BIA supports ZBA quorum bill and asks for more reforms

Public Hearing Committee on Law and Government 

Building Industry Association president Sam Sherman testified in support of legislation that would change the composition of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, but asked City Council’s Law and Government Committee to consider additional reforms. Bill 090591 and its enabling resolution, along with Bill 090588, would designate the Commissioner of L&I as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, reducing the board from six designated members to five plus an alternate, and further reducing the number needed for a quorum from four to three. The BIA believes the changes will allow cases to move more quickly through the development review process; however, the organization of residential home builders would like to see more changes. Suggestions include increasing the number of cases heard each week, the presence of an attorney to help interpret the code, decisions within 45 days of the close of a hearing, and the right to request a bond from a third party appellant filing a frivolous appeal. Click here to view the full testimony.