The ZBA is provided for under the City Charter and Chapter 211 of the Local Government Code. The ZBA is responsible for granting variances and special exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance. The ZBA is composed of West U residents, who are appointed by City Council to serve for 2-year terms.

The board is a quasi-judicial body that does not make policy. City Council makes policy. The ZBA hears requests for variances and special exceptions, as well as, assists in interpreting the Zoning Ordinance when requests are made by persons who disagree with the Administrative Official's interpretations.

The board must abide by the mandates of the state law and the ordinances of the City of West University Place, which both grant and place limits on its powers. Even in cases where a decision of the board is reviewed by a state district court, mistakes of law are the issue that is reviewed. Evidence is not reheard.

Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month when an application is submitted. The meetings are held in the Municipal Building located at 3800 University, begin at 6:30 and last approximately 2-3 hours.  However, meetings may last longer if there is a contentious application or there are multiple applications at one meeting.  

The Board does not meet if an application has not been submitted.