Chapter 303 | County Zoning; Renewal; Wind and Solar Generation Restrictions

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Section 303.01 \| County rural zoning - agriculture defined. Effective: June 4, 2012 Latest Legislation: House Bill 276 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF As used in sections 303.02 to 303.25 of the Revised Code, "agriculture" includes farming; ranching; algaculture meaning the farming of algae; aquaculture; apiculture; horticulture; viticulture; animal husbandry, including, but not limited to, the care and raising of livestock, equine, and fur-bearing animals; poultry husbandry and the production of poultry and poultry products; dairy production; the production of field crops, tobacco, fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, ornamental shrubs, ornamental trees, flowers, sod, or mushrooms; timber; pasturage; any combination of the foregoing; and the processing, drying, storage, and marketing of agricultural products when those activities are conducted in conjunction with, but are secondary to, such husbandry or production.
Section 303.02 \| County commissioners may regulate building and land use in unincorporated territory. Effective: June 30, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 23 - 135th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, in the interest of the public health and safety, the board of county commissioners may regulate by resolution, in accordance with a comprehensive plan, the location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, including tents, cabins, and trailer coaches, percentages of lot areas that may be occupied, set back building lines, sizes of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, the uses of buildings and other structures, including tents, cabins, and trailer coaches, and the uses of land for trade, industry, residence, recreation, or other purposes in the unincorporated territory of the county. Except as otherwise provided in this section, in the interest of the public convenience, comfort, prosperity, or general welfare, the board, by resolution, in accordance with a comprehensive plan, may regulate the location of, set back lines for, and the uses of buildings and other structures, including tents, cabins, and trailer coaches, and the uses of land for trade, industry, residence, recreation, or other purposes in the unincorporated territory of the county, and may establish reasonable landscaping standards and architectural standards excluding exterior building materials in the unincorporated territory of the county. Except as otherwise provided in this section, in the interest of the public convenience, comfort, prosperity, or general welfare, the board may regulate by resolution, in accordance with a comprehensive plan, for nonresidential property only, the height, bulk, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, including tents, cabins, and trailer coaches, percentages of lot areas that may be occupied, sizes of yards, courts, and other open spaces, and the density of population in the unincorporated territory of the county. For all these purposes, the board may divide all or any part of the unincorporated territory of the county into districts or zones of such number, shape, and area as the board determines. All such regulations shall be uniform for each class or kind of building or other structure or use throughout any district or zone, but the regulations in one district or zone may differ from those in other districts or zones. For any activities permitted and regulated under Chapter 1513. or 1514. of the Revised Code and any related processing activities, the board of county commissioners may regulate under the authority conferred by this section only in the interest of public health or safety. A zoning resolution authorized under this section shall provide for the activities that are permitted and regulated under Chapter 1514. of the Revised Code, and any related processing activities, as either a permitted use or a conditional use through the board of zoning appeals in any district or zone when such activities are to be added to an existing permit issued under Chapter 1514. of the Revised Code. (B) A board of county commissioners that pursuant to this chapter regulates adult entertainment establishments, as defined in section 2907.39 of the Revised Code, may modify its administrative zoning procedures with regard to adult entertainment establishments as the board determines necessary to ensure that the procedures comply with all applicable constitutional requirements. Last updated April 27, 2023 at 12:40 PM
Section 303.021 \| Designating street names and assigning numbers to buildings. Effective: September 29, 1955 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 277 - 101st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The board of county commissioners may designate street names and assign numbers to buildings along streets in unincorporated areas. The owners of such buildings shall number or renumber such buildings in accordance with the numbers assigned by the county commissioners.
Section 303.022 \| Establishing or modifying planned-unit developments. Effective: October 21, 1997 Latest Legislation: House Bill 280 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A county zoning resolution or amendment adopted in accordance with this chapter may establish or modify planned-unit developments. Planned-unit development regulations shall apply to property only at the election of the property owner and shall include standards to be used by the board of county commissioners or, if the board so chooses, by the county zoning commission, in determining whether to approve or disapprove any proposed development within a planned-unit development. The planned-unit development shall further the purpose of promoting the general public welfare, encouraging the efficient use of land and resources, promoting greater efficiency in providing public and utility services, and encouraging innovation in the planning and building of all types of development. Within a planned-unit development, the county zoning regulations, where applicable, subdivision regulations, and platting regulations need not be uniform, but may vary in order to accommodate unified development and to promote the public health, safety, and morals, and the other purposes of this section. Planned-unit developments may be included in the county zoning resolution under one of the following procedures: (A) The board of county commissioners may adopt planned-unit development regulations that do not automatically apply to any property in the county, but establish standards that will apply to property that becomes part of a planned-unit development as provided in this division. Property owners who wish to have planned-unit development regulations apply to their property may apply to have the zoning map amended pursuant to section 303.12 of the Revised Code to rezone their property as a planned-unit development and no longer subject to any previously applicable zoning regulations. Once property has been rezoned as a planned-unit development, subsequent development on that property shall comply with the planned-unit development regulations as determined by the board of county commissioners or county zoning commission, as applicable. After the designation of the property as a planned-unit development on the zoning map, any approval or disapproval of subsequent use or development of property in a planned-unit development as being in compliance with regulations established as authorized by this division shall not be considered to be an amendment or supplement to a county zoning resolution for the purpose of section 303.12 of the Revised Code, but may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 2506. of the Revised Code. (B) Upon the application of property owners, the board of county commissioners may establish a planned-unit development for their property, designating the property as a planned-unit development on the zoning map in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 303.12 of the Revised Code, and simultaneously adopting regulations as part of that same procedure that will apply only to that planned-unit development. Within that development, property is subject to the planned-unit development regulations and not to any other zoning regulations. Compliance with the planned-unit development regulations shall be determined by the board of county commissioners or county zoning commission, as applicable. After the designation of the property as a planned-unit development on the zoning map and the simultaneous adoption of regulations that will apply only to that planned-unit development, any approval or disapproval of subsequent use or development of property in a planned-unit development as being in compliance with regulations established as authorized by this division shall not be considered to be an amendment or supplement to a county zoning resolution for the purpose of section 303.12 of the Revised Code, but may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 2506. of the Revised Code. (C) Pursuant to section 303.12 of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners may adopt planned-unit development regulations and amend the zoning map to rezone property as planned-unit developments. Any other zoning regulations and zoning district that exist at the time a planned-unit development district is established under this division continue to apply within the planned-unit development district unless the board or the county zoning commission approves an application of an owner of property within the district to subject the owner's property to planned-unit development regulations under this division. Such an application shall be made in accordance with the planned-unit development regulations and shall include a development plan that complies with the planned-unit development regulations. Upon receiving such an application, the board of county commissioners or county zoning commission, as applicable, shall determine whether the application and plan comply with the planned-unit development regulations. The board's or commission's determination shall not be considered to be an amendment to a county zoning resolution for purposes of section 303.12 of the Revised Code, but may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 2506. of the Revised Code. If the board or commission makes a final determination that the plan included in the application complies with the planned-unit development regulations or, if the board's or commission's final determination is one of noncompliance then if a court of competent jurisdiction issues a final nonappealable order finding compliance, the board or commission, as applicable, shall approve the application and upon approval shall cause the zoning map to be changed so that any other zoning district that applied to the property that is the subject of the owner's application no longer applies to that property. The removal of the prior zoning district from the zoning map is a ministerial act and shall not be considered to be an amendment or supplement to a county zoning resolution for the purposes of section 303.12 of the Revised Code and may not be appealed pursuant to Chapter 2506. of the Revised Code. County regulations adopted pursuant to this section may require developers to obtain conditional or final certification of compliance with county subdivision or platting regulations at specified stages of development. Nothing in this section prevents a board of county commissioners from authorizing a planned-unit development as a conditional use in the zoning resolution pursuant to section 303.14 of the Revised Code. As used in this section, "planned-unit development" means a development which is planned to integrate residential, commercial, industrial, or any other use.
Section 303.023 \| Prior planned-unit developments continue to be governed by regulations in effect at time of approval or modification. Effective: July 26, 1989 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 164 - 118th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Any planned-unit development regulations adopted in accordance with section 303.12 of the Revised Code, or any planned-unit developments constructed or approved in a preliminary or final form, under the provisions of a zoning resolution adopted prior to the effective date of this section, if otherwise lawful had they originated on that date, shall be deemed to have been lawful from their origin and the developments shall continue to be governed by regulations in effect at the time of approval, or as modified.
Section 303.03 \| Adoption of resolution of intention to proceed with county rural zoning. Effective: August 22, 1995 Latest Legislation: House Bill 99 - 121st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Before availing itself of the powers conferred in section 303.02 of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners shall pass a resolution declaring its intention to proceed under sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code. The board may act in the following manner: (A) It may adopt such a resolution upon its own initiative. (B) It shall adopt such a resolution if there is presented to it a petition, signed by a number of qualified voters residing in the unincorporated area of each township or part of that unincorporated area to be included in the zoning plan equal to not less than eight per cent of the total vote cast for all candidates for governor in such area at the most recent general election at which a governor was elected, requesting the board to proceed with county rural zoning under such sections.
