HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.18.2021 City Board Applications 2021
City of Plainview NEWS
901 Broadway St.
Plainview, TX 79072
December 30, 2021
City of Plainview’s City Council
Accepting Applications for Various
City Boards
The Plainview City Council is currently accepting
applications for five boards within City government.
Boards seeking members include the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning
Commission, Unger Library Board, Board of Health and Main Street/Tourism Board.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Like the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment consists of
members appointed by the City Council. Unlike the commission, the Board of
Adjustment does not make recommendations to the City Council. Instead, the Board
acts as a quasi-judicial body. Generally, the Board has authority over two main types of
decisions: (1) whether to grant a variance from the city’s zoning regulations. When
considering whether to grant a variance, the Board must make specific findings
regarding the request, including: (1) that the variance is not contrary to the public
interest; (2) whether due to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the ordinance
would result in unnecessary hardship to the property owner; and (3) whether by granting
the variance spirit of the ordinance will be observed and substantial justice will be done.
Note that “unnecessary hardship” does not include a hardship created by the property
owner to include but not limited to financial. Further, the hardship must be unique to the
property. Finally, the Board cannot grant a variance that would allow a land use
otherwise prohibited by the zoning ordinance. Typical variances include items like
additions or reductions to height, square footage, or setback requirements. But the
Board could not, for example, approve a “variance” that would allow a commercial use
in a zoning district zoned exclusively for residential uses.
Limitation of board's authority. The Board shall have no authority to change any
provisions of any ordinance. Its jurisdiction is limited to hardship and borderline cases
which may arise. The board may not change the district designation of any land either to
a more or less restrictive zone.
Unnecessary hardship standard. When an applicant can show that a provision of these
regulations would cause unnecessary hardship if strictly adhered to and where,
because of some physical condition peculiar to the land, the ZBA may authorize a
variance. The unnecessary hardship may not be of a financial nature.
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Board is responsible for the City's zoning ordinance, planning for the future, and
advising the City Council on matters concerning the orderly growth of the city and
establishes the overall planning policy in accordance with the comprehensive plan. It is
responsible for reviewing and advising the City Council on amendments to the
subdivision and zoning ordinances, rezoning requests, annexation proposals, and
miscellaneous studies. This commission consists of seven voting members and four
alternates.
Unger Library Board
The Unger Memorial Library Advisory Committee (“Library Advisory Committee”)
consists of five members appointed by City Council. The Library Advisory Committee
makes general recommendations concerning the policies, procedures, and long-range
development of the City’s public library. The Library Advisory Committee makes library
budget recommendations, library personnel recommendations, and holds the power to
formulate general policies, rules and regulations concerning library management and
operations.
Board of Health
The Plainview-Hale County Board of Health consists of 10 members appointed by and
representative of the participating entities. The Plainview-Hale County Board of Health
acts in an advisory capacity to the City of Plainview and Hale County. The Plainview-
Hale County Board of Health hears appeals regarding health inspection reports and the
issuance, suspension or revocation of permits, licenses or certificates required by the
Plainview-Hale County Health Department. In addition, the Plainview-Hale County
Board of Health makes recommendations to City Council regarding policy matters of
public health.
Main Street Program/Tourism Coordinating Board
The Main Street Program/Tourism Board is responsible for overseeing the Main Street
(Downtown Plainview) program. Main Street's efforts include strengthening businesses
in the Historic Business District and recruiting new ones, preserving and restoring
historic buildings, molding the Historic Business District into a destination for shopping,
entertainment, and leisure, defining Downtown Plainview in the shopping and tourism
market and providing a vibrant events venue. The Board also oversees the HOT Fund
grant program and works on various efforts to bring people to Plainview. The Board
consists of nine board members.
The one-page application is available on the City’s website at
www.plainviewtx.org/BoardApplication. Applications must be received by Thursday,
th
January 20 and can be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to Belinda Hinojosa, City
th
Secretary, 202 W.5 Street, Plainview, TX 79072.
For more information about the various boards, visit
https://www.plainviewtx.org/69/Boards-Committees-Commissions or call 296.1100.
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