landboards

Landboards, also known as land use planning boards or zoning boards, are governmental or quasi-governmental bodies responsible for making decisions about how land is used within a specific jurisdiction. Their primary function is to implement and enforce local land use regulations, often codified in zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans. These boards typically consist of appointed or elected citizens who are tasked with reviewing development proposals, granting or denying variances, and making recommendations on zoning changes.

The authority of landboards varies greatly by location. In some areas, they have significant decision-making power, while in others, they act in an advisory capacity to a larger governing body, such as a city council or county commission. Their work involves balancing the interests of private property owners with the public good, considering factors like environmental protection, public safety, economic development, and community character.

Common responsibilities of landboards include holding public hearings on development applications, interpreting zoning codes, and addressing land use disputes. They often work in conjunction with planning departments, which provide technical expertise and administrative support. The decisions made by landboards can have a profound impact on the physical and economic landscape of a community, influencing everything from the types of buildings that can be constructed to the density of development and the preservation of open space.