Township Zoning at Risk

Brown Township residents urged to get involved now.
The Ohio Senate created a task force to examine the housing crisis in Ohio and make legislative recommendations to solve the problem. As a result, zoning rights of townships have become a target of various outside interest groups

These groups are suggesting:

  • That township zoning be eliminated in statutory townships such as Brown Township
  • That Ohio create statewide zoning and building standards
  • That the referendum procedure be eliminated in township zoning
  • That townships be required to allow high-density single and muilti-family housing
  • That townships be required to allow for re-purposing commercial buildings for housing

The current township zoning process allows time for the community to decide if its needs and visions have changed since the zoning code and comprehensive plan were last altered. A decision could be finalized in as few as 135 to 155 days or four to five months. While all decisions are not finalized quickly, the current process ensures a balanced approach to development, weighing community needs, sustainability, and economic growth.

The Importance of Township Zoning:

  • Offers protection of property values for owners
  • Recognizes that township residents deserve the same property protection as residents of municipalities
  • Zoning decisions made by townships allow for solutions tailored to the unique characteristics and demands of the community

The Brown Township Board of Trustees is considering asking residents to adopt township zoning in Brown Township if it survives this attack. The Board is considering this because, recently, there have been issues with Franklin County’s enforcement of county zoning in the Township, as well as the county Board of Commissioners, sometimes over the Township’s objections, making questionable rezoning decisions for the community.

A recent example is the zoning of a 24.1 acre tract on Davis Road from Rural to PR-6, a district that allows high densities and requires public water and sewer service (which is not available to the site). This decision resulted in the circulation of a referendum petition by township residents, which received well over the number of signatures required by law. Thus, reversing this rezoning will be on the ballot in November. Something the current proposal wouldn’t allow. 

Please support your local voice in development decisions. Contact your state senator and state representative today to express your support for township zoning and the referendum process:

Ohio Senate Ohio House
All Residents Unicorporated Incorporated
State Sen. Stephanie Kunze, Dist. 16
Senate Building
1 Capitol Square, 1st Floor, 129
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-5981
www.ohiosenate.gov/stephanie-kunze
State Rep. Brian Stewart, Dist. 12
77 South High Street
Floor 13
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-1464
www.ohiohouse.gov/brian-stewart
State Rep. Anita Somani
77 South High Street
Floor 10
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-5358
www.ohiohouse.gov/anita-somani
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