Summary
April 9, 2025 regular meeting: Trustees and staff updated the commission on the county’s possible shift from the Regional Planning Commission to a county planner, the RPC director’s resignation, and a resident’s questions on fair zoning enforcement. The commission voted to ask trustees to extend the zoning permit issuance timeline from 10 to 30 days (Section 1001.3) to match inspector workload, especially for commercial projects. Parking regulations (Section 500) were discussed without action; no zoning permits were approved in March.
Full Document
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION MEETING April 9, 2025 P a g e 1 | 1 Regular Meeting called to order at 7:06 pm by Chairman Patrick Kline. Members Mark Scott, Joe Hafer, Sally Storad and Roxanne Kane present. Alternates, Robert Eddy and Nikki Moore, also present. Trustee Don Ackerman along with Ron Weekley and Martina Mann present. Melody Niblick, a resident of the township, was in attendance this evening. Roxanne motioned, Sally seconded, March 4 regular meeting minutes as amended, all approved. Don spoke about Regional Planning Commission (RPC) meeting on April 8, 2025. County wants to eliminate RPC and incorporate a County Planning Commission in its place. Rhona Hoffmeyer, RPC director, resigned at the RPC meeting. Tuscarawas County Township Association dinner will be held April 29. Ron Gauding, BZA member, will be moving out of the Township; therefore, the Township will need to find a replacement. In attendance this evening is Melody Niblick, a Township resident. She asked some good questions about zoning and about fair enforcement. Discussion took place and her questions were answered. Don also stated that he was able to attend a meeting regarding the Zoar Hotel refurbishment. The next open meeting will be held April 17, from 9a-11a at the Zoar School House. Ron stated that our zoning regulations have a 10-day time frame for zoning permits to be issued. For many reasons, including the limited hours allocated for a zoning inspector, this needs to be extended to state a 30- day time frame. There just isn’t enough time for all involved with requests, particularly commercial builds which require storm water assessments and engineering involvement. Motion was made to request the Trustees pass a resolution to amend Section 1001.3 from 10 days to 30 days was made by Mark and seconded by Sally. All approve this motion. Section 500, Parking was discussed with no action made. MARCH - APPROVED LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP ZONING PERMITS Location Item None Next meeting set for May 6, 2025. Joe motioned we adjourn, Mark seconded, meeting adjourned at 9:06 pm. Respectfully, Martina Mann