations for further review.
