Board of Zoning Appeals

Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8:15 a.m. (as needed), City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1507 Main Street.

The Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals was established as authorized in accordance with State Statutes governing such creation. The Board shall have the following powers and jurisdictions:

  • Appeals: To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the zoning administrator in the enforcement of Unified Development Code.
  • Variances: To authorize in specific cases a variance from the specific terms of these regulations which will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the Unified Development Code will, in an individual case, result in unnecessary hardship, provided the spirit of these regulations shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done. Such variance shall not permit any use not permitted by the zoning ordinance in such district.
  • Exceptions: To grant exceptions to the provisions of the Unified Development Code, but only in those instances where the Board is specifically authorized to grant such exceptions in these regulations. In no event shall exceptions to the provisions of the regulations be granted where the use or exception contemplated is not specifically listed as an exception in the Unified Development Code. Further, under no conditions shall the Board have the power to grant an exception when the conditions of this exception, as established by these regulations, are not found to be present.
  • Conditions of Determination: In exercising the foregoing powers, the Board, in conformity with the provisions of this act, may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination, and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken, may attach appropriate conditions, and may issue or direct the issuance of a permit.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

The Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals consists of five (5) voting members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Commission, for terms of 3 years each. All Board members shall reside within the City of Hays' planning area, with one (1) member to reside outside the corporate limits of the City of Hays and within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Hays, Kansas. In making said appointments, the City shall obtain from the County Commission its requests for appointments of individuals who reside outside the corporate limits and within the ETJ. Subject to the final statutory power of the Mayor to make said appointments, those recommendations shall be considered by the Mayor for said appointment. None of the members shall hold any other public offices in the City or County except that one member of the board shall be a member of the Hays Area Planning Commission. 

  • Russell Koenigsman (resides in the city limits)
    Expires April 22, 2024 (2nd term)
  • Louis Caplan (resides in the city limits) (P.C. Rep)
    Expires May 1, 2025 (8th term)
  • Brian Garrett (resides in the city limits)
    Expires May 1, 2025 (2nd term)
  • Rich Sieker (resides in the city limits)
    Expires May 1, 2025 (4th term)
  • (Open Position) (resides in ETJ)
    Expires May 1, 2024