Cardington Township Zoning Resolution Update

The overall format of the document was revised to the Microsoft Word indexed format to provide for an accurate table of contents. The prior resolution index was missing Section XVI for Corner Lots and contained inconsistencies in article titles. Page numbers were formatted to automatically update with revisions. Additionally, the title and version description were added to the footer with page numbers for easy reference to the document. This document, which outlines the draft amendments discussed during the public meeting, was formatted to include the following hierarchy of regulations: (1) articles, (2) sections, (3) numbered regulations, and (4) lettered sub-regulations to ease reference within the zoning resolution.

The cover of the document was simplified to include a broader purpose from the Ohio Revised Code and a historical USGS map snapshot from 1961. The non-regulatory message regarding the operations of the Cardington Township Zoning Office was included as an informal letter within the document. This letter also addressed the draft amendments related to the zoning resolution, emphasizing that the information is administrative and subject to updates without full adoption, which will be discussed in the upcoming public meeting.

A sheet was added to track revisions to the zoning resolution, specifically to ease the finding of non-conformity or grandfathered lots, uses, or structures. This will be updated following the public meeting where the Trustees adopt draft amendments.

The zoning resolution was formalized into an official format for use in meeting minutes, ensuring it is sufficient for recording public meeting outcomes and draft amendments.

Various sections of the code regulating administrative functions were pulled to the introductory article to be addressed prior to the stipulation of the regulations. This includes: (a.) Title section was added as Section 101. (b.) Authority language was added as Section 102. (c.) Purpose was categorized under Section 103 and simplified to ORC definition to not limit specifics. (d.) Interpretation was categorized under Section 104. (e.) Separability was moved from Section XXIV to Section 105 and was updated to accommodate amendments, specifically the draft amendments related to original adoption. (f.) Added a required statement for compliance under Section 106. (g.) Provided a list of exempt uses under Section 107, incorporating prior Section X and elaboration on limited regulation of agricultural uses. (h.) Included language in Section 108 to ensure all references not specified are to be to the Zoning Resolution, clarifying that any references to state law shall be considered amended to apply to all updates. (i.) Provided verbiage to require permits and stipulate terms of approval. (j.) Zoning Fees are mentioned as an administrative act in Section 110. (k.) Enforcement was moved from Section XXIII to Section 111 and updated to accommodate fines of up to $500 per day, in conjunction with ORC updates, and discussed further in the upcoming public meeting.

Updated Article II to include reference to the Zoning Map and remove color references on the zoning map, as they are better described on the new Zoning Map. Removed administrative language better covered in Article I. Added language regarding interpretation of the map and draft amendments discussed during the public meeting related to the zoning resolution.

Article III was renamed to recognize the Agriculture District and outline specific standards for this area, reflecting the recent draft amendments discussed during the public meeting. The section was restructured to specify permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited uses, along with appropriate development standards for the district. Standards were set with a five (5) acre minimum, and setbacks were designed to provide more open space than those in the residential district. The modified acreage will be calculated as gross rather than net of road right-of-way, and height limitations were added. The suitability of various uses was considered, incorporating relevant information from prior sections: (a.) XI – Minimum Lot Area per Family (b.) XIII – Setback Lines (c.) XIV – Side Lot Clearance (d.) XV – Rear Lot Clearance (e.) XVI – Corner Lots, all in accordance with the zoning resolution.

Article IV has been restructured to outline permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited uses, along with appropriate development standards for the residential district. In response to community feedback from the recent public meeting, the draft amendments now include an allowance for three-family dwellings, height limitations, and a modification in acreage calculations to be gross rather than net of road right-of-way. Additionally, relevant information from prior sections has been incorporated, establishing a minimum lot size of two (2) acres exclusive of road right-of-way, as detailed in the zoning resolution: (a.) XI – Minimum Lot Area per Family (b.) XIII – Setback Lines (c.) XIV – Side Lot Clearance (d.) XV – Rear Lot Clearance (e.) XVI – Corner Lots.

Article V has been restructured to specifically address the Commercial District standards for permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited uses, along with the appropriate development standards for the district. In this draft amendment, height limitations have been added, and relevant information from prior sections has been incorporated, including (a) XI – Minimum Lot Area per Family, (b) XIII – Setback Lines, (c) XIV – Side Lot Clearance, (d) XV – Rear Lot Clearance, and (e) XVI – Corner Lots. This will be discussed further in the upcoming public meeting related to the zoning resolution.

Article IV has been restructured to outline permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited uses, along with appropriate development standards for the residential district. In response to community feedback from the recent public meeting, the draft amendments now include an allowance for three-family dwellings, height limitations, and a modification in acreage calculations to be gross rather than net of road right-of-way. Additionally, relevant information from prior sections has been incorporated, establishing a minimum lot size of two (2) acres exclusive of road right-of-way, as detailed in the zoning resolution: (a.) XI – Minimum Lot Area per Family (b.) XIII – Setback Lines (c.) XIV – Side Lot Clearance (d.) XV – Rear Lot Clearance (e.) XVI – Corner Lots.

Articles V and VI outlined separate Industrial District standards for permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited uses, along with appropriate development standards for the district. These standards were informed by relevant information from prior sections, including (a) XI – Minimum Lot Area per Family, (b) XIII – Setback Lines, (c) XIV – Side Lot Clearance, (d) XV – Rear Lot Clearance, and (e) XVI – Corner Lots. The upcoming public meeting will discuss the draft amendments to the zoning resolution related to these standards.

Created Article X – General Development Standards that apply to all districts to consolidate the following prior sections: (a.) VI – Prohibited Uses (b.) VII – Non-Conforming Uses (c.) XII – Minimum Dwelling Sizes. These updates are part of the draft amendments presented during the public meeting to ensure clarity in the zoning resolution.

Created Article XI – Restricted Development Standards to compile and address conditional use permit standards, add wind and solar facility regulations, expanded home occupation regulations, and consolidate the following prior sections, which are conditional uses: (a.) VIII – Outdoor Advertising (b.) X-A – Wireless Cellular Communications Facilities (c.) XVII – Quarrying, Mining, Development of Natural Resources (d.) XVIII – Sexually-Oriented Businesses.

Moved Section XX – “Zoning Inspector and Certificates” and Section XXIII – “Enforcement” to Article XII to broadly address “Zoning Inspector Procedures.”

Moved Section XXI – “Appeals and Hardships” to Article XIII to broadly address “Board of Zoning Appeals Procedures.”

Moved Section XXII – “Amendments and Supplements” to Article XIV to broadly address “Zoning Commission Procedures.”

Moved “Definitions” from Section XXVI to Article XV.

Deleted Article XXV regarding effective date, as it is prescribed by law and better referenced on the resolution form.

Included Zoning Map reference as Appendix “A.”

Modified Fee Schedule to be referenced as Appendix “B” and subject to administrative updates, as permitted by law. Removed limitation on review period.

Added Appendix “C” to include a summary of amendments.