Section 303.04 \| County rural zoning commission. Effective: July 22, 1998 Latest Legislation: House Bill 388 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The board of county commissioners of any county proceeding under sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code, shall create and establish a county rural zoning commission. The commission shall be composed of five members who reside in the unincorporated area of the county to be zoned, to be appointed by the board. The board of county commissioners may appoint two alternate members to the county rural zoning commission, for terms to be determined by the board of county commissioners. An alternate member shall take the place of an absent regular member at any meeting of the county rural zoning commission, according to procedures prescribed by resolution by the board of county commissioners. An alternate member shall meet the same appointment criteria as a regular member. When attending a meeting on behalf of an absent member, the alternate member may vote on any matter on which the absent member is authorized to vote. The terms of the regular members shall be of such length and so arranged that the term of one member will expire each year. Where there is a county or regional planning commission the board of county commissioners may appoint qualified members of such commission who reside in the unincorporated area of the county to serve on the county rural zoning commission. Each regular or alternate member shall serve until the member's successor is appointed and qualified. Members of the zoning commission shall be removable for nonperformance of duty, misconduct in office, or other cause by the board, upon written charges being filed with the board, after a public hearing has been held regarding such charges, and after a copy of the charges has been served upon the member so charged at least ten days prior to the hearing, either personally, by registered mail, or by leaving such copy at the member's usual place of residence. The member shall be given an opportunity to be heard and answer such charges. Vacancies shall be filled by the board and shall be for the unexpired term.
Section 303.05 \| Recommendations of county rural zoning commission - powers and duties of commission. Effective: September 17, 1957 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 403 - 102nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The county rural zoning commission shall submit a plan, including both text and maps, representing the recommendations of the zoning commission for the carrying out by the board of county commissioners of the powers, purposes, and provisions set forth in sections 303.01 to 303.99, inclusive, of the Revised Code, including additions to territory in which a county zoning plan is in effect. The zoning commission may, within the limits of the moneys appropriated by the board for the purpose, employ or contract with such planning consultants and executive and other assistants as it deems necessary except that where a county or regional planning commission is established, the zoning commission shall use the same planning consultants and executive and other assistants as provided for such county or regional planning commission if so ordered by the board. The zoning commission shall organize, adopt rules for the transaction of its business, and keep a record of its actions and determinations. Members of the zoning commission may be allowed their expenses, or such compensation, or both, as the board may approve and provide. No county commissioner shall be employed by the zoning commission of his county. The zoning commission shall make use of such information and counsel as is available from appropriate public officials, departments, and agencies and such officials, departments, and agencies having information, maps, and data pertinent to county rural zoning shall make them available for the use of the zoning commission. In any county where there is a county or regional planning commission, the zoning commission shall request such planning commission to prepare or make available to the zoning commission a zoning plan, including text and maps, for the unincorporated area of the county or any portion of the same.
Section 303.06 \| Public hearing on recommendations - notice. Effective: September 17, 1957 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 403 - 102nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Before certifying its recommendations of a zoning plan to the board of county commissioners, the county rural zoning commission shall hold at least one public hearing in each township affected by the proposed zoning plan, notice of which shall be given by one publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the township at least thirty days before the date of such hearing. The notice shall state the place and time at which the text and maps of the proposed zoning resolution may be examined.
Section 303.07 \| Submission of proposed zoning resolution to county or regional planning commission. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Following the hearing provided for in section 303.06 of the Revised Code, the county rural zoning commission shall submit the proposed zoning resolution, including text and maps, to the county or regional planning commission of the county or district in which the county is located, if there is such a commission, for approval, disapproval, or suggestions. The approval of the planning commission shall be conclusively presumed unless, within twenty days after receiving the proposed zoning resolution, it notifies the zoning commission to the contrary. In the event the planning commission disapproves of the proposed zoning resolution or suggests any material change, the zoning commission shall hold a public hearing on the resolution in each township affected by the proposed changes, due notice of which shall be given as provided in section 303.06 of the Revised Code. When the zoning commission has completed its recommendations for a zoning plan it shall certify the plan to the board of county commissioners.
Section 303.08 \| Public hearing on zoning plan. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF After receiving the certification of a zoning plan from the county rural zoning commission, and before adoption of any such zoning resolution, the board of county commissioners shall hold a public hearing on the resolution, at least thirty days' notice of the time and place of which shall be given by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
Section 303.09 \| Changes in text or maps - second public hearing. Effective: September 17, 1957 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 403 - 102nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No change in or departure from the text or maps as certified by the county rural zoning commission, shall be made by the board of county commissioners unless it is first resubmitted to the county rural zoning commission for approval, disapproval, or suggestions. Upon receipt of the recommendations of the county rural zoning commission regarding the proposed changes, the board of county commissioners shall hold a second public hearing, at least ten days notice of the time and place of which shall be given by one publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the townships affected. If such changes are disapproved by the zoning commission, the provision so disapproved must receive the favorable vote of the entire membership of the board of county commissioners in order to be adopted.
Section 303.10 \| County commissioners to vote upon adoption of resolution. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF After receiving the recommended zoning plan from the county rural zoning commission and holding the public hearing provided for by section 303.08 of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners shall consider such recommendations and vote upon the adoption of the zoning resolution.
Section 303.11 \| Zoning plan to be submitted to electors. Effective: July 2, 2010 Latest Legislation: House Bill 48 - 128th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF If the zoning resolution is adopted by the board of county commissioners, such board shall cause the question of whether or not the proposed plan of zoning shall be put into effect to be submitted to the electors residing in the unincorporated area of the county included in the proposed plan of zoning for their approval or rejection at the next primary or general election, or a special election may be called for this purpose. Such resolution shall be filed with the board of elections not later than four p.m. on the ninetieth day before the day of the election. No zoning regulations shall be put into effect in any township, unless a majority of the vote cast on the issue in that township is in favor of the proposed plan of zoning. Upon certification by the board of elections the resolution shall take immediate effect in all townships which voted approval, eliminating from the plan any township which did not vote approval. Within five working days after the resolution's effective date, the board of county commissioners shall file it, including text and maps, in the office of the county recorder. The board shall also file duplicates of the same documents with the regional or county planning commission, if one exists, within the same period. The board shall file all resolutions, including text and maps, that are in effect on January 1, 1992, in the office of the county recorder within thirty working days after that date. The board shall also file duplicates of the same documents with the regional or county planning commission, if one exists, within the same period. The failure to file a resolution, or any text and maps, or duplicates of any of these documents, with the office of the county recorder or the county or regional planning commission as required by this section does not invalidate the resolution and is not grounds for an appeal of any decision of the board of zoning appeals.
