Westporters may not yet know who they’re voting for, in the coming election.
But the jobs that candidates are running for are pretty straightforward.
The Board of Finance handles finances. The Board of Education covers education. The Board of Selectmen/women (or better, “Selectors”) is, by New England tradition, our executive branch.
But what’s the difference between the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals? That can be confusing.
Michelle Perillie — director of Westport’s Planning & Zoning Department — gives us the breakdown. She says:
In Westport, Planning & Zoning is a department within the town government.
It’s overseen by the 7-member Planning & Zoning Commission. Elected by voters, they regulate land use and development. By state law, the commission is responsible for developing and updating the Town Plan of Conservation and Development every 10 years, enforcing zoning ordinances to control land use, and approving applications for new construction and development projects.
The Planning & Zoning Commission’s mission is to promote public health, safety and welfare, prevent overcrowding, and ensure that adequate infrastructure and public services are available to support growth.
The P&Z’s work often involves striking a balance between progress and preservation. The public can influence Westport’s future by electing commissioners who share their vision for how the town should grow.
Planning & Zoning Commissioners are elected every two years. This year, 4 candidates are running for 3 open seats.
The Zoning Board of Appeals, meanwhile, is a state-mandated board required in any municipality with a zoning commission.
The ZBA is a quasi-judicial board of 5 elected members, acting primarily as a “safety valve” for the zoning regulations. The ZBA can grant variances from the zoning regulations when an applicant demonstrates a hardship.
The ZBA also has the power to hear and decide appeals from decisions of the zoning enforcement officer, and in limited cases where authorized by regulation, determines when to issue special permits.
To prevail at the ZBA, an applicant must receive the concurring vote of 4 board members.
Elections for ZBA members are held every two years. This year, there are 3 candidates for 2 open seats.