Board of Zoning Appeals

Meetings

  • 6 pm
  • Monthly
  • Albany Community Development Agency
    200 Henry Johnson Boulevard
    Community Room
    Albany, NY 12210

Virtual Meetings

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the moratorium on public gatherings, meetings will be held via YouTube until further notice. 

2021 Meeting Dates*

January 13 WApril 14 WJuly 14 WOctober 13 W
January 27 MApril 28 MJuly 28 MOctober 27 M
February 10 WMay 12 WAugust 11 WNovember 10 W
February 24 MMay 26 MAugust 25 MDecember 8 M
March 10 WJune 9 WSeptember 8 W
March 24 MJune 23 MSeptember 22 M
*W=Workshop, M=Meeting

Agendas & Minutes

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

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor for a three year term. The presence of four members constitutes a quorum of the Board, and the concurring vote of four members is required to carry out any action.

  • Richard Berkley, Chair - Expires 12/31/22
  • Martin Daley - Expires 12/31/20
  • Adriana Le Blan - Expires 12/31/21
  • Paige A. Barnum - Expires 12/31/20
  • Serena Joyce White-Lake - Expires 12/31/21
  • Ricja Rice - Expires 12/31/20
  • Jeffrey Quain - Expires 12/31/23

Responsibilities

The BZA is empowered to hear and decide appeals, and interpret provisions for applicants exhibiting a challenge to City officials issuing orders, decisions or requirements under the City's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance (USDO). The BZA independently provides a forum for applicants and/or representatives to appeal their case for a variance, pursuant to Section 81 of New York State General City Law.

Development Review Process

All development projects proposed in Albany must comply with the City's USDO. The USDO, in coordination with the Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan, includes zoning code updates and a streamlined, user-friendly process that aim to secure successful (re)development in the City.

The BZA holds public hearings to decide appeals or interpret provisions of the USDO, that impact applicants requesting a change of use or other relief from USDO permitted regulations.

Zoning Maps