Planning provides the context for local officials to make decisions about the future of the community. Good planning is also the key to designing a set of zoning regulations which will achieve the goals of the community’s plans.

Obetz has created several plans that are used by Village officials. The two most recent plans are the Triangle Area Land Use Plan and the Southside Area Land Use Plan. Both plans contain future land use maps, goals and objectives, and recommendations for guiding growth within the Village.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission is comprised of the Mayor, a Council appointee, and five citizen members appointed by the Mayor. The citizen members are volunteers who give their time and expertise for the benefit of the Village. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets at the Government Center, 4175 Alum Creek Drive, at 6:00 P.M. on the second Wednesday of each month.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has the responsibility to review and decide upon variance requests, conditional use requests, site plans, and other matters affecting the physical development and improvement of the Village. In addition, the Planning and Zoning Commission makes recommendations to the Village Council regarding final subdivision plats, rezoning requests, or amendments to the Zoning Code. The Planning and Zoning Commission is also responsible for long range planning including comprehensive planning, land use planning, park and recreation planning, and other studies as may be required or directed by Council.

Zoning

Zoning is a tool used to regulate the use of property for the purposes of protecting public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. The zoning code is a part of the Codified Ordinances of the Village. The zoning code creates sixteen zoning classifications wtihin the Village.  These classifications are defined by the land uses and densities that are permitted within them. The zoning code also contains additional standards to regulate the other components of a development such as landscaping, signage, and parking.

The zoning map is also a critical componment of the Zoning Code.  It illustrates the present zoning classification of each parcel within the Village. 

A zoning permit, “Certificate of Zoning Compliance”, is required prior to the construction, conversion, enlargement, alteration, or reconstruction of buildings or structures including fences, sheds, detached garages, hot tubs, and swimming pools that are 24 inches or more in depth. The purpose of the permit is to ensure improvements comply with the zoning code.  If you have additional zoning questions, please contact Stacey Boumis, AICP, Community Services Director, at 614-491-1080 or sboumis@obetz.oh.us.

Links

American Planning Association (APA)
Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Ohio Planning Conference
Franklin County Auditor