Board of Adjustment

Meetings

The Board of Adjustment meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month when petitions for variances or appeals are filed. By law, they are required to give public notice 15 days in advance of a hearing detailing the variance or appeal requested. While not required by law, it is Des Peres’ practice to notify the adjoining property owners located within 200 feet by first class mail of any petitions for variances. To view agendas, please click here.

Click here to view the Board and Commission schedule and deadline dates.

Members

The Board of Adjustment, as required by State Statute, is a five member group of lay citizens with unique powers and duties. By state law, the City appoints five regular members and three alternates who serve only in the absence of a regular member. By State law, actions taken by the Board of Adjustment require four affirmative voters from among the five member panel which considers the petition.

Overview

Their primary duties are to consider appeals from decisions of the Director of Public Works on building and zoning enforcement and to consider requests for variances from the strict enforcement of the City’s zoning, sign, and subdivision ordinances. Petitioners must prove that either an error has been made by a City Official in interpreting the City’s requirements, or that an unusual circumstance exists for granting an exception to the rules. On a request for a variance for strict application of a zoning regulation, the Board of Adjustment must determine whether the applicant has demonstrated "practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the zoning regulation."

Each matter is uniquely considered as based on the evidence presented at the formal Board Hearing. This is a quasi-judicial forum requiring that all evidence be provided under oath, that a transcript of the proceedings is made and preserved, and that the members consider only the evidence presented at the hearing to arrive at their decision. Decisions of the Board of Adjustment are final, are not reviewable by the Board of Aldermen, and may be appealed only to the Circuit Court by any party with standing. 

Standing Members

Alternate Members