If the municipality has zoning, council must create a board of zoning appeals. Appointed by council to serve overlapping terms of not less than three but no more than five years, the board consists of three to nine members. Section 6-29-780. This quasi-judicial administrative agency hears requests for special exceptions and variances arising from the application of the municipality’s zoning ordinance, resolutions and maps. Section 6-29-800.

The board of zoning appeals also will hear appeals from zoning officials’ decisions. The circuit court hears appeals of the board’s decisions. Sections 6-29-800, 6-29-820.