The ZBA is appointed by the Township Board, and is made up of five regular members and two alternates.  One of the regular members is appointed from the membership of the Township Trustees as a liaison between the two Boards.  The Zoning Board of Appeals is responsible to hear and decide appeals from any administrative official or other body charged with the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. It has the power and jurisdiction to act upon all questions that may arise regarding the administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance, including interpretation of specific requirements.

The Zoning Board of Appeals also has the power to authorize a variance or modification of the Zoning Ordinance where there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the Ordinance. The spirit of the Ordinance will always be observed, public safety secured, and substantial justice done, however.  Each type of case for the ZBA to consider has specific requirements that must be met, so if you have an issue for the Board to consider, please call the Township Zoning Administrator for specifics.

While the ZBA cannot alter or change the zoning district classification of a property nor make any changes to the Ordinance, it can act in cases where the Ordinance provides for administrative review and public hearing, such as uses or setback variances. Decisions of the Zoning Board of Appeals are final.

Pere Marquette Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals meets quarterly on the first Wednesday in February, May, August, and November, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Township Offices. Special meetings are held as needed.

Currently serving on the ZBA are Chairman Jim Beal, Vice-Chair Pat Shinn, and Secretary Ron Soberalski; Paul Piper is serving as Township Board appointee.  Larry Gustafson is the appointee from the Planning Commission.  There are two "alternate" positions which remain unfilled at this time.  Members must be residents of the Township, so if you're a resident and are interested in serving on the ZBA, click below for an application and send it in to our Supervisor, Gene Jorissen.

Application for Boards and Commissions