Section 303.12 \| Amendments to zoning resolution. Effective: July 2, 2010 Latest Legislation: House Bill 48 - 128th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A)(1) Amendments to the zoning resolution may be initiated by motion of the county rural zoning commission, by the passage of a resolution by the board of county commissioners, or by the filing of an application by one or more of the owners or lessees of property within the area proposed to be changed or affected by the proposed amendment with the county rural zoning commission. The board of county commissioners may require that the owner or lessee of property filing an application to amend the zoning resolution pay a fee to defray the cost of advertising, mailing, filing with the county recorder, and other expenses. If the board of county commissioners requires such a fee, it shall be required generally, for each application. The board of county commissioners, upon the passage of such a resolution, shall certify it to the county rural zoning commission. (2) Upon the adoption of a motion by the county rural zoning commission, the certification of a resolution by the board of county commissioners to the commission, or the filing of an application by property owners or lessees as described in division (A)(1) of this section with the commission, the commission shall set a date for a public hearing, which date shall not be less than twenty nor more than forty days from the date of adoption of such a motion, the date of the certification of such a resolution, or the date of the filing of such an application. Notice of the hearing shall be given by the commission by one publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in each township affected by the proposed amendment at least ten days before the date of the hearing. (B) If the proposed amendment intends to rezone or redistrict ten or fewer parcels of land, as listed on the county auditor's current tax list, written notice of the hearing shall be mailed by the county rural zoning commission, by first class mail, at least ten days before the date of the public hearing to all owners of property within and contiguous to and directly across the street from the area proposed to be rezoned or redistricted to the addresses of those owners appearing on the county auditor's current tax list. The failure of delivery of that notice shall not invalidate any such amendment. (C) If the proposed amendment intends to rezone or redistrict ten or fewer parcels of land as listed on the county auditor's current tax list, the published and mailed notices shall set forth the time, date, and place of the public hearing and include all of the following: (1) The name of the county rural zoning commission that will be conducting the hearing; (2) A statement indicating that the motion, resolution, or application is an amendment to the zoning resolution; (3) A list of the addresses of all properties to be rezoned or redistricted by the proposed amendment and of the names of owners of these properties, as they appear on the county auditor's current tax list; (4) The present zoning classification of property named in the proposed amendment and the proposed zoning classification of that property; (5) The time and place where the motion, resolution, or application proposing to amend the zoning resolution will be available for examination for a period of at least ten days prior to the hearing; (6) The name of the person responsible for giving notice of the public hearing by publication, by mail, or by both publication and mail; (7) A statement that, after the conclusion of the hearing, the matter will be submitted to the board of county commissioners for its action; (8) Any other information requested by the commission. (D) If the proposed amendment alters the text of the zoning resolution, or rezones or redistricts more than ten parcels of land as listed on the county auditor's current tax list, the published notice shall set forth the time, date, and place of the public hearing and include all of the following: (1) The name of the county rural zoning commission that will be conducting the hearing on the proposed amendment; (2) A statement indicating that the motion, application, or resolution is an amendment to the zoning resolution; (3) The time and place where the text and maps of the proposed amendment will be available for examination for a period of at least ten days prior to the hearing; (4) The name of the person responsible for giving notice of the hearing by publication; (5) A statement that, after the conclusion of the hearing, the matter will be submitted to the board of county commissioners for its action; (6) Any other information requested by the commission. Hearings shall be held in the county court house or in a public place designated by the commission. (E) Within five days after the adoption of the motion described in division (A) of this section, the certification of the resolution described in division (A) of this section, or the filing of the application described in division (A) of this section, the county rural zoning commission shall transmit a copy of it together with text and map pertaining to it to the county or regional planning commission, if there is such a commission. The county or regional planning commission shall recommend the approval or denial of the proposed amendment or the approval of some modification of it and shall submit its recommendation to the county rural zoning commission. The recommendation shall be considered at the public hearing held by the county rural zoning commission on the proposed amendment. The county rural zoning commission, within thirty days after the hearing, shall recommend the approval or denial of the proposed amendment, or the approval of some modification of it, and shall submit that recommendation together with the motion, application, or resolution involved, the text and map pertaining to the proposed amendment, and the recommendation of the county or regional planning commission on it to the board of county commissioners. The board of county commissioners, upon receipt of that recommendation, shall set a time for a public hearing on the proposed amendment, which date shall be not more than thirty days from the date of the receipt of that recommendation. Notice of the hearing shall be given by the board by one publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county, at least ten days before the date of the hearing. (F) If the proposed amendment intends to rezone or redistrict ten or fewer parcels of land as listed on the county auditor's current tax list, the published notice shall set forth the time, date, and place of the public hearing and include all of the following: (1) The name of the board of county commissioners that will be conducting the hearing; (2) A statement indicating that the motion, application, or resolution is an amendment to the zoning resolution; (3) A list of the addresses of all properties to be rezoned or redistricted by the proposed amendment and of the names of owners of those properties, as they appear on the county auditor's current tax list; (4) The present zoning classification of property named in the proposed amendment and the proposed zoning classification of that property; (5) The time and place where the motion, application, or resolution proposing to amend the zoning resolution will be available for examination for a period of at least ten days prior to the hearing; (6) The name of the person responsible for giving notice of the hearing by publication, by mail, or by both publication and mail; (7) Any other information requested by the board. (G) If the proposed amendment alters the text of the zoning resolution, or rezones or redistricts more than ten parcels of land as listed on the county auditor's current tax list, the published notice shall set forth the time, date, and place of the public hearing and include all of the following: (1) The name of the board of county commissioners that will be conducting the hearing on the proposed amendment; (2) A statement indicating that the motion, application, or resolution is an amendment to the zoning resolution; (3) The time and place where the text and maps of the proposed amendment will be available for examination for a period of at least ten days prior to the hearing; (4) The name of the person responsible for giving notice of the hearing by publication; (5) Any other information requested by the board. (H) Within twenty days after its public hearing, the board of county commissioners shall either adopt or deny the recommendation of the county rural zoning commission or adopt some modification of it. If the board denies or modifies the commission's recommendation, a majority vote of the board shall be required. The proposed amendment, if adopted by the board, shall become effective in thirty days after the date of its adoption, unless, within thirty days after the adoption, there is presented to the board of county commissioners a petition, signed by a number of qualified voters residing in the unincorporated area of the township or part of that unincorporated area included in the zoning plan equal to not less than eight per cent of the total vote cast for all candidates for governor in that area at the most recent general election at which a governor was elected, requesting the board to submit the amendment to the electors of that area for approval or rejection at a special election to be held on the day of the next primary or general election occurring at least ninety days after the petition is submitted. Each part of this petition shall contain the number and the full and correct title, if any, of the zoning amendment resolution, motion, or application, furnishing the name by which the amendment is known and a brief summary of its contents. In addition to meeting the requirements of this section, each petition shall be governed by the rules specified in section 3501.38 of the Revised Code. The form of a petition calling for a zoning referendum and the statement of the circulator shall be substantially as follows: "PETITION FOR ZONING REFERENDUM (if the proposal is identified by a particular name or number, or both, these should be inserted here) ________________________ A proposal to amend the zoning map of the unincorporated area of ______________ Township, ___________________ County, Ohio, adopted _______ (date) __________ (followed by brief summary of the proposal). To the Board of County Commissioners of __________________ County, Ohio: We, the undersigned, being electors residing in the unincorporated area of _______________ Township, included within the _________________ County Zoning Plan, equal to not less than eight per cent of the total vote cast for all candidates for governor in the area at the preceding general election at which a governor was elected, request the Board of County Commissioners to submit this amendment of the zoning resolution to the electors of _____________ Township residing within the unincorporated area of the township included in the _______________ County Zoning Resolution, for approval or rejection at a special election to be held on the day of the next primary or general election to be held on ________(date)_______, pursuant to section 303.12 of the Revised Code. Street Address Date of Signature or R.F.D. Township Precinct County Signing _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF CIRCULATOR I, _____________________(name of circulator)___________________, declare under penalty of election falsification that I am an elector of the state of Ohio and reside at the address appearing below my signature; that I am the circulator of the foregoing part petition containing _____(number)_______ signatures; that I have witnessed the affixing of every signature; that all signers were to the best of my knowledge and belief qualified to sign; and that every signature is to the best of my knowledge and belief the signature of the person whose signature it purports to be or of an attorney in fact acting pursuant to section 3501.382 of the Revised Code. _____________________________ (Signature of circulator) _____________________________ - (Address of circulator's - permanent residence in this - state) _____________________________ (City, village, or township, - and zip code) WHOEVER COMMITS ELECTION FALSIFICATION IS GUILTY OF A FELONY OF THE FIFTH DEGREE." No amendment for which such a referendum vote has been requested shall be put into effect unless a majority of the vote cast on the issue is in favor of the amendment. Upon certification by the board of elections that the amendment has been approved by the voters, it shall take immediate effect. Within five working days after an amendment's effective date, the board of county commissioners shall file the text and maps of the amendment in the office of the county recorder and with the regional or county planning commission, if one exists. The failure to file any amendment, or any text and maps, or duplicates of any of these documents, with the office of the county recorder or the county or regional planning commission as required by this section does not invalidate the amendment and is not grounds for an appeal of any decision of the board of zoning appeals.
Section 303.121 \| Ratifying amendments to zoning resolution. Effective: July 6, 1956 Latest Legislation: House Bill 948 - 101st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF All amendments or supplements to a county rural zoning plan adopted by a board of county commissioners prior to the effective date of this act, except those amendments or supplements which a court of competent jurisdiction has declared unlawful or unreasonable or which are the subject of an action now pending in such a court, are hereby ratified and shall be valid amendments or supplements to such rural zoning plan regardless of the procedure followed with respect to such amendments or supplements prior to their adoption by a board of county commissioners, except that no right of appeal on the issue of the unlawful or unreasonable character of an amendment or supplement shall be lost by the provisions of this section.
Section 303.122 \| Limitations on procedural challenges. Effective: October 25, 1995 Latest Legislation: House Bill 50 - 121st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No action challenging the validity of a zoning resolution or of any amendment to such a resolution because of a procedural error in the adoption of the resolution or amendment shall be brought more than two years after the adoption of the resolution or amendment. No action alleging procedural error in the actions of a county board of zoning appeals in the granting of a zoning variance or conditional use certificate as provided for in sections 303.14 and 303.15 of the Revised Code shall be brought more than two years after the variance or certificate was granted.
Section 303.13 \| County board of zoning appeals - term - compensation. Effective: July 22, 1998 Latest Legislation: House Bill 388 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In any county which adopts zoning regulations the board of county commissioners shall appoint a county board of zoning appeals composed of five members who shall be residents of the unincorporated territory in the county included in the area zoned, not more than two of whom shall be from any one township if the area zoned includes three or more townships. The board of county commissioners may appoint two alternate members to the county board of zoning appeals, for terms to be determined by the board of county commissioners. An alternate member shall take the place of an absent regular member at any meeting of the board of zoning appeals, according to procedures prescribed by resolution by the board of county commissioners. An alternate member shall meet the same appointment criteria as a regular member. When attending a meeting on behalf of an absent member, the alternate member may vote on any matter on which the absent member is authorized to vote. The terms of all regular members shall be of such length and so arranged that the term of one member will expire each year. Each regular or alternate member shall serve until the member's successor is appointed and qualified. Members may be removed for the same causes and in the same manner as provided by section 303.04 of the Revised Code. Vacancies shall be filled by the board of county commissioners and shall be for the unexpired term. The members may be allowed their expenses, or such compensation, or both, as the board of county commissioners may approve and provide. The board of zoning appeals may, within the limits of the moneys appropriated by the board of county commissioners for the purpose, employ such executive, professional, technical, and other assistants as it considers necessary.
