In any county which adopts zoning regulations the board of county commissioners shall appoint a county board of zoning appeals composed of five members who shall be residents of the unincorporated territory in the county included in the area zoned, not more than two of whom shall be from any one township if the area zoned includes three or more townships. The board of county commissioners may appoint two alternate members to the county board of zoning appeals, for terms to be determined by the board of county commissioners. An alternate member shall take the place of an absent regular member at any meeting of the board of zoning appeals, according to procedures prescribed by resolution by the board of county commissioners. An alternate member shall meet the same appointment criteria as a regular member. When attending a meeting on behalf of an absent member, the alternate member may vote on any matter on which the absent member is authorized to vote. The terms of all regular members shall be of such length and so arranged that the term of one member will expire each year. Each regular or alternate member shall serve until the member's successor is appointed and qualified. Members may be removed for the same causes and in the same manner as provided by section 303.04 of the Revised Code. Vacancies shall be filled by the board of county commissioners and shall be for the unexpired term. The members may be allowed their expenses, or such compensation, or both, as the board of county commissioners may approve and provide.

The board of zoning appeals may, within the limits of the moneys appropriated by the board of county commissioners for the purpose, employ such executive, professional, technical, and other assistants as it considers necessary.

Effective Date: 07-22-1998.