Board of Adjustment

Overview

Residents of Cedar Rapids have the right to appeal for what are termed "variances" when proposed improvements to their property may not meet the requirements of the current zoning ordinance. Five citizens, appointed by the City Council, serve on the Board of Adjustment which hears the appeals.

The zoning ordinance lists seven conditions under which a variance can be granted and each applicant must prove that a hardship exists in order to obtain a waiver of one or more code requirements. The Board's decisions are based on information provided by the zoning staff, the petitioners, and the public.

Notice: If you are planning any improvement to your property, you should contact the Building/Zoning staff for a review of the project. Should they determine that it will not meet requirements of the zoning ordinance, they will explain the appeal process.

Meetings

The Board meets on the second Monday of each month in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public. Applications for variances must be submitted to Building/Zoning Services at least three weeks prior to each meeting.

• January 14, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: December 21, 2007)
• February 11, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: January 22, 2008)
• March 10, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: February 19, 2008)
• April 14, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: March 25, 2008)
• May 12, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: April 22, 2008)
• June 9, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: May 20, 2008)
• July 14, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: June 24, 2008)
• August 11, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: July 22, 2008)
• September 8, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: August 19, 2008)
• October 13, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: September 23, 2008)
• November 10, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: October 21, 2008)
• December 8, 2008 (Application Filing Deadline: November 18, 2008)
• January 12, 2009 (Application Filing Deadline: December 23, 2008)
• February 9, 2009 (Application Filing Deadline: January 20, 2009)
• March 9, 2009 (Application Filing Deadline: February 17, 2009)

Fees for Variance Requests (Appeals)

• $125 for one and two-family dwellings
• $350 for all other classes of property, including multiple family, commercial, and industrial.

In addition, there is a $5.00 charge for each sign that must be posted on the property to notify the public of the variance request. Any resident can appear and testify at the meeting, either in support or against the appeal.

Flood Plain

• Flood Zone Development Application/Permit

Other Board of Adjustment Fees