The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial body, which consists of a five-member board appointed by the City Council to three-year terms, which are staggered to ensure continuity. The ZBA serves as the first level or step for an individual to appeal a decision, seek a variance from an ordinance standard as applied to his or her property or to request an interpretation of the Zoning Map. When a point of controversy cannot be resolved at this level, the next step is Circuit Court. No local body, including the City Council, can override a decision of the ZBA as long as it concerns an action within their authority.

The ZBA has the power to authorize variances for height, area, size of structure, size of yard, open spaces, off-street parking and loading requirements or other dimensional requirements. Local ordinance prohibits the granting of "use" variances. Variances should only be granted when specific criteria are met.