Section 303.14 \| County board of zoning appeals - powers and duties. Effective: November 2, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 34 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The county board of zoning appeals may: (A) Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code, or of any resolution adopted pursuant thereto; (B) Authorize upon appeal, in specific cases, such variance from the terms of the zoning resolution as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the resolution will result in unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of the resolution shall be observed and substantial justice done; (C) Grant conditional zoning certificates for the use of land, buildings, or other structures if such certificates for specific uses are provided for in the zoning resolution. If the board considers conditional zoning certificates for activities that are permitted and regulated under Chapter 1514. of the Revised Code or activities that are related to making finished aggregate products, the board shall proceed in accordance with section 303.141. of the Revised Code. (D) Revoke an authorized variance or conditional zoning certificate granted for the extraction of minerals, if any condition of the variance or certificate is violated. The board shall notify the holder of the variance or certificate e ither by certified mail o r, if the board has record of an internet identifier of record associated with the holder, by ordinary mail and by that internet identifier of record of its intent to revoke the variance or certificate under division (D) of this section and of the holder's right to a hearing before the board within thirty days of the mailing of the notice if the holder so requests. If the holder requests a hearing, the board shall set a time and place for the hearing and notify the holder. At the hearing, the holder may appear in person, by attorney, or by other representative, or the holder may present the holder's position in writing. The holder may present evidence and examine witnesses appearing for or against the holder. If no hearing is requested, the board may revoke the variance or certificate without a hearing. The authority to revoke a variance or certificate is in addition to any other means of zoning enforcement provided by law. In exercising the above-mentioned powers, the board may, in conformity with such sections, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and may make such order, requirement, decision, or determination as ought to be made, and to that end has all powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken. As used in this section, "internet identifier of record" has the same meaning as in section 9.312 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.141 \| Conditional zoning certificates for surface mining activities. Effective: April 6, 2007 Latest Legislation: House Bill 443 - 126th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) If a county board of zoning appeals considers conditional zoning certificates for activities that are permitted and regulated under Chapter 1514. of the Revised Code or activities that are related to making finished aggregate products, the board shall not consider or base its determination on matters that are regulated by any federal, state, or local agency. However, the board may require as a condition of the approval of a conditional zoning certificate for such an activity compliance with any general standards contained in the zoning resolution that apply to all conditional uses that are provided for in the zoning resolution and, except as provided in division (C) of this section, may require any specified measure, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: (1) Inspections of nearby structures and water wells to determine structural integrity and water levels; (2) Compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; (3) Identification of specific roads in accordance with division (B) of this section to be used as the primary means of ingress to and egress from the proposed activity; (4) Compliance with reasonable noise abatement measures; (5) Compliance with reasonable dust abatement measures; (6) Establishment of setbacks, berms, and buffers for the proposed activity; (7) Establishment of a complaint procedure; (8) Any other measure reasonably related to public health and safety. (B)(1) For purposes of this section and section 519.141 of the Revised Code, and prior to the submission of an application for a conditional zoning certificate, an applicant shall send written notice to the county engineer of the applicant's intent to apply for a conditional zoning certificate. Not later than fourteen days after receipt of the written notice, the county engineer shall establish the time, date, and location of a meeting with the applicant and send written notice of the time, date, and location of the meeting to the applicant and to the fiscal officer of each township in which the proposed activity is to be located or expanded. At the meeting, the applicant shall explain the proposed location of the activity or expansion of an existing activity, the anticipated amount of aggregate material to be shipped by truck from the activity, and the anticipated primary market areas for the finished aggregate products leaving the activity. Not later than thirty days after the meeting with the applicant, the county engineer shall submit a written recommendation of specific roads to be used as the primary means of ingress to and egress from the proposed activity to the board of county commissioners. In making the recommendation, the county engineer shall consider all of the following: (a) The ability of each road to handle the anticipated recurring loads resulting from trucks entering and leaving the proposed activity; (b) The present condition of each road; (c) The amount of residential development that exists along each road; (d) The most direct route from the proposed activity to a state highway unless another route is more capable of accommodating the anticipated recurring loads and will result in fewer conflicts with existing residential development. (2) At the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board of county commissioners after receipt of a written recommendation under division (B)(1) of this section, the board shall adopt the recommendation or adopt the recommendation with modifications. If the board adopts the recommendation with modifications, the board shall base the modifications only on the criteria established in divisions (B)(1)(a) to (d) of this section. The board may adopt the recommendation with modifications only by a unanimous vote. The board shall send written notice of the adoption of the recommendation or the recommendation with modifications to the county board of zoning appeals. (3) For purposes of this section and section 519.141 of the Revised Code, a decision of a board of county commissioners under division (B)(2) of this section is final ten days after the board adopts the recommendation or the recommendation with modifications unless the applicant or an affected board of township trustees submits written notice of appeal within ten days after the board's action. If the board of county commissioners receives a timely written notice of appeal, the board shall conduct an appeal hearing concerning its decision not later than fourteen days after receipt of the notice. If the board of county commissioners receives more than one timely written notice of appeal, the board may conduct one appeal hearing concerning all of the notices of appeal. For purposes of an appeal hearing that is held under this division, the applicant or a board of township trustees that submitted written notice of appeal may present testimony for the board of county commissioners to consider concerning its decision under division (B)(2) of this section. At the hearing, the applicant or the board of township trustees may be represented by an attorney. A witness at the hearing shall testify under oath or affirmation, which any member of the board of county commissioners may administer. A witness at the hearing shall be subject to cross-examination. Not later than fourteen days after the hearing, the board of county commissioners shall affirm its decision under division (B)(2) of this section or, based on the testimony at the hearing, modify its decision. The board shall send written notice of its decision to the applicant, any board of township trustees that submitted written notice of appeal, and the county board of zoning appeals. A decision of a board of county commissioners under this division is final unless vacated or modified upon judicial review. (4) An applicant or a board of township trustees that submitted written notice of appeal under division (B)(3) of this section may appeal a decision of a board of county commissioners under that division to the court of common pleas of the county in which the activity is proposed to be located or expanded pursuant to section 2506.01 of the Revised Code. (C) When granting a conditional zoning certificate, a county board of zoning appeals shall not require the identification of specific roads, as otherwise authorized in division (A)(3) of this section, and the identification of specific roads in accordance with division (B) of this section shall not apply, for any of the following: (1) The transfer of unfinished aggregate material between facilities that are under the control of the same owner or operator; (2) The loading or unloading of finished aggregate product within a ten-mile radius of a surface mining operation; (3) The expansion of an existing surface mining operation when the specific road that is used as the primary means of ingress to and egress from the operation will be the same road that is used for that purpose after the expansion of the facility. (D) The identification of specific roads in accordance with division (B) of this section to be used as the primary means of ingress to and egress from a proposed activity becomes effective only upon the granting of a conditional zoning certificate. (E) As used in this section, "surface mining operation" has the same meaning as in section 1514.01 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.15 \| Organization and rules of county board of zoning appeals. Effective: July 22, 1998 Latest Legislation: House Bill 388 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The county board of zoning appeals shall organize and adopt rules in accordance with the zoning resolution. Meetings of the board of zoning appeals shall be held at the call of the chairperson, and at such other times as the board determines. The chairperson, or in the chairperson's absence the acting chairperson, may administer oaths, and the board of zoning appeals may compel the attendance of witnesses. All meetings of the board of zoning appeals shall be open to the public. The board of zoning appeals shall keep minutes of its proceedings showing the vote of each regular or alternate member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in the office of the board of county commissioners and be a public record. Appeals to the board of zoning appeals may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer of the county affected by any decision of the administrative officer. Such appeal shall be taken within twenty days after the decision by filing, with the officer from whom the appeal is taken and with the board of zoning appeals, a notice of appeal specifying the grounds. The officer from whom the appeal is taken shall transmit to the board of zoning appeals all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. The board of zoning appeals shall fix a reasonable time for the public hearing of the appeal, give at least ten days' notice in writing to the parties in interest, give notice of such public hearing by one publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county at least ten days before the date of such hearing, and decide the appeal within a reasonable time after it is submitted. Upon the hearing, any person may appear in person or by attorney.
