HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.06.2020 Board Applications for 2021 (2)
City of Plainview NEWS
901 Broadway St.
Plainview, TX 79072
November 6, 2020
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, Building Trades/Fire
Code Board of Appeals, Parks Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission and
Board of Health.
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.
Building Trades/Fire Code Board of Appeals
The Building Trades and Fire Code Board of Appeals (BTFCBA) was created in 2000 to
combine the functions of the three construction trade boards which existed at that time.
Those were the Board of Electrical Examiners, the Building Fire Code Board of Appeals,
and the Plumbing Board. The BTFCBA makes recommendations for the adoption,
improvement, enforcement, and administration of the National Electrical Code (NEC),
the Uniform Building Code (UBC), the Uniform Fire Code (UFC), the Uniform Plumbing
Code (UPC), the Uniform Sign Code (USC), and the National Life Safety Code (NLSC).
Recommendations for local amendments and standards as well as permit and licensing
standards associated with those codes are developed by the board and staff and
forwarded to the City Council for their consideration as ordinance amendments.
The BTFCBA also acts in an appeals capacity regarding the decisions of the building
official and fire marshal as they concern building construction and fire prevention issues.
The board consists of seven board members and four alternates. The membership will
consist of a building contractor, a licensed master electrician, a representative from the
local electrical service provider, a licensed master plumber, a representative from the
local gas service provider, and two individuals with a working knowledge of the
representative trades. The four alternates can possess any of the above requirements.
The open position on this board is for Building Trades.
Parks Advisory Board
The Parks Advisory Board (PAB) makes recommendations to the City Council in regard
to the open space planning, parks and recreation planning and/or purchase, disposal, or
trade of such lands. They also make recommendations regarding fees and rates to be
considered for approval by the City Council and on other decisions, the PAB is the final
authority in these areas of responsibility, unless appealed to the City Council. The
Board consists of eight board members.
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.
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.
The one-page application is available on the City’s website at
www.plainviewtx.org/BoardApplication. Applications must be received by Thursday,
st
December 31 and can be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to Belinda Hinojosa, City
Secretary, 901 Broadway, 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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