Zoning Hearing Board

General Information
Purpose:The Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) is a quasi-judicial body that hears and renders decisions regarding specific types of land use actions. The ZHB functions like a court, although formal court procedures are not necessarily required.

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) provides a specific set of rules that must be followed by the ZHB (ZHB Procedures).
Board members must maintain impartiality in matters that may come before it for adjudication and decision.

Number of Board Members: 3 + 2 alternates

Skills/Expertise:Ability to distinguish relevant facts and considerations from testimony when hearing appeals in order to make logical conclusions and decisions; technical-based intelligence; good judgment; and understanding of community development objectives as contained within the zoning ordinance

Requirements: Must be a resident of Wattsburg Borough; may not hold an elective office or be appointed to the Planning Commission.

Term: 3 years

Appointed by: Borough Council

Powers and Duties: The Zoning Hearing Board is authorized to conduct hearings and render decisions in specific areas of review including: 
-Applications for a variance (from a specific zoning ordinance requirement)
-Applications for a use by special exception -
Appeal from a Zoning Officer’s determination
-Substantive challenges to the validity of any land use ordinance

Members

Board Members
William Galford Jr. - Term ends 2026
Dave Rojas - Term ends 2027
Larry Engle - Term end 2028

Alternates
Alision Almeda - Term ends 2027
Brett Smith - Term ends 2028