Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the BZA Procedure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges review of BZA appointments after contested appeal hearing
Summary
A resident attending a July 15 appeal hearing alleged multiple procedural failures by the county Board of Zoning Appeals, saying the petitioner’s attorney was not allowed to present first and public comment was curtailed; the town board agreed to review the meeting video before taking action.
A town resident who attended a July 15 appeal hearing told the Shamrock Lakes board that the Blackford County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) failed to follow its own rules and procedures during a DCA appeal.
The speaker said the petitioner's attorney "was not permitted to present first as required by Black County's own rules and procedures" and complained that the BZA did not allow public comments despite agenda language indicating a hearing and a public-comment opportunity. The resident further alleged that the board's attorney raised questions about whether the petition was complete and that the BZA continued the hearing despite what the speaker described as insufficient evidence for a decision.
Board members noted the hearing is recorded and should be posted to the town’s YouTube channel (videos retained for six months). Members asked staff and board members to view the recording and the submitted documents, consider whether appointed representatives followed procedures, and return with recommendations; the town board did not take direct disciplinary action at this meeting.
The complaint asked the town to consider who is appointed to the BZA and that legal counsel for the BZA be reviewed; board leaders said they will watch the video and return with more information at a subsequent meeting.
