Opinion ID: 1058461
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Circuit Court's Decision regarding BZA Appeals

Text: The three BZA appeals were consolidated for one hearing before the circuit court, and on March 19, 2007, the circuit court rendered its decision by a single letter opinion. First, with respect to Semmes' appeal, the circuit court found that no authority exists within the Annexation Agreement or state statute pursuant to which the Town BZA could render decisions affecting property located outside the Town's corporate limits. Second, the circuit court affirmed the County BZA's decision upholding Artman's determination that Semmes lacked authority to make commission permit determinations respecting properties outside the corporate limits of the Town because no such power exists. Third, the circuit court held that the County BZA's decision that commission permit review was not required before proceeding with HS-3's development was not erroneous because it is indisputable that HS-3 is a feature shown on the PUGAMP. Fourth, the circuit court reversed the County BZA's decision upholding Artman's determinations respecting the right of the Town to participate in the compliance review process with the County outside the corporate limits of the Town but within [the] PUGAMP because the decision was inconsistent with the circuit court's March 13 opinion declaring that the Town and the County have joint and concurrent authority to review and approve the location of public facilities within the UGA. The circuit court affirmed the decision only [t]o the extent that the [County BZA] rejected any claim by the Town that it might exercise zoning jurisdiction within the PUGAMP but outside the limits of the Town. The circuit court entered final orders on the three appeals on April 18, 2007, for the reasons stated in its March 13 and March 19 letter opinions.