Mission

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) reviews requests from property owners who face challenges meeting the City’s Zoning or Fence Ordinances. During these hearings, the Board functions like a court, carefully considering all relevant information for each case.

The ZBA has the authority to approve, deny, or postpone a request. In certain situations where a genuine hardship can be shown, the Board may grant a variance or exemption to the zoning ordinance.

Members

• Gregory G. Coppola, Chair
       Year Appointed: 2015
• James M. Baringhaus,  Vice Chair
       Year Appointed: 2015
• Timothy J. Klisz, Secretary
       Year Appointed: 2016
• Lindsay Hakala
       Year Appointed: 2025
• Brian Meagher
       Year Appointed: 2025
• Marc Rotondo
       Year Appointed: 2023
• Michael Testa
       Year Appointed: 2020
  

overview

The ZBA is comprised of seven board members. Each member is appointed by the Livonia City Council and serves a three-year term. At the end of the term, the member may be reappointed or a new appointment may be made at the discretion of the Council. The ZBA elects its own Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary to serve one-year terms.

ZBA hearings are open to the public and are held at Livonia City Hall. Hearings conducted by the Board require a quorum of four members for a variance to be heard. Petitioners have the right to request a full Board hearing for their case; however, they will incur a $100 rescheduling fee for every failure to appear.

How to Submit a Variance Request

To be considered for an upcoming ZBA agenda, residents must submit a completed application and a $450 fee to the Inspection Department. Additional supporting documents may also be required.

Once all required materials have been received, the Senior Inspector and City Attorney will review the submission to determine whether the variance request is eligible to be heard by the ZBA. If the request is approved for a hearing, the petitioner will be notified of the scheduled meeting date.