Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment is composed of seven appointed citizens (and four alternates) and has the power to hear and decide cases, which interpret provisions of the zoning ordinance.  This board sits as a judicial body – a citizen court in zoning matters.  Unlike the Planning and Zoning Commission, this board is not a recommending body.  Its decisions are final, subject only to review by the courts.  Members are considered to be officers of the City of Murphy.

The Board of Adjustment decides on applications for special exceptions of land use and authorizes variances of land use or development authorized under the zoning ordinance.
The board has three powers as specified in Section 211.009, Texas Local Government Code:

• To render an interpretation of the city zoning ordinance when someone alleges that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by a city official who administrates the ordinance;
• To decide whether to approve or deny applications for a special exception to normal zoning rules when such use or development is specifically authorized in the zoning ordinance; and
• To authorize requests for variance from the zoning ordinance when it is not contrary to the public interest.

The Board of Adjustment meets in the City Council Chambers on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m., when necessary.