§ 13-4. Board of zoning appeals created.

A board of zoning appeals is hereby created which shall consist of seven (7) residents of Gloucester County, who shall be appointed by the circuit court of Gloucester County.

Their terms of office shall be for five (5) years each, except that original appointments shall be made as follows: One (1) member who shall serve for one (1) year, one (1) member who shall serve for two (2) years, one (1) member who shall serve for three (3) years, one (1) member who shall serve for four (4) years, and three (3) members who shall serve for five (5) years. The secretary of the board of zoning appeals shall notify the circuit court at least thirty (30) days in advance of the expiration of any term of office and shall also notify the circuit court promptly if any vacancy occurs. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term. Members may be reappointed to succeed themselves. Members of the board of zoning appeals shall hold no other public office in Gloucester County. A member whose term expires shall continue to serve until his successor is appointed and qualifies.

With the exception of its secretary, the board shall elect from its own membership its officers, who shall serve annual terms as such and may succeed themselves. The board may elect as its secretary either one of its members or a qualified individual who is not a member of the board. A secretary who is not a member of the board shall not be entitled to vote on matters before the board. For the conduct of any hearing and the taking of any action, a quorum shall not be less than a majority of all the members of the board. The board may make, alter and rescind rules and forms of its procedures, consistent with ordinances of the county and general laws of the commonwealth. The board shall keep a full public record of its proceeding and shall submit a report of its activities to the governing body at least once each year.

Within the limits of funds appropriated by the governing body, the board may employ or contract for secretaries, clerks, legal counsel, consultants, and other technical and clerical services. Members of the board may receive such compensation as may be authorized by the governing body. Any board member may be removed for malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office, or for other just cause, by the court which appointed him, after hearing held after at least fifteen (15) days' notice.