|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Government Center
7593 Bunnell Hill Road
Springboro, OH 45066
Warren County |
|
|
|
|
|
Function |
|
|
Depending on the degree of urbanization in the area zoned, a job on the zoning
commission may take a considerable amount of time and work. Since zoning
commission members are not paid, before any resident should accept an
appointment, he should be sure he has the time and interest to actively
participate. Essentially, the zoning commission has three principal duties.
1. Preparation of the Zoning Resolution
It is the primary duty of the zoning commission to prepare the zoning original
resolution, both text and map. Once the zoning resolution has been completed to
the satisfaction of the zoning commission, it holds a public hearing on the
proposal and sends its recommended plan of zoning to the Township Trustees. The
zoning commission's function is an advisory one to the Township Trustees.
2. Initiation of Amendments
One of the major responsibilities of the zoning commission is to propose
amendments to the zoning text and map as the need arises. It may be found that
some of the requirements of the original zoning resolution were too strict and
should be modified. On the other hand, some of the requirements that were
originally adequate may have to be changed. It is also possible that new zoning
districts will be required because of the construction of a new highway,
reservoir, or other facility. Zoning must not be static, but must change with
the times. The zoning commission should be ready to propose changes to the
zoning resolution that, in the long run, will be of the greatest benefit to the
residents. These changes should also be fair and responsive to the needs of the
larger region of which the individual county or township is only a small part.
3. Make Formal Recommendation on All Amendments
On those amendments that are initiated by the Township Trustees or those that
are requested by property owners, it is the responsibility of the zoning
commission to make a formal recommendation to the Township Trustees.
Before making a recommendation, the zoning commission must receive advice from
the county regional planning commission and must hold a public hearing on the
proposed amendment.
Although the zoning commission only makes a recommendation to the Township
Trustees of what action to take, considerable weight is attached to the
recommendation. If the Township Trustees wish to overrule or modify the
recommendation, a majority agreement of the Township Trustees is necessary.
Again, it should be stressed that the zoning commission is an advisory body to
the Township Trustees. The courts have found that any attempt to delegate to or
allow the zoning commission to amend the zoning resolution itself is contrary to
the law.
Finally, the zoning commission should be involved in or informed of planning
activities in their county. (A member of a county regional planning commission
may also be a member of the zoning commission.) An understanding of the needs of
the larger region is particularly helpful for rural areas close to large cities
in Ohio. Rural zoning should be used as a tool to insure that growth takes place
in a balanced and orderly manner, but should not be used to prohibit all growth
or change. |
|
|
|