Opinion ID: 2379774
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Reconsideration of ZBA Decision

Text: [¶ 9] Tarason argues that the Superior Court erred in failing to recognize his right to a notice and a hearing in a proceeding in which his property rights were at stake. The Town counters that the respective zoning ordinance and statutory law state that rehearings of appeals are discretionary with the ZBA, and Tarason did not present sufficient new evidence to mandate a rehearing. [¶ 10] The ZBA will hold rehearings either upon the agreement of the parties, or if the appellant can demonstrate sufficient new evidence. The South Berwick zoning ordinance states, in relevant part: Rehearings. The Zoning Board of Appeals may decide to rehear an appeal only if all parties to the original appeal agree, in writing, to a rehearing or if the appellant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Zoning Board of Appeals that they have sufficient new evidence to present of a type which would constitute a new appeal or if there has been a change in the chapter which affects the appeal. Id. [¶ 11] The relevant statute governing boards of appeals also takes a discretionary approach towards rehearings: The board may reconsider any decision reached under this section within 30 days of its prior decision. A vote to reconsider and the action taken on that reconsideration must occur and be completed within 30 days of the date of the vote on the original decision. The board may conduct additional hearings and receive additional evidence and testimony as provided in this subsection. 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2691(3)(F) (1996). [1] [¶ 12] Neither the Town's ordinance nor the statute require that, as a matter of right, Tarason be permitted a rehearing of his appeal. Tarason did have an opportunity for a hearing before the ZBA. Whether the ZBA permitted a rehearing or not was entirely discretionary. See Crispin v. Town of Scarborough, 1999 ME 112, ¶ 22, 736 A.2d 241, 248 (rejecting argument that party had a right to be heard at a reconsideration meeting of the Town Council). Contrary to his contentions, the ZBA did not commit any error when it denied Tarason's request for a rehearing.