Direct answer
What does Zoning board of appeals mean?
A local administrative and quasi-judicial body that hears zoning appeals, interpretations and variance requests.
Exam cue: The ZBA applies the zoning law and statutory variance standards rather than making broad land-use policy.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
An owner appeals the zoning enforcement officer's interpretation to the ZBA.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
The ZBA is not the local legislative body that adopts zoning laws.
Related municipal government terms
Architectural review boardA local body that may review exterior design features under authority granted by local law.Building departmentA local office that administers building permits, code review, inspections and related records.Conservation advisory councilA local advisory body that may inventory natural resources and advise officials on environmental matters.County clerkThe county official or office that maintains specified public records, including land records recorded for property in the county.Historic preservation commissionA local body that may survey historic resources, recommend designation and review work under a local preservation law.Planning boardA local administrative body that may review subdivisions, site plans and special use permits when local law grants that authority.
Sources used2 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
Keep learning
Put the term back into its full subject.
A definition helps with recall. The subject guide shows how the rule interacts with documents, scenarios, calculations and practice questions.