The new code will take effect on Jan. 20, barring any referendums being filed. While he admitted being “leery” of zoning, Commissioner David Young said the updated regulations were “a necessary evil and there is a public need for these rules and regulations.”
Young said there was a good mix of comments by residents, even though not everyone got what they wanted.
Major changes in the updated code included non-conforming uses, overhauling the enforcement section, lighting and landscaping standards, provisions for home businesses, expanding the range of conditional uses and interstate overlay districts, said Michael Yetter, county zoning officer.
The new code will affect Franklin, Turtlecreek, Union, Harlan and Washington twps.
Yetter said the only changes in the updated code were keeping the administration of the stream protection setback and overlay regulations on a voluntary basis and changing the zoning classification from M1 manufacturing to B1 business for 14 acres of property on Ohio 63 near McClure Road owned by James and Terry Banker of Turtlecreek Twp. The remainder of their property, about 25 acres is currently zoned A1 agricultural.
Yetter said the stream protection setback regulations have been administered on a voluntary basis and there have been no problems since it began three years ago.
The stream protection regulations will be discussed at a work session in January.
After the code was approved, Commissioner Pat South said, “this has been a long time coming. It’s the best accomplishment of the year.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or Ed.Richter@coxinc.com.
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