We are Seeking an Alternate Member
for the Borough’s Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB)
Long-time ZHB member Frank Muller resigned this month to take a position on the Borough’s Planning Commission. Thank you, Frank, for your service! We are now seeking a resident of Collegeville Borough to apply for Frank’s former position on the ZHB.
Any resident of the Borough is eligible to apply for this position. Although terms are usually for three years, since this position fills the unexpired term of a resigning member, the term will end on Dec. 31, 2024. If the applicant wants to continue in the position, he or she can then apply for a new three-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2025.
The ZHB is a quasi-judicial body that considers sworn testimony and evidence offered at hearings. The ZHB may grant Special Exceptions and Variances from the terms of the zoning ordinance in accordance with established criteria. Hearings are held within 60 days of receipt of an application and a decision must be rendered within 45 days of the hearing.
Duties of the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) Member
The Borough’s Zoning Hearing Board is comprised of three members and an alternate. When requested by the Zoning Officer—who is our Borough Manager, Tamara Twardowski–they consider applications for variances, special exceptions, and appeals concerning the interpretation of the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance.
The Zoning Hearing Board has the following powers:
- To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Officer;
- To hear and decide variances to ordinances, including approval of the expansion, extension, or enlargement of non-conforming uses; and
- To authorize, upon appeal, and in specific cases, variances which are not contrary to the public interest. These are situations where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance would result in unnecessary hardship. Any decision made by the ZNB should still observe the spirit of the ordinance.
ZHB meetings are held at Collegeville Borough Hall on an as needed basis and advertised in a local paper as required by law.
ZHB members are appointed by Borough Council and receive no compensation. Members are encouraged to attend webinar training seminars which are paid for by the Borough.
If you would like to apply for the position, please e-mail a letter of interest to Tamara at TTwardowski@borough.collegeville-pa.gov. If you have questions, you can call her at 610 489 9208.
