Overview
The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have jurisdiction and authority to hear and decide appeals from decisions or determinations made by the Zoning Inspector or Planning Commission and to hear and decide upon application for variances and conditional uses within the Village of Covington Zoning Ordinance.
Regular Meeting
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets on the 2nd Monday of the Month, if necessary. The Board meets only if applications are submitted for their consideration.
Applications
- Variance | A variance is a relaxation of the terms of a zoning regulation when, due to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of actions by the applicant, a literal enforcement of the regulation would result in “unnecessary hardship” (for a use variance) or a “practical difficulty” (for an area variance). A variance must “not be contrary to the public interest”, must observe the “spirit of the Zoning Ordinance” and let “substantial justice” be done. There is a broad range of applicable case law as well, especially with regard to “area variances” which may consider “practical difficulties” that fall short of unnecessary hardship.
- Conditional Use | Within each zoning district included in the Village of Covington’s Zoning Ordinance there are a number of uses that require additional detailed evaluation, taking into account such considerations as location, design, size, method(s) of operation, intensity of use, public facilities requirements, and traffic generation.
- Appeal | An appeal can be made to any Zoning Inspector decision (i.e. denied zoning permit application) or the decision of the Planning Commission. The BZA decision is final from the Village, but may be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas.
Please refer to the Applications page to download an application for Board of Zoning Appeals consideration.
Board Members
The Village has a Board of five members that are elected to five year terms.
- Vacant – Five Year Term (2026)
- Dawn Duff– Five Year Term (2026)
- Christina Ashburn – Five Year Term (2030) appointed Jan 21st 2025
- Chris Beckstedt – Five Year Term (2028)
- Steve Blei, Council Member – For length of term
Frequently Asked Questions
- May I appeal the BZA decision to Council?
- No. You would appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas in Miami County.
- Do I need to have legal council to apply to the BZA?
- No, you may represent yourself at the hearing.
- How do I know if I need a variance?
- If you are unable to meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance as written, you may apply for a variance to allow a variance from that regulation. A variance should only be granted in certain circumstances and not given because you cannot meet the regulations.
- How do I prepare to a BZA hearing?
- You will need to have your paperwork and be ready to answer questions about why your project is unique and cannot meet the requirements of the Village.