Zoning Board of Appeals

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.
Zoning Administrator
City Manager Gorman serves as the Zoning Administrator for the City of Portland.

He can be reached at 517-647-2931
Regular Meetings
  • 7 p.m.
  • The 2nd Monday of every month
  • City Hall
    259 Kent Street
    Council Chambers
    Portland, MI 48875 

Members

Name Title Address Phone
James E. Barnes Council Liaison 763 Ionia Rd. 517-647-3211
Jayne Graham Vice Chair 625 Kent St. 517-647-2547
Kathy Parsons Chair 310 Kent St. 517-647-4177
Joe Fedewa   900 Cherrywood Circle 517-647-6606
Rachelle Breeden Secretary 431 Academy St. 517-647-3211
  1. 2023
  2. 2022
  3. 2021
  4. 2020
  5. 2019
  6. 2018
  7. 2017
  8. 2016
  9. 2015
  10. 2014
  11. 2013
  12. 2012
  13. 2011

2023 Meeting Documents