Public zoning issues usually don’t garner much attention, but the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning consistently shapes how Charleston looks and develops.

The board, which meets the Thursdays following City Council meetings, considers rezoning and revariance requests, holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the City Council on zoning and development issues.

“It doesn’t seem that exciting,” said City Planner Jeff Finley. “But land use is one of the biggest (factors) that determines how communities develop.”

Rezoning requests make up a good part of the board’s work. Board chairman Steve Pamperin said a variety of requests are heard, from residential requests such as building a new apartment complex to commercial issues over what type of business can open in what area.

For example, Finley said, without the board, a tavern could open in a residential area. The board also considers appeals made on decisions made by the city planner.

“Under state law, (the board is) the only one who can hear appeals on the zoning code,” Finley said. “They have final say on whether I interpret the law correctly.”

In addition to regulating construction in Charleston, the board has also helped to craft the city’s new Unified Development Code, he said.

The seven members of the board are appointed by the mayor after winning City Council approval to serve staggered terms.

The board gives the public the chance to become involved with zoning issues.

“It serves as a liaison between the City Council and the community,” Pamperin said. “We’re a board for the general public.”

The board “gives the public an opportunity to speak,” Finley said.

This week’s meeting was canceled after the lone rezoning request on the agenda was canceled, he said.

“Winter months tend to be a little slower” since most construction projects begin in warmer weather, Finley said.