Section 303.16 \| Enforcement of zoning regulations - county zoning inspector. Effective: September 19, 1985 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 94 - 116th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF For the purpose of enforcing the zoning regulations, the board of county commissioners may provide for a system of zoning certificates, and for this purpose may establish and fill the position of county zoning inspector, together with such assistants as the board considers necessary, fix the compensation for such positions, and make disbursements for them. In any county in which a county building inspector has been appointed in accordance with section 307.38 of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners may designate such official to serve, in addition, as the county zoning inspector for the purposes of sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.161 \| Architectural review board authorized - standards and procedures. Effective: May 27, 2005 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 18 - 125th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The board of county commissioners may create an architectural review board to enforce compliance with any zoning standards it may adopt pertaining to landscaping or architectural elements. The board of county commissioners shall adopt the standards and procedures for the architectural review board to use in reviewing zoning permit applications for compliance with those landscaping or architectural standards. If the board of county commissioners does not create an architectural review board, it may delegate this enforcement authority to the zoning inspector or the zoning commission. An architectural review board shall consist of no more than five residents of the county. At least one member shall be a licensed architect or engineer. Last updated April 12, 2021 at 2:34 PM
Section 303.17 \| Zoning certificate required. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No person shall locate, erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally alter any building or structure within the territory included in a zoning resolution without obtaining a zoning certificate, if required under section 303.16 of the Revised Code, and no such zoning certificate shall be issued unless the plans for the proposed building or structure fully comply with the zoning regulations then in effect.
Section 303.18 \| County regulations not applicable within municipal corporations except after incorporation or annexation. Effective: September 17, 1957 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 403 - 102nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Regulations enacted by a board of county commissioners under sections 303.01 to 303.25, inclusive, of the Revised Code, shall not apply within municipal corporations, except that where county territory, subject to such regulations, is incorporated, such regulations shall apply therein and be enforced by the county officials until the election and qualification of the officers for the newly incorporated territory, and for not to exceed ninety days thereafter, to enable the officers of the newly incorporated territory to adopt zoning regulations. Upon annexation of county territory to an existing municipal corporation, the zoning regulations then in effect shall remain in full force and shall be enforced by county officials until the legislative authority of said municipal corporation shall either officially adopt the existing zoning regulations or new regulations for such territory.
Section 303.19 \| Nonconforming use of buildings and land not affected by zoning. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The lawful use of any dwelling, building, or structure and of any land or premises, as existing and lawful at the time of enactment of a zoning resolution or amendment thereto, may be continued, although such use does not conform with the provisions of such resolution or amendment, but if any such nonconforming use is voluntarily discontinued for two years or more, any future use of such land shall be in conformity with sections 303.01 to 303.25, inclusive, of the Revised Code. The board of county commissioners shall provide in any zoning resolution for the completion, restoration, reconstruction, extension, or substitution of nonconforming uses upon such reasonable terms as are set forth in the zoning resolution.
Section 303.20 \| Outdoor advertising classified as business use. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF For the purposes of sections 303.01 to 303.25, inclusive, of the Revised Code, outdoor advertising shall be classified as a business use and be permitted in all districts zoned for industry, business, trade, or lands used for agricultural purposes.
Section 303.21 \| Limitations on powers - agricultural purposes. Effective: August 16, 2016 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 75 - 131st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Except as otherwise provided in division (B) of this section, sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code do not confer any power on any county rural zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals to prohibit the use of any land for agricultural purposes or the construction or use of buildings or structures incident to the use for agricultural purposes of the land on which such buildings or structures are located, including buildings or structures that are used primarily for vinting and selling wine and that are located on land any part of which is used for viticulture, and no zoning certificate shall be required for any such building or structure. (B) A county zoning resolution, or an amendment to such resolution, may in any platted subdivision approved under section 711.05, 711.09, or 711.10 of the Revised Code, or in any area consisting of fifteen or more lots approved under section 711.131 of the Revised Code that are contiguous to one another, or some of which are contiguous to one another and adjacent to one side of a dedicated public road, and the balance of which are contiguous to one another and adjacent to the opposite side of the same dedicated public road regulate: (1) Agriculture on lots of one acre or less; (2) Buildings or structures incident to the use of land for agricultural purposes on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres by: set back building lines; height; and size; (3) Dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres when at least thirty-five per cent of the lots in the subdivision are developed with at least one building, structure, or improvement that is subject to real property taxation or that is subject to the tax on manufactured and mobile homes under section 4503.06 of the Revised Code. After thirty-five per cent of the lots are so developed, dairying and animal and poultry husbandry shall be considered nonconforming use of land and buildings or structures pursuant to section 303.19 of the Revised Code. Division (B) of this section confers no power on any county rural zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals to regulate agriculture, buildings or structures, and dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres. (C) Such sections confer no power on any board of county commissioners, county rural zoning commission, or board of zoning appeals to prohibit in a district zoned for agricultural, industrial, residential, or commercial uses, the use of any land for: (1) A farm market where fifty per cent or more of the gross income received from the market is derived from produce raised on farms owned or operated by the market operator in a normal crop year. However, a board of county commissioners, as provided in section 303.02 of the Revised Code, may regulate such factors pertaining to farm markets as size of the structure, size of parking areas that may be required, set back building lines, and egress or ingress, where such regulation is necessary to protect the public health and safety. (2) Biodiesel production, biomass energy production, or electric or heat energy production if the land on which the production facility is located qualifies as land devoted exclusively to agricultural use under sections 5713.30 to 5713.37 of the Revised Code for real property tax purposes. As used in division (C)(2) of this section, "biodiesel," "biomass energy," and "electric or heat energy" have the same meanings as in section 5713.30 of the Revised Code. (3) Biologically derived methane gas production if the land on which the production facility is located qualifies as land devoted exclusively to agricultural use under sections 5713.30 to 5713.37 of the Revised Code for real property tax purposes and if the facility that produces the biologically derived methane gas does not produce more than seventeen million sixty thousand seven hundred ten British thermal units, five megawatts, or both. (4) Agritourism. However, a board of county commissioners, as provided in section 303.02 of the Revised Code, may regulate such factors pertaining to agritourism, except farm markets as described in division (C)(1) of this section, as size of a structure used primarily for agritourism, size of parking areas that may be required, setback building lines for structures used primarily for agritourism, and egress or ingress where such regulation is necessary to protect public health and safety. Nothing in division (C)(4) of this section confers power on a county zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals to require any parking area to be improved in any manner, including requirements governing drainage, parking area base, parking area paving, or any other improvement. Nothing in division (C)(4) of this section confers power on a county zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals to prohibit the use of any land or the construction or use of buildings or structures that are used primarily for vinting and selling wine that are located on land any part of which is used for viticulture as provided in division (A) of this section. (D)(1) As used in division (C)(3) of this section, "biologically derived methane gas" has the same meaning as in section 5713.30 of the Revised Code. (2) As used in division (C)(4) of this section, "agritourism" has the same meaning as in section 901.80 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.211 \| Limitations on powers - public utility or railroads, telecommunications towers, alcoholic beverage sales, oil or gas drilling. Effective: September 23, 2008 Latest Legislation: House Bill 562 - 127th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Except as otherwise provided in division (B) or (C) of this section, sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code do not confer any power on any board of county commissioners or board of zoning appeals in respect to the location, erection, construction, reconstruction, change, alteration, maintenance, removal, use, or enlargement of any buildings or structures of any public utility or railroad, whether publicly or privately owned, or the use of land by any public utility or railroad for the operation of its business. As used in this division, "public utility" does not include a person that owns or operates a solid waste facility or a solid waste transfer facility, other than a publicly owned solid waste facility or a publicly owned solid waste transfer facility, that has been issued a permit under Chapter 3734. of the Revised Code or a construction and demolition debris facility that has been issued a permit under Chapter 3714. of the Revised Code. (B)(1) As used in this division, "telecommunications tower" means any free-standing structure, or any structure to be attached to a building or other structure, that meets all of the following criteria: (a) The free-standing or attached structure is proposed to be constructed on or after October 31, 1996. (b) The free-standing or attached structure is proposed to be owned or principally used by a public utility engaged in the provision of telecommunications services. (c) The free-standing or attached structure is proposed to be located in an unincorporated area of a township, in an area zoned for residential use. (d)(i) The free-standing structure is proposed to top at a height that is greater than either the maximum allowable height of residential structures within the zoned area as set forth in the applicable zoning regulations, or the maximum allowable height of such a free-standing structure as set forth in any applicable zoning regulations in effect immediately prior to October 31, 1996, or as those regulations subsequently are amended. (ii) The attached structure is proposed to top at a height that is greater than either the height of the building or other structure to which it is to be attached, or the maximum allowable height of such an attached structure as set forth in any applicable zoning regulations in effect immediately prior to October 31, 1996, or as those regulations subsequently are amended. (e) The free-standing or attached structure is proposed to have attached to it radio frequency transmission or reception equipment. (2) Sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code confer power on a board of county commissioners or board of zoning appeals with respect to the location, erection, construction, reconstruction, change, alteration, removal, or enlargement of a telecommunications tower, but not with respect to the maintenance or use of such a tower or any change or alteration that would not substantially increase the tower's height. However, the power so conferred shall apply to a particular telecommunications tower only upon the provision of a notice, in accordance with division (B)(4)(a) of