Managed by a Zoning Hearing Board:
Communities use a zoning hearing board to enforce, manage and modify zoning ordinances, grant zoning permits and other duties pertaining to zoning. These boards hear citizen complaints and suggestions concerning zoning ordinances.
Nonconforming Use:
When new zoning ordinances are enacted, there are frequently existing properties that do not comply with the new ordinance. They existed prior to the adoption of the new zoning ordinance and are in current use. This is called a nonconforming use. If they fit the nonconforming use rules of the new ordinance, they are "grandfathered" and allowed to legally continue to exist in their current format and usage.
Conditional Use Permit:
When zoning ordinances are enacted, they frequently specify certain property types or uses that will be allowed in some cases if a conditional use permit is applied for and granted. An example might be a church in a residential zone.
Variances:
When a property is definitely not in conformance with a zoning ordinance, nor is it allowed under conditional use rules, it is in violation of the zoning law. The property owner can apply for a variance and a hearing is held to determine if the property can continue to exist and be utilized even though it is in violation.
