Board of Zoning Appeals

Applications 

Apply for a Dimensional Variance

Apply for a Use Variance

Apply for a Sign Variance

Apply for a Zoning Ordinance Interpretation

Apply to Appeal a Planning Commission or Staff Decision

Apply for a Change of a Nonconforming Use

Apply for an Expansion of a Nonconforming Use

Fees

AS OF JULY 1, 2023

Board of Zoning Appeals Fee Schedule(PDF, 57KB)

Bylaws

Board of Zoning Appeals Rules of Procedure(PDF, 105KB)

Meeting Schedule

We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 1:00 pm.

Paper Schedule

Download Annual Meeting Schedule (2025)

We Keep a schedule of all meeting changes/cancellations.

Meeting Location

City Hall
300 Monroe Ave. NW
City Commission Chambers 9th floor

Webpage

You can access the Board of Zoning Appeals page using this link:

Board of Zoning Appeals Details

You'll see a quick description of the board and a list of its members at the top of the page. You can also find meeting minutes, agendas, and other important documents on this page.

Note: scroll near the bottom of the page. The meeting schedule, minutes, and agendas are below the listing of board members.

Member Details

• 9 members
• 2 alternate members are appointed to serve in case of the absence of a permanent member
• The City Commission appoints members on the first Monday in January
• Members cannot hold other public office or public employment while serving on board

Ryan Kilpatrick

       City Commission Appointment
       Ward 1 Resident
       Term ends 1/4/2027

Jeffrey King

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/3/2028

Sara Lachman

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/3/2028

James Lewis

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/4/2027

Traci Montgomery, Vice Chair

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/3/2028

Lynn Rabaut, Board Chairperson

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/4/2027

Cortney Schaffer

City Commission Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends 1/5/2026

Mary Swanson

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/5/2026

Lawrence Zeiser

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/4/2027

Kristin Turkelson, Planning Director

Carol Gornowich, Recording Secretary

Rowan Brady, Planning Supervisor 

Bruce McCoy, Alternate

City Commission Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends 1/4/2027

Jason Preston, Alternate

City Commission Appointment
Ward 1 Resident
Term ends 1/4/2027

Residency Requirement

You must live within the city limits of Grand Rapids to be a member of this board.

No Term Limits

Each term lasts 3 years. There is no term limit, so you can serve an unlimited number of terms.

Compensation

Members receive $10.00 per meeting they attend. They also get $10.00 for each inspection committee they serve on.