this section, to the person proposing to construct the tower. (3) Any person who plans to construct a telecommunications tower in an area subject to county zoning regulations shall provide both of the following by certified mail: (a) Written notice to the board of township trustees of the township in which the tower is proposed to be constructed and to each owner of property, as shown on the county auditor's current tax list, whose land is contiguous to or directly across a street or roadway from the property on which the tower is proposed to be constructed, stating all of the following in clear and concise language: (i) The person's intent to construct the tower; (ii) A description of the property sufficient to identify the proposed location; (iii) That, no later than fifteen days after the date of mailing of the notice, such board of township trustees or any such property owner may give written notice to the board of county commissioners requesting that sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code apply to the proposed location of the tower as provided under division (B)(4)(a) of this section. If the notice to the board of township trustees or to a property owner is returned unclaimed or refused, the person shall mail the notice by regular mail. The failure of delivery of the notice does not invalidate the notice. (b) Written notice to the board of county commissioners of the information specified in divisions (B)(3)(a)(i) and (ii) of this section. The notice to the board also shall include verification that the person has complied with division (B)(3)(a) of this section. (4)(a) If the board of county commissioners receives notice from the board of township trustees or a property owner under division (B)(3)(a)(iii) of this section within the time specified in that division or if a member of the board of county commissioners makes an objection to the proposed location of the telecommunications tower within fifteen days after the date of mailing of the notice sent under division (B)(3)(b) of this section, the board of county commissioners shall send the person proposing to construct the tower written notice that the tower is subject to the power conferred by and in accordance with division (B)(2) of this section. The notice shall be sent no later than five days after the earlier of the date the board first receives such a notice from the board of township trustees or a property owner or the date upon which a member of the board of county commissioners makes an objection. Upon the date of mailing of the notice to the person, sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code shall apply to the tower. (b) If the board of county commissioners receives no notice under division (B)(3)(a)(iii) of this section within the time prescribed by that division or no board member has an objection as provided under division (B)(4)(a) of this section within the time prescribed by that division, division (A) of this section shall apply to the tower without exception. (C) Sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code confer power on a board of county commissioners or board of zoning appeals with respect to the location, erection, construction, reconstruction, change, alteration, maintenance, removal, use, or enlargement of any buildings or structures of a public utility engaged in the business of transporting persons or property, or both, or providing or furnishing such transportation service, over any public street, road, or highway in this state, and with respect to the use of land by any such public utility for the operation of its business, to the extent that any exercise of such power is reasonable and not inconsistent with Chapters 4901., 4903., 4905., 4909., 4921., and 4923. of the Revised Code. However, this division confers no power on a board of county commissioners or board of zoning appeals with respect to a building or structure of, or the use of land by, a person engaged in the transportation of farm supplies to the farm or farm products from farm to market or to food fabricating plants. (D) Sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code confer no power on any county rural zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals to prohibit the sale or use of alcoholic beverages in areas where the establishment and operation of any retail business, hotel, lunchroom, or restaurant is permitted. (E)(1) Any person who plans to construct a telecommunications tower within one hundred feet of a residential dwelling shall provide a written notice to the owner of the residential dwelling and to the person occupying the residence, if that person is not the owner of the residence, stating in clear and concise language the person's intent to construct the tower and a description of the property sufficient to identify the proposed location. The notice shall be sent by certified mail. If the notice is returned unclaimed or refused, the person shall mail the notice by regular mail. The failure of delivery does not invalidate the notice. (2) As used in division (E) of this section: (a) "Residential dwelling" means a building used or intended to be used as a personal residence by the owner, part-time owner, or lessee of the building, or any person authorized by such a person to use the building as a personal residence. (b) "Telecommunications tower" has the same meaning as in division (B)(1) of this section, except that the proposed location of the free-standing or attached structure may be an area other than an unincorporated area of a township, in an area zoned for residential use.
Section 303.212 \| Limitations on powers - permanently sited manufactured homes. Effective: March 30, 1999 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 142 - 122nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code do not confer on any county rural zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals the authority to prohibit or restrict the location of a permanently sited manufactured home, as defined in division (C)(6) of section 3781.06 of the Revised Code, in any district or zone in which a single-family home is permitted. (B) Division (A) of this section does not limit the authority of a county rural zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals to do either of the following: (1) Require that a permanently sited manufactured home comply with all zoning requirements that are uniformly imposed on all single-family residences in the district or zone in which the permanently sited manufactured home is or is to be located, except requirements that specify a minimum roof pitch and requirements that do not comply with the standards established pursuant to the "Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974," 88 Stat. 700, 42 U.S.C.A. 5401; (2) Prohibit from any residential district or zone, travel trailers, park trailers, and mobile homes, as these terms are defined in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code, and manufactured homes that do not qualify as permanently sited manufactured homes. (C) This section does not prohibit a private landowner from incorporating a restrictive covenant in a deed, prohibiting the inclusion on the conveyed land of manufactured homes, as defined in division (C)(4) or (6) of section 3781.06 of the Revised Code, or of travel trailers, park trailers, and mobile homes, as defined in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code. This division does not create a new cause of action or substantive legal right for a private landowner to incorporate such a restrictive covenant in a deed.
Section 303.213 \| Small wind farms zoning regulations. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 501 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) As used in this section: (1) "Small wind farm" means wind turbines and associated facilities that are not subject to the jurisdiction of the power siting board under sections 4906.20 and 4906.201 of the Revised Code. (2) "Small solar facility" means solar panels and associated facilities with a single interconnection to the electrical grid and designed for, or capable of, operation at an aggregate capacity of less than fifty megawatts. (B) Notwithstanding division (A) of section 303.211 of the Revised Code, sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code confer power on a board of county commissioners or board of zoning appeals to adopt zoning regulations governing the location, erection, construction, reconstruction, change, alteration, maintenance, removal, use, or enlargement of any small wind farm or small solar facility, whether publicly or privately owned, or the use of land for that purpose. With regard to a small wind farm, the regulations may be more strict than the regulations prescribed in rules adopted under division (B)(2) of section 4906.20 of the Revised Code. (C) The designation under this section of a small wind farm or a small solar facility as a public utility for purposes of sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code shall not affect the classification of a small wind farm or a small solar facility for purposes of state or local taxation. (D) Nothing in division (C) of this section shall be construed as affecting the classification of a telecommunications tower as defined in division (B) or (E) of section 303.211 of the Revised Code or any other public utility for purposes of state and local taxation. Last updated January 17, 2023 at 12:38 PM
Section 303.214 \| Compliance with ORC section 5502.031. Effective: August 15, 2012 Latest Legislation: House Bill 158 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF County rural zoning commissions, boards of county commissioners, and county boards of zoning appeals shall comply with section 5502.031 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.22 \| Township zoning regulations to take precedence. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Where the people of any township or part thereof have approved township zoning regulations in accordance with sections 519.02 to 519.25, inclusive, of the Revised Code, prior to the adoption of a county rural zoning resolution by the board of county commissioners, and the county plan includes any area covered by the township zoning plan, the zoning resolution adopted by the board of township trustees shall take precedence over the zoning resolution adopted by the board of county commissioners, unless a majority of the voters in such zoned area of the township voting on the issue have voted to have the township plan of zoning replaced with the plan of county rural zoning.
Section 303.23 \| Violation of resolution and regulations. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No person shall locate, erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, change, maintain, or use any building or use any land in violation of a resolution, or amendment or supplement to such resolution, adopted by any board of county commissioners under sections 303.01 to 303.25, inclusive, of the Revised Code. Each day's continuation of such violation is a separate offense.
Section 303.24 \| Actions instituted to prevent violation. Effective: October 1, 1953 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In case any building is or is proposed to be located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, changed, maintained, or used, or any land is or is proposed to be used in violation of sections 303.01 to 303.25, inclusive, of the Revised Code, or of any regulation or provision adopted by any board of county commissioners under such sections, such board, the prosecuting attorney of the county, the county zoning inspector, the county building inspector, or any adjacent or neighboring property owner who would be specially damaged by such violation, in addition to other remedies provided by law, may institute injunction, mandamus, abatement, or any other appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, enjoin, abate, or remove such unlawful location, erection, construction, reconstruction, enlargement, change, maintenance, or use.
Section 303.25 \| Repeal of county zoning plan by township. Effective: July 2, 2010 Latest Legislation: House Bill 48 - 128th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In any township in which there is in force a plan of county zoning, the plan may be repealed by the board of county commissioners, as to such township, in the following manner: (A) The board may adopt a resolution upon its own initiative. (B) The board shall adopt a resolution, if there is presented to it a petition, similar in all relevant aspects to that prescribed in section 303.12 of the Revised Code, signed by a number of qualified voters residing in the unincorporated area of such township included in the zoning plan equal to not less than eight per cent of the total vote cast for all candidates for governor in such area at the most recent general election at which a governor was elected, requesting the question of whether or not the plan of zoning in effect in such township shall be repealed, to be submitted to the electors residing in the unincorporated area of the township included in the zoning plan at a special election to be held on the day of the next primary or general election. The resolution adopted by the board of county commissioners to cause such question to be submitted to the electors shall be certified to the board of elections not later than ninety days prior to the day of election at which the question is to be voted upon. In the event a majority of the vote cast on such question in the township is in favor of repeal of zoning, then such regulations shall no longer be of any effect. Not more than one such election shall be held in any two calendar years.
