Board of Zoning Appeals
About the Board
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) deals with requests for deviations from Zoning Code requirements. The Board focuses on the following areas:
- Reviewing requests for dimensional, use, and sign variances
- Reviewing appeals of decisions by the Planning Director or Planning Commission
- Interpreting Zoning Ordinance language
Get Involved!
Looking to get involved in your community? Serving on a City Board or Commission is a great way to make a difference!
Meetings
All meetings of the Board of Zoning Appeals are held in the City Commission chambers on the ninth floor of City Hall, located at 300 Monroe Ave NW.
Upcoming Meetings
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Jul 16
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Aug 20
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Sep 17
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Sep 17
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Oct 15
Meetings
Meeting Schedule
We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 1:00 pm.
BZA 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE
We keep a schedule of all meeting changes/cancellations.
Grand Rapids Board Of Zoning Appeals Meeting Cancellation Notice 06 18 2026
Meeting Location
City Hall
300 Monroe Ave. NW
City Commission Chambers 9th floor
Webpage
You can access the Board of Zoning Appeals page using this link:
Board of Zoning Appeals Details
You'll see a quick description of the board and a list of its members at the top of the page. You can also find meeting minutes, agendas, and other important documents on this page.
Note: scroll near the bottom of the page. The meeting schedule, minutes, and agendas are below the listing of board members.
Agenda & Minutes
You can access the Board of Zoning Appeals page using this link: Board of Zoning Appeals DetailsYou'll see a quick description of the board and a list of its members at the top of the page. You can also find meeting minutes, agendas, and other important documents on this page.
Note: scroll near the bottom of the page. The meeting schedule, minutes, and agendas are below the listing of board members.
Bylaws
More Details
Board Member Composition
- 9 members
- 2 alternate members are appointed to serve in case of the absence of a permanent member
- The City Commission appoints members on the first Monday in January
- Members cannot hold other public office or public employment while serving on board
Current Members
| Name | Resident Status | Term Ends On |
| Jeffrey King | Ward 2 Resident | 1/3/2028 |
| Sara Lachman | Ward 2 Resident | 1/3/2028 |
| James Lewis | Ward 2 Resident | 1/4/2027 |
| Traci Montgomery, Vice Chair | Ward 2 Resident | 1/3/2028 |
| Cortney Schaffer | Ward 3 Resident | 1/7/2030 |
| Mary Swanson | Ward 2 Resident | 1/7/2030 |
| Lawrence Zeiser | Ward 2 Resident | 1/4/2027 |
| Vacancy | ||
| Bruce McCoy, Alternate | Ward 3 Resident | 1/4/2027 |
| Jason Preston, Alternate | Ward 1 Resident | 1/4/2027 |
Kristin Turkelson, Planning Director
Rowan Brady, Planning Supervisor
Requirements for Board Membership
Residency Requirement
You must live within the city limits of Grand Rapids to be a member of this board.
No Term Limits
Each term lasts 3 years. There is no term limit, so you can serve an unlimited number of terms.
Compensation
Members receive $10.00 per meeting they attend. They also get $10.00 for each inspection committee they serve on.
