The Zoning Hearing Board Process

A Hearing before the Zoning Board is something of a cross between a town meeting and a judicial hearing. The Hearing is advertised so that the public may attend. The Applicants and any residents of the Township in opposition to the Application may participate in the proceeding. The Applicants and/or said residents may be represented by legal counsel.

The Applicants, residents in opposition, if any, and the Applicants' witnesses are sworn in before presenting evidence to the Zoning Hearing Board. Testimony at the Hearing will not be credited if unsworn. A Court Reporter is present to administer an oath and to record testimony.

Documentary evidence, such as a copy of a Deed or a written statement from the owner, must be presented to the Board to prove that the Applicants are the owners of the subject property or authorized by the owners of the subject property to present the Application. The application should note what variances are being requested. Refer to Chapter 27 Part 19 of the Charlestown Township Zoning Ordinance, which outlines the appeals procedure.

At the end of the Hearing, the record is closed and no further evidence will be considered by the Zoning Hearing Board. In some cases, the Zoning Hearing Board will announce its Decision immediately following the Hearing. In other instances they will need more time to deliberate. After the Decision is announced the Zoning Hearing Board will mail a written Decision, setting forth its findings and conclusions, and include an Order either granting or denying the relief sought by the Applicants.