Section 303.251 \| County special assessment to fund residential broadband expansion. Effective: May 17, 2021 Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) If a program grant is awarded for an eligible project under sections 122.40 to 122.4077 of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners of the county in which the project is situated, by resolution, may levy a special assessment upon residential property within the county for the purpose of providing a contribution from the county towards the funding gap for the eligible project. Assessments under this section shall be levied only upon the residential property that is subject to the eligible project. Before adopting the resolution, the board shall send written notice to each affected property owner stating the estimated assessment for that property. If an owner objects to the stated estimated assessment, the owner shall file a written objection with the board not later than two weeks after the notice is mailed. The board shall review the written objections and may revise the estimated assessments before adopting the resolution. If the property owner objects to the final assessment for the property levied in the resolution, the owner may appeal the final assessment under Chapter 2506. of the Revised Code. (B) The assessment shall be at a rate that will produce a total assessment that is not more than the county's contribution towards the funding gap for the eligible project as described in the application under section 122.4020 of the Revised Code. The board shall certify the amount to be levied upon each affected property to the county auditor, who shall enter the amount on the tax duplicate for collection by the county treasurer in equal semiannual installments in the same manner and at the same times as the collection of taxes on real property. Assessments shall be paid by owners of the properties upon which assessments are levied. (C) The assessments, when collected, shall be paid by the county auditor by warrant on the county treasurer into a special fund in the county treasury created for the purpose of funding an eligible project for which a program grant is awarded under sections 122.40 to 122.4077 of the Revised Code and that is located in the county. The board may expend moneys from the fund only for the purposes for which the assessments were levied. Last updated June 9, 2021 at 1:05 PM
Section 303.26 \| Removal of slum or blighted area definitions. Effective: October 10, 2007 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 7 - 127th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF As used in sections 303.26 to 303.56 of the Revised Code, unless a different meaning is clearly indicated by the context: (A) "Municipality" means any incorporated city or village of the state. (B) "Public body" means the state, any county, municipality, township, board, commission, authority, district, or other subdivision. (C) "Federal government" means the United States or any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise thereof. (D) "Slum" has the meaning defined in section 1.08 of the Revised Code. (E) "Blighted area" has the meaning defined in section 1.08 of the Revised Code. If such blighted area consists of open land, the provisions of section 303.34 of the Revised Code shall apply. Any disaster area referred to in section 303.36 of the Revised Code shall constitute a "blighted area". (F) "County renewal project" may include undertakings and activities of a county in a county renewal area for the elimination and for the prevention of the development or spread of slums and blight, and may involve slum clearance and redevelopment in a county renewal area, or rehabilitation or conservation in a county renewal area, or any combination or part thereof, in accordance with a county renewal plan, and such aforesaid undertakings and activities may include acquisition of a slum area or a blighted area, or portion thereof; demolition and removal of buildings and improvements; installation, construction, or reconstruction of streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other improvements necessary for carrying out in the county renewal area the county renewal objectives of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code in accordance with the county renewal plan; disposition of any property acquired in the county renewal area, including sale, initial leasing, or retention by the county itself, at its fair value for uses in accordance with the county renewal plan; carrying out plans for a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings or other improvements in accordance with the county renewal plan; and acquisition of any other real property in the county renewal area where necessary to eliminate unhealthful, insanitary, or unsafe conditions; lessen density, eliminate obsolete, or other uses detrimental to the public welfare, or otherwise to remove or prevent the spread of blight or deterioration, or to provide land for needed public facilities. (G) "County renewal area" means a slum area or a blighted area or a combination thereof which the board of county commissioners designates as appropriate for a county renewal project. (H) "County renewal plan" means a plan, as it exists from time to time, for a county renewal project, which plan shall conform to the general plan for the county, except as provided in section 303.36 of the Revised Code, and shall be sufficiently complete to indicate such land acquisition, demolition, and removal of structures, redevelopment, improvements, and rehabilitation as may be proposed to be carried out in the county renewal area, zoning, and planning changes, if any, land uses, maximum densities, building requirements, and the plan's relationship to definite local objectives respecting appropriate land uses, improved traffic, public transportation, public utilities, recreational and community facilities, and other public improvements. (I) "Redevelopment" and derivatives thereof, when used with respect to a county renewal area, mean development as well as redevelopment. (J) "Real property" includes all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest, right, and use, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage, or otherwise. (K) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, or body politic, and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or other person acting in a similar representative capacity. (L) "Obligee" includes any bondholder, agents, or trustees for any bondholders, or lessor demising to the county property used in connection with a county renewal project, or any assignee or assignees of such lessor's interest or any part thereof, and the federal government when it is a party to any contract with the county. (M) "Bond," as used in section 303.46 of the Revised Code, means bonds, including refunding bonds, notes, interim certificates of special indebtedness, debentures, or other obligations of a county, payable and secured as authorized by section 303.46 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.27 \| Rehabilitation or redevelopment of county renewal area by private enterprise. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The board of county commissioners, to the greatest extent it determines to be feasible in carrying out the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, shall afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the county, to the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the county renewal area by private enterprise. The board shall give consideration to this objective in exercising its powers under sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, including the formulation of a workable program, the approval of county renewal plans, consistent with the general plan of the county, the exercise of its zoning powers, the enforcement of other laws, codes, and regulations relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements, the disposition of any property acquired, and the provisions of necessary public improvements.
Section 303.28 \| Workable program to control spread of slums and blight. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The board of county commissioners, for the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, may formulate for the county a workable program for utilizing appropriate private and public resources to eliminate, and prevent the development or spread of, slums and blight, to encourage needed county rehabilitation, to provide for the redevelopment of slum and blighted areas, or to undertake such of the aforesaid activities or other feasible county activities as may be suitably employed to achieve the objectives of such workable program. The workable program may include, without limitation, provision for: the prevention of the spread of blight into areas of the county which are free from blight through diligent enforcement of housing, zoning, and occupancy controls and standards; the rehabilitation or conservation of slums and blighted areas or portions thereof by replanning, removing congestion, providing parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements, by encouraging voluntary rehabilitation, and by compelling the repair and rehabilitation of deteriorated or deteriorating structures; and the clearance and redevelopment of slum and blighted areas or portions thereof.
Section 303.29 \| Adoption of resolution of necessity. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF No board of county commissioners shall exercise the authority conferred upon counties by sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, until after it has adopted a resolution finding that one or more slum or blighted areas exist in the county; and the rehabilitation, conservation, redevelopment, or combination thereof, of such slum or blighted area or areas is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, or welfare of the residents of such county.
Section 303.30 \| Prerequisites for approval county renewal project for county renewal area. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A board of county commissioners shall not approve a county renewal project for a county renewal area unless it has, by resolution, determined such area to be a slum area or a blighted area or a combination thereof and designated such area as appropriate for a county renewal project. The board shall not approve a county renewal plan until a general plan for the county has been prepared by the planning commission of the county. A board shall not acquire real property for a county renewal project unless it has approved the county renewal project in accordance with section 303.33 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.31 \| Preparing county renewal plan. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A board of county commissioners may itself prepare or cause to be prepared a county renewal plan, or any person or agency, public or private, may submit such a plan to the county. Prior to its approval of a county renewal project, the board shall submit such plan to the planning commission of the county for review and recommendations as to its conformity with the general plan for the development of the county. The planning commission shall submit its written recommendations with respect to the proposed county renewal plan to the board within thirty days after receipt of the plan for review. Upon receipt of the recommendations of the planning commission or, if no recommendations are received within thirty days, then without such recommendations, the board may proceed with the hearing on the proposed county renewal project.
Section 303.32 \| Public hearing on county renewal project. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The board of county commissioners shall hold a public hearing on a county renewal project. Publication of the hearing shall be made on two successive days by the board at least fifteen days prior to the scheduled hearing date in a newspaper having general circulation in the county. The notice shall describe the time, date, place, and purpose of the hearing; shall generally identify the county renewal area covered by the county renewal plan; and shall outline the general scope of the county renewal project under consideration.
Section 303.33 \| Approving county renewal project for county renewal area. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Following the public hearing required by section 303.32 of the Revised Code, the board of county commissioners may approve a county renewal project for the county renewal area if it finds that a feasible method exists for the location of families who will be displaced from the county renewal area in decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations within their means and without undue hardship to such families; the county renewal plan conforms to the general plan of the county; and the county renewal plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the county, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the county renewal area by private enterprise. If the county renewal area consists of an area of open land to be acquired by the county, such area shall not be so acquired unless, if it is to be redeveloped for residential uses, the board determines that a shortage of housing of sound standards and design which is decent, safe, and sanitary exists in the county; that the need of housing accommodations has been or will be increased as a result of the clearance of slums in other areas, including other portions of the county renewal area; that the conditions of blight in the area and the shortage of decent, safe, and sanitary housing cause or contributed to an increase in and spread of disease and crime and constitute a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare; and that the acquisition of the area for residential uses is an integral part of and essential to the program of the county, or, if it is to be developed for nonresidential uses, the board determines that such nonresidential uses are necessary and appropriate to facilitate the proper growth and development of the county in accordance with sound planning standards and county objectives, which acquisition may require the exercise of governmental action, as provided in sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, because of defective or unusual conditions of title, diversity of ownership, tax delinquency, improper subdivisions, outmoded street patterns, deterioration of site, economic disuse, unsuitable topography, or faulty lot layouts, the need for the correlation of the area with other areas of the county by streets and modern traffic requirements, or any combination of such factors or other conditions which retard development of the area.
