27.7 Appeals

A. Within thirty (30) days of the date of the Executive Director’s decision, an applicant may appeal an adverse decision to the Board of Zoning Adjustment.  Such appeals shall be made in writing, using the appropriate City form.

B. If an individual needs assistance in filing an appeal on an adverse decision, the City shall provide assistance to ensure that the appeals process is accessible.

C. All appeals shall contain a written statement of the grounds for the appeal.  Any personal information related to the disability status identified by an applicant as confidential shall be retained in a manner so as to protect the privacy rights of the applicant and shall not be made available for public inspection.

D. In considering an appeal of a decision of the Executive Director, the Board of Zoning Adjustments shall consider (a) the application requesting a reasonable accommodation, (b) the Executive Director’s decision, (c) the applicant’s written statement of the grounds for appeal, and (d) the provisions of this Article, in order to determine whether the Executive Director’s decision was consistent with applicable fair housing laws and the required findings established in Section 27.5.

E. Nothing in this procedure shall preclude an aggrieved individual from seeking any other state or federal remedy available.