Zoning Board of Appeals member vacancies

The Town of Winthrop is in search of 3 residents to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals.  The Board is in need of one regular member to fill a term expiring 12/31/2026, and two associate members for terms expiring 12/31/2024 and 12/31/2025.

Serving on a municipal board of appeals is one of the most difficult jobs that a citizen can volunteer to do. The appeals board must decide legal questions in accordance with local ordinances, State laws, and court cases. Often those decisions will seem harsh and contrary to “common sense,” both to board members and to the general public. This is particularly true when the board is asked to decide a request for a variance. However, the board is bound to follow the law until the law is changed. Explaining this to citizens seeking help from the board probably is one of the board’s most unpleasant tasks.   

Board members should be familiar with the ordinances and statutes they will be using before taking any official action.  Learning opportunities and training programs are provided through the Maine Municipal Association.  The Board meets at 7 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, as needed. Meetings are generally two hours long.  Additionally, a significant time investment may be needed to review agenda items.

Associate members fully participate in board meetings, however, only vote when a regular member is absent or required to abstain from voting. 

A board/committee application is attached below and can be emailed to dnichols@winthropmaine.org or dropped off at the town office.  FMI – contact Deborah Nichols (207) 377-7200 x 6013 or dnichols@winthropmaine.org.

Thank you for helping us serve our Winthrop Community!