The City of Highland Park's Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has the responsibility for hearing and deciding upon applications for variations to the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance. The board also has the responsibility of hearing issues forwarded to it by the City Council.

The ZBA, under the "special exceptions" and "Compere" rules, is also a principal hearing/advisory body to the Plan Commission and City Council on cases involving the amortization of legal non-conforming uses and structures. The board also has the authority to decide upon requests for variations from the ravine and steep slope setback requirements as well as certain regulations for fences. In most cases, the ZBA has the authority to make final decisions on requests for variances; such decisions can be appealed only to the courts and not to the City Council.

Rules of Procedure
The Open Meeting Act requires the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals to discuss public business in an open, public forum. This law requires that, whenever a gathering of three or more Commissioners occurs during which public business is discussed, such meetings be advertised (through a posted agenda) and be open to the public.

Frequently Requested Information

• 2008 Schedule

• Zoning Board of Appeals Guidelines
• Application
• Useful Definitions & Selected Regulations

Membership
The Zoning Board of Appeals consists of seven Highland Park residents appointed by the Mayor and the City Council. Term appointments cover a period of five (5) years. No Commission member may serve for more than two full consecutive terms.

Current Membership List
Cary Glenner, Chair	Term expires 2008
Richard Becker	Term expires 2010
Marc Lichtman, Vice-Chair	Term expires 2009
John Peterson	Term expires 2012
Robin Frank	Term expires 2011
Glen Bernfield	Term expires 2011
Ferdinando Ladurini	Term expires 2011
Lee Smith	Staff Liaison