How do I apply for a variance? How long is the process?

The first step is to contact the Director of Building & Development Jennifer Bills to discuss your proposed variance. You will then be emailed the variance application and a summary of the variance process, application deadline, and public hearing dates.  The deadline for a complete application is below.


Submittal DateSubmittal Check DateNotification Posted (mailed & sign)Zoning & Planning Commission
 Meeting Date
City Council Meeting Date*BOA
 Meeting Date*
Must be received by 5:00 pm CDT
 (Monday unless City holiday)
All submissions must have all required items to enter review30 days in advance of meetingPublic Hearing (Wednesday)Public Hearing (Wednesday)Public Hearing  (Wednesday)
7/3/20237/4/20237/17/20238/16/20238/23/20239/13/2023
8/7/20238/8/20238/21/20239/20/20239/27/202310/11/2023
9/4/20239/5/20239/18/202310/18/202310/25/202311/8/2023
10/2/202310/3/202310/16/202311/15/202311/22/202312/13/2024



No December ZAPCO

12/4/202312/5/202312/18/20231/17/20241/24/20242/14/2024

*Refer to Section 38.05.036: Notice of public hearing before zoning and planning commission for approval process.

Variances are first considered by ZAPCO for a recommendation, and then depending on the type of variance, the application will be forwarded to either the City Council or the Board of Adjustment. ZAPCO meets the third Wednesday of each month. If the variance is considered by City Council, it will go onto the immediately following City Council agenda, the fourth Wednesday of the month. If it needs to be considered by the BOA, it will go to the BOA agenda on the following month’s agenda on the second Wednesday. Variance applications are due to staff approximately 45 days prior to the ZAPCO meeting. Staff will handle public noticing requirements and will provide you with a public notice sign to place on your property. Please review the City’s Application Submittal Policy located online here: Application Submittal Policy

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1. How do I find out if I live within the City of West Lake Hills city limits?
2. Who should I contact about all building, utilities, permit, and inspection questions??
3. What is the zoning for my property?
4. If I live in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), are there any City regulations that I need to be aware of?
5. Does the City have setback regulations that are applicable to my property?
6. Does the City have impervious cover restrictions?
7. Does the City have drainage requirements for new projects?
8. How do I apply for a variance? How long is the process?
9. I would like to submit an application for a residential remodel/addition/new construction. How do I get started?
10. I would like to submit an application for a non-residential project. What do I need to do?
11. Where can I find building and development applications?
12. How long will it take to get my permit?
13. Do I need a permit for a swimming pool?
14. Do I need a permit to construct a fence?
15. Where can I find the fee schedule?
16. Do I need a permit for roofing?
17. How do I submit a Subdivision Application?