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Advisory Boards
Commissions and advisory boards meet on a regular basis to assist with the orderly development and use of land. The Zoning Administrator staff provide technical support for each board/commission.
Meetings
Meetings are normally held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m., as needed. Meetings may also be held at the call of the Chair at such times as the Board may specify or as may be necessary to complete the work of the Board. Please refer to the calendar for a schedule of all meeting dates.
Meeting Results
Introduction
The Washington County Board of Adjustment and Appeals has been established by the County Board pursuant to Minnesota Statute 394.27. The responsibility of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals is further defined in the Washington County Development Code, Chapter One, Section 6, Appeals and Variances (PDF).
The Board Of Adjustment and Appeals is a quasi-judicial body responsible for the following:
- to hear administrative appeals to actions of the Zoning Administrator;
- to hear requests for and decide on whether to issue a variance to official land use regulations;
- to hear appeals on denials for building permits within the limits of land delineated on the county's Official Zoning Map.
Composition
The Board of Adjustment and Appeals consists of seven (7) members, with at least one (1) member from each Commissioner District and at least two (2) from the unincorporated areas of the county. Six (6) of the members are appointed by the County Board on an at-large basis and one (1) member is a member of the Washington County Planning Advisory Commission (or his/her designee). No elected official of the county or any employee of the county can serve as a member of the Board.
Meetings
The Planning Advisory Commission usually meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m., as needed. Efforts are made to adjourn the meeting by 8 p.m. Please refer to the calendar for a schedule of all meeting dates.
Meeting Results
Introduction
The Washington County Planning Advisory Commission has been established by the Washington County Board pursuant to Minnesota Statute 394.30. The responsibility of the Planning Advisory Commission is further defined in the Washington County Development Code, Chapter One, Section 8 (PDF).
The Planning Advisory Commission is an advisory body to the Washington County Board. They make decisions and/or recommendations to the County Board. Decisions of the Planning Advisory Commission may be appealed to the County Board. The duties and responsibilities of the Planning Advisory Commission, as established by County Ordinance, are:
- to study, report and make recommendations on amendments to the Development Code and the Comprehensive Plan prior to adoption of any amendments by the County Board.
- to order the issuance of and amendments to Planned Unit Development Permits and Conditional Use Permits for one (1) or more categories of conditional uses authorized by the Washington County Development Code.
- to conduct hearings and make recommendations to the County Board on alleged violation of condition(s) contained in Conditional Use Permits.
- to issue Conditional Use Permits and impose conditions on nonconforming uses and to conduct public hearings thereon.
Composition
The Planning Advisory Commission is composed of seven (7) voting citizen members and one (1) non-voting County Commissioner member. At least one (1) member from each Commissioner District serves on the Commission and at least two (2) voting members come from the unincorporated areas of the county. The County Board formally appoints all members.