Departments

Clearcreek Township Zoning Department

Planning and Zoning

 

Director of Planning and Zoning:     Jeff Palmer
Phone:   937.748.1267
Fax:   937-748-3252
Hours of Operation:
 
  Monday - Friday: 9 am - 4 pm
Or by appointment
            
Code Enforcement Officer:   Lori Burton   
Phone:     937.748.1267   
Hours of Operation:   Vary weekdays   
           
Address:   Government Center
7593 Bunnell Hill Road
Springboro, OH 45066
Warren County

 

Zoning Permits are issued by Clearcreek Township (see below). Clearcreek Township performs a location inspection after the structure has been established. Clearcreek Township automatically schedules zoning inspections.

Building Permits are issued by The Warren County Building Department: 513-695-1290 or visit their portal at Citizen Portal (iworq.net)  The Warren County Building Department requires that you contact them to schedule the required inspection.  

 

**Zoning permit requests will be processed Monday through Friday.** 

No additional zoning application is required to be filled out. Please submit the following for a zoning permit:

  1. Plot plan depicting the location of the proposed structure:
    • The plot plan should show the entire parcel and have property dimensions.
    • The plot plan should show the size of the proposed structure with dimensions and setbacks to property lines with dimensions.
    • Pool requests will need to specify fence and gate specifications, auto-cover specifications.
  2. A set of blue prints/construction drawings for the structure.
  3. Please include contact information for the applicant (mailing address, phone number and email address).
  4. Fees are collected after the permit has been issued and must be in the form of a check (made out to Clearcreek Township), exact cash or credit card.

Five ways to have zoning permits processed:

  1. Scheduled Appointments:
    • Permit issued, at the time of submittal based upon the completeness of request.
    • Payment is expected at this time.
  2. Drop Offs:
    • Permit issued, based upon the completeness of the request and will typically be available the following business day.
    • Individual will be notified by phone or email. 
    • If payment was not received, the individual will be notified by email or phone, that the permit is ready to be paid for and picked up.
    • If payment was included with the request, the zoning permit will be emailed, mailed or made available for pick up.
  3. Walk-ins:
    • Permit issued, based upon staff availability and the completeness of request.
    • Payment is expected at this time.
  4. Emailed:
    • Permit issued, based upon the completeness of request.
    • The individual will be notified by email that the permit is ready to be paid for and picked up. 
  5. Postal Mailed Requests:
    • Permit issued, based upon the completeness of request.
    • Payment is expected at this time.
    • If payment was included with the request, the zoning permit will be emailed.
    • If payment was not received, the individual will be notified by email or phone, that the permit is ready to be paid for and picked up.

Three ways to make a payment:

  1. At the time of in person pick-up: pay by check, exact cash or credit card.
  2. With your drop off, include check (made out to Clearcreek Township).
  3. Send your check (made out to Clearcreek Township) to Clearcreek Township Zoning Department 7593 Bunnell Hill Rd. Springboro, OH 45066.

Please email (jpalmer@clearcreektownship.com) or call 937-748-1267 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. 

Purpose of Zoning

A major purpose of zoning is to put land to the use for which it is best suited. Of course, determining the best use for land is not always easy. Some land is best left to be cultivated because of its unique soil characteristics. Other land may be ideally suited for commercial development because it is located near a major highway. Other land, located near a railroad or airport, for example, may be prime land for an industrial park. Agricultural or open space uses may be the best for lands located in a flood plain. 

Another issue, however, is to determine what appears to be the best potential use of specific parcels of land in the future. This involves the process of future land use planning. A good future land use plan must consider economic and social factors as well as physical characteristics of the land. Land in Ohio best suited for farming is often also the best land for housing developments. In such instances, it is necessary for local residents and decision-makers to determine what they want their area to be in the future and to conduct a program that will achieve this desire. In making decisions about the future of their area, however, local officials should consider the needs and characteristics of the larger region, as well as their immediate area. 

Another important purpose of zoning is to protect or maintain property values. Zoning can protect the value of property by assuring that incompatible uses will be kept apart. Zoning can keep factories out of residential areas (which could lower the value of homes in the immediate vicinity), as well as keep residential developments from locating in industrial areas. 

Zoning can also promote the public health and safety by requiring that lots be large enough to allow for the safe disposal of septic tank effluent, and by requiring that homes be spaced far enough apart that fires will not spread easily. The promotion of public health and safety are the two basic purposes for which counties and townships are authorized to enact zoning. 

Zoning also provides for more orderly development. Regulations pertaining to lot size, set back lines, building height, and population density can make areas more attractive. With zoning local residents can ensure that poor development will not occur. 

Finally, zoning can be important in attracting business and industry to an area. Sufficient good land should be zoned for business and industry that is uniquely suited for business and industry and has adequate access and public facilities.