The Henryetta board of adjustment is the body established to:

• hear appeals of decisions rendered by zoning administrators
• interpret unclear provisions in the zoning ordinance
• decide on applications by landowners to permit buildings or land uses which vary from the zoning regulations.

Variances are sought if there are extenuating circumstances associated with a piece of property that make it difficult for the applicant to meet the zoning code requirements. In order for a variance to be approved, the applicant must prove a hardship exists.

Special exception requests typically involve a design element or structure that may not conform to the dimensional or spatial requirements of the base zoning district in which it is located, but may be allowed under certain circumstances with approval from the local board.