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Zoning Map Floodplain Map Planning and Zoning Commission Board of Adjustment Forms & Documents FAQ Department HomeWhat is “Spot Zoning”?
Spot zoning is when a rezoning decision results in a single parcel or small island of property with a different use from the surrounding property. Spot zoning changes the zoning to one in which has a small or inconsistent use, that benefits the landowner and cannot be supported by the comprehensive plan.
What is a “Non-conforming Use”?
A non-conforming use is a use that was legal when established but does not conform to the current zoning regulations.
What is the difference between Planning and Zoning and Board of Adjustment?
The Planning and Zoning Commission has policy development functions. They work on the Comprehensive Plan and review and recommend zoning ordinance changes. They are a policy-making body. Part of the zoning ordinance changes are map amendments such as Rezoning requests. They also make recommendations on Preliminary and Final Subdivision Plats to the Board of Supervisors.
The Board of Adjustment has no policy development functions. Their job is to prevent hardships from being inflicted on individual owners (Variance), ensure that development “fits” into its surroundings (Special Permitted Uses), and ensures consistent interpretation of the ordinance (Appeals of the Zoning Administrators decisions).
