Board of Zoning Appeals

What is the Board of Zoning Appeals?


The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a five person, citizen board enabled through state statute to grant variances from development standards, use variances, special exceptions, and administrative relief.


Meetings

  • 5:30 PM CT
  • Third Tuesday of each month
  • Location: City Hall, 166 Lincolnway Valparaiso, IN 46383

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to board meetings.
Minutes are available upon approval.
​Most Recent Agenda | ​View All 



Members

  • Kyle Yelton, President - Citizen appointed by Mayor Costas, term 1/1/2025 to 12/31/2029
  • Paul Reed, Vice President - Citizen appointed by Mayor Costas, term 1/1/2025 to 12/31/2029
  • Sarah Litke - Citizen appointed by Plan Commission, term 1/1/2025 to 12/31/2025
  • Jim Bilder - Citizen appointed by Mayor Murphy, term 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2026
  • Hannah Trueblood - Citizen appointed by City Council, term coextensive with Council term 1/1/2024 to 12/31/2027

Staff

  • Deb Cook, Secretary 
  • Bob Thompson, Executive Secretary
  • Mark Worthley, Attorney

Applications

To petition for a variance, you must complete the Board of Zoning Appeals application. Applications may be picked up at City Hall, 166 Lincolnway, or may be printed off the website (Click Here for Application). Return completed applications to City Hall, Attn: Planning Department. Applications must be turned into City Hall before 4:30 PM CST by the deadlines found in the application packet. Alternatively, completed applications may be returned to the Planning Department via email (planningdepartment@valpo.us). Emailed submittals must include digital files rather than scans of documents; staff will direct petitioner how to make online payment after submittal has been made. 

Public Hearing Notifications
A notification of a public hearing is sent to all property owners within 300 feet of the petitioner's property. If you need assistance finding parcels within 300 ft of your property, please check out our instructional graphic. Received a letter and want to know what your rights are or how the hearings work? Click here for more information.