Board of Appeals

Content Sections

The Board of Appeals (BOA) serves as a quasi-judicial body responsible for hearing and deciding appeals, variance requests, and other administrative zoning matters within the corporate limits of the Village. All operations of the Board of Appeals are governed by Village Ordinances and Wisconsin Statute §62.23(7)(e).

Composition & Membership

  • Members: Consists of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, 3 Regular Members, and 2 Alternates appointed by the Village President and confirmed by the Board of Trustees. Members serve three-year staggered terms.  
  • Village Clerk Role: The Village Clerk serves as the Secretary and a non-voting member of the Board.
  • Alternates: First and second alternates step in with full voting power when a regular member is absent or abstains due to a conflict of interest.
  • Current members appear on the Appointed Officials page. 

Core Responsibilities & Functions

  • Variances: Evaluates requests to vary or adjust regulations under Chapter 8 (such as setback lines, building heights, or lot restrictions) where strict adherence creates unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty. The applicant bears the burden of proof to demonstrate hardship, unique property conditions, and absence of detriment to the public interest.
  • Administrative Appeals: Hears appeals regarding alleged errors in orders, decisions, determinations, or zoning interpretations made by administrative officials.
  • Special Exceptions & Non-Conforming Uses: Reviews applications concerning special exceptions, non-conforming use changes, and zoning interpretations.

Appeals & Hearing Procedures

  • Filing an Appeal: A petitioner files a Board of Appeals Review Application with the Village Clerk along with a $100 administrative fee and relevant plans/surveys.
  • Notice & Public Hearing: A public hearing is scheduled. Two Public notices are published in a newspaper at least 7 and 15 days prior to the hearing, and notices are mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property.
  • Decisions: The Board issues a written decision with detailed findings of fact. Once a decision is issued, the same matter cannot be resubmitted for review for 12 months unless modified.