Summary
February 4, 2025: Long zoning briefing covering new state omnibus rules on fines and certified mail, public-meeting posting requirements, possible sign-regulation updates, short-term rental definitions, replacing “granny cottage” with “accessory dwelling unit,” solar policy pressures, and a goal to shorten the zoning code. Trustees reported pushback on replacing Regional Planning with a county-level board. 2025 meeting dates were set; no January permits were listed.
Full Document
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION MEETING February 4, 2025 P a g e 1 | 1 Regular Meeting called to order at 7:10 pm by Chairman Patrick Kline. Members Joe Hafer, Sally Storad and Roxanne Kane present. Ron Weekley and Martina Mann also present. Bill Woodward of the Township BZA was in attendance this evening. Roxanne motioned, Sally seconded, January 7 regular meeting minutes, all approved. Ron stated that Don is absent due to the Regional Planning meeting being held tonight. The meeting taking place is to work to dissolve Regional Planning. Ron then gave an overview of the recent OTA Conference. Large attendance this year and there has been a growth on township zoning discussions. Omnibus bill that was passed, goes into effect April 3. This changed the way that we issue fines. Once a letter is mailed and certified, the signature date is now 14 days before we can file with the Court of Common Pleas. This liens the property’s tax card. This also changed how we report public meetings. It is still required to be on the Township website and on the Township’s social media page. Since our Township doesn’t have a social media page. We still have to publicize in the local newspaper. There have been court cases regarding Section 519.20 of the ORC, dealing with billboards, brings to Ron’s attention that we need to likely add something to our sign section of our regulations. We soon need to have a definition of short-term rentals in good detail to cover all bases. Virtual meetings are allowed in our Township, as our ZC is not paid and not elected. Ron reiterated that we need to cut our zoning regulations to no more than 150 pages. Also, solar farms were covered. Ron informed the state is making changes to solar farm regulations. They are trying to make it so townships cannot zone solar farms. Granny cottage term needs to be gone in our regulations. The new terminology needs to be accessory dwelling unit. This was stated during conference. Patrick started the discussion of meeting dates for 2025. Dates placed on the calendar for the remainder of the year: March 4, April 8, May 6, June 10, July 1, August 12, September 2, October 14, November 10, December 2. Trustee Don Ackerman presented to the meeting following the Regional Planning meeting. He stated that the county is wanting to go from Regional Planning to a County Planner. There would be an 8-person board and a regional planner. The board would be appointed by the county. Smaller villages and townships are concerned as currently there is someone from each township and others and they feel like they would lose their voice of opinion at this change. The change would also mean more people on payroll and would cost more in the end. JANUARY - APPROVED LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP ZONING PERMITS Location Item None Next meeting set for March 4, 2025. Roxanne motioned we adjourn, Joe seconded, meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm. Respectfully, Martina Mann