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Consider hiring an attorney. Appear at the scheduled date and time. Present your proposal. Answer questions and listen to other points of view. Receive the zoning board's decision. Consider appealing the decision.
Zoning hearings can be complex and intimidating proceedings, particularly if you've never been to one and are unfamiliar with the zoning board generally. An attorney can help you navigate the proceedings, giving you a better chance of having your application approved. Look for a local attorney who has experience representing rezoning applicants before the zoning board or planning commission. Someone with familiarity of the zoning board members will have a good idea of the types of information you'll need and the arguments that may persuade certain members. If you don't know where to start finding an attorney, consider looking at information from past zoning hearings and check the names of any attorneys who were present. You also may be able to find an attorney by searching on the attorney's directory on the website of your state or local bar association. You should have a written notice from the zoning board that lets you know the date, time, and location of your hearing. Make sure you arrive a half hour or so before the time listed so you have time to find the correct hearing room and get settled. There typically isn't a dress code for zoning hearings, but you still want to look clean and professional. While you don't necessarily have to wear a suit, consider wearing the type of clothing you'd wear to a job interview. Before your hearing, organize the documents you plan to bring so you can find them easily. You also should write an outline with detailed notes of what you plan to say to the board or commission when it's your turn to present your proposal. Think about the questions you might possibly be asked. If you have time, you may want to attend another zoning hearing to get a feel for the procedures and the types of questions the board members will ask. Since it's your application, the board typically will hear from you first. You'll explain to the board what zoning change you want them to make and why. Go into detail about the types of events you want to host and any preparations you've made. Typically your hearing will begin with a swearing-in ceremony. Everything you say during the hearing must be the truth, and you face perjury charges if you lie or distort the truth over the course of your presentation or while answering any questions. After you are sworn in, you typically will be asked to give a brief presentation. During this presentation, you essentially will summarize your application and the reasons you want to have your property rezoned. Explain to the board everything about the events you plan to host at your farm if your application is granted, including the size of those events and the space you have available. You may want to present photos of the structures and areas you plan to use as a wedding venue as well. Members of the board typically will have questions for you about your application. Any neighbor or other member of the public who opposes your application also will have the opportunity to explain their position. Zoning hearings are unlike any court proceeding in that anyone who is present and has an interest in the proceeding can ask questions of anyone else. This means that in addition to the board members themselves, you may find yourself fielding questions from neighbors or community members regarding your proposed use of your property. Other people also have the ability to make statements or argue against your application. When others are speaking, it's important not to interrupt or even mutter comments under your breath. If you have something to say in response to someone's statement, raise your hand and wait until you are recognized by the board before you speak. The zoning board typically won't let you know whether they've decided to grant your proposal immediately after the conclusion of the hearing. Rather, expect to get written notice of the decision within a few weeks. Most zoning boards have a deadline for a decision, so you typically won't have to wait more than 45 days to find out whether your application has been approved. Typically the board will mail you written notice. If your application is approved, the decision will include details about your new zoning or permit status. If your application was denied, the notice should include information on how you can appeal the decision and what steps you need to take next. If the zoning board didn't approve your application, you usually have the opportunity to appeal that decision to an appeals board or other authority. However, if you want to appeal you typically must do so quickly. Typically you have 30 days or less to complete your forms and file your appeal with the appropriate office. Review your zoning board decision notice for details. In some counties the appeal will be made to a judge in the county court. If you haven't already hired an attorney, you should strongly consider hiring one to handle your appeal.