Section 303.34 \| Modifying county renewal plan. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A county renewal plan may be modified at any time. If such a plan is modified after the lease or sale by the county of real property in the county renewal area, such modification may be conditioned upon such approval of the owner, lessee, or successor in interest as the board of county commissioners may deem advisable, and in any event shall be subject to such rights at law or in equity as a lessee or purchaser, or his successor or successors in interest, may be entitled to assert.
Section 303.35 \| Plan or modification to be in full force and effect upon approval. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Upon the approval by the board of county commissioners of a county renewal plan or any modification thereof, such plan or modification shall be in full force and effect for the respective county renewal area and the board may then cause such plan or modification to be carried out in accordance with its terms.
Section 303.36 \| Redeveloping or rehabilitating disaster areas. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Where the board of county commissioners certifies that an area in the county, but outside the corporate limits of any city or other incorporated municipality, is in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation as a result of a flood, fire, hurricane, earthquake, storm, or other catastrophe respecting which the governor has certified the need for disaster assistance under public law 875, eighty-first congress, or other federal law, it may approve a county renewal plan and a county renewal project with respect to such area without regard to the provisions of section 303.33 of the Revised Code and the provisions of sections 303.30 and 303.32 of the Revised Code requiring a general plan for the county and a public hearing on the county renewal project.
Section 303.37 \| Board of county commissioners - powers and duties. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Every board of county commissioners shall have all the powers, and the right to exercise such powers, necessary or convenient to carry out sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, including the following powers granted in addition to those specifically authorized by sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code: (A) To undertake and carry out county renewal projects within the county but outside the corporate limits of cities and other incorporated municipalities, to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers under sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, and to disseminate slum clearance and county renewal information; (B) To provide, arrange, or contract for the furnishing or repair by any person or agency, public or private, of services, privileges, works, streets, roads, public utilities, or other facilities for or in connection with a county renewal project; to install, construct, and reconstruct streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements; and to agree to any conditions that it determines reasonable and appropriate attached to federal financial assistance and imposed pursuant to federal law relating to the determination of prevailing salaries or wages or compliance with labor standards, in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of a county renewal project, and to include in any contract let in connection with such a project, provisions to fulfill such of said conditions as it determines reasonable and appropriate; (C) To enter into any building or property in any county renewal area of the county in order to make inspections, surveys, appraisals, soundings, or test borings, and to obtain an order for this purpose from a court of competent jurisdiction in the event entry is denied or resisted; to acquire by purchase, lease, option, gift, grant, bequest, devise, eminent domain, or otherwise, any real property, or personal property for its administrative purposes, together with any improvements thereon; to hold, improve, clear, or prepare for redevelopment any such property; to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise encumber or dispose of any real property; to insure or provide for the insurance of any real or personal property or operations of the county against any risks or hazards, including the power to pay premiums on any such insurance; and to enter into any contracts or agreements necessary to effectuate the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code. No statutory provision with respect to the acquisition, clearance, or disposition of property by public bodies shall restrict a board of county commissioners or other public body exercising any powers under sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, in the exercise of such functions with respect to a county renewal project, unless the general assembly shall specifically so state; (D) To invest any county renewal project funds held in reserves or sinking funds or any such funds not required for immediate disbursement, in property or securities in which savings banks may legally invest funds subject to their control; to redeem such bonds as have been issued pursuant to section 303.46 of the Revised Code at the redemption price established therein or to purchase such bonds at less than redemption price, all such bonds so redeemed or purchased to be cancelled; (E) To borrow money and to apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the federal government, this state, or any other public body, or from any sources, public or private, for the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out contracts or agreements in connection therewith; and to include in any contract or agreement for financial assistance with the federal government for or with respect to a county renewal project such conditions imposed pursuant to federal laws as the board determines reasonable and appropriate and which are not inconsistent with the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code; (F) Within the county but outside the corporate limits of cities and other incorporated municipalities, to make or have made all surveys and plans necessary to carry out the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, and to contract with any person, public or private, in making and carrying out such plans, and to adopt or approve, modify, and amend such plans, which plans may include, without limitation: a general plan for the county; county renewal plans; preliminary plans outlining county renewal activities for county communities or neighborhoods to embrace two or more county renewal areas; plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements; plans for the enforcement of state and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements and to the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal of buildings and improvements; and appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other plans and work necessary to prepare for the undertaking of county renewal projects; and, to develop, test, and report methods and techniques, and carry out demonstrations and other activities, for the prevention and the elimination of county area slums and blight, and to apply for, accept, and utilize grants of funds from the federal government for such purposes; (G) To prepare plans for the relocation of persons, including families, business concerns, and others, displaced by a county renewal project, and to make relocation payments to or with respect to such persons for moving expenses and losses of property for which reimbursement or compensation is not otherwise made, including the making of such payments financed by the federal government. (H) To appropriate such funds and make such expenditures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, and to levy taxes and assessments for such purposes; to zone or rezone any part of the county other than areas within the corporate limits of cities and other incorporated municipalities or make exceptions from building regulations of the county; (I) To close, vacate, plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places; and to plan or replan any part of a county area outside the corporate limits of cities and other incorporated municipalities; (J) To organize, coordinate, and direct the administration of the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, as they apply to the area of the county outside the corporate limits of cities and other incorporated municipalities in order that the objective of remedying county slum and blighted areas and preventing the causes thereof within the county's unincorporated areas may be most effectively promoted and achieved, and to establish such new office or offices of the county or such new department or departments or commissions thereof in order to carry out most effectively the purposes and objectives of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code.
Section 303.38 \| Acquiring real property by right of eminent domain. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Every board of county commissioners may acquire by eminent domain any interest in real property, whether owned privately or publicly, including a fee simple title thereto, which it determines necessary for or in connection with a county renewal project within the county, and this power may be exercised in the manner provided in section 307.08 of the Revised Code, or it may be exercised in the manner now or which may be hereafter provided by any other statutory provisions for the exercise of the power of eminent domain by boards of county commissioners. Real property belonging to the United States, the state of Ohio, or any political subdivision of the state, or municipalities shall not be acquired under this section without its consent.
Section 303.39 \| Disposing of real property. Effective: April 26, 1971 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 109th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Notwithstanding any of the provisions of sections 303.07 to 303.10, inclusive, of the Revised Code, a county which acquires any real property, or any interest therein, in a county renewal area for or in connection with a county renewal project thereof for such area may dispose of any of such real property or interest therein as follows: (A) The board of county commissioners may sell, lease, or otherwise transfer real property or any interest therein acquired by it, and may enter into contracts with respect thereto, in a county renewal area for residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, or other uses or for public use, or may retain such property or interest for public use, in accordance with the county renewal plan for such county renewal area, subject to such covenants, conditions, and restrictions, including covenants running with the land, as it determines to be necessary or desirable to assist in preventing the development or spread of future slums or blighted areas or to otherwise carry out the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code. Such sale, lease, or other transfer, or retention, and any agreement relating thereto, may be made only after the approval of the county renewal plan by the board. The purchasers or lessees and their successors and assigns shall be obligated to devote such real property only to the uses specified in the county renewal plan, and may be obligated to comply with such other requirements as the county may determine to be in the public interest, including the obligation to begin within a reasonable time any improvements on such real property required by the county renewal plan. Such real property or interest shall be sold, leased, otherwise transferred, or retained at not less than its fair value for uses in accordance with the county renewal plan. In determining the fair value of real property for uses in accordance with the county renewal plan, the board shall take into account and give consideration to the uses provided in such plan; the restrictions upon, and the covenants, conditions, and obligations assumed by the purchaser or lessee or by the county retaining the property; and the objectives of such county renewal plan for the prevention of the recurrence of slum or blighted areas. The board in any instrument of conveyance to a private purchaser or lessee may provide that such purchaser or lessee shall be without power to sell, lease, or otherwise transfer the real property without the prior written consent of the board until he has completed the construction of any or all improvements which he has obligated himself to construct thereon. Real property acquired under the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, by the county which, in accordance with the provisions of the county renewal plan, is to be transferred, shall be transferred as rapidly as feasible in the public interest consistent with the carrying out of the provisions of the county renewal plan. Any contract for such transfer and the county renewal plan, or such part or parts of such contract or plan as the board may determine, shall be recorded in the land records of the county in such manner as to afford actual or constructive notice thereof. (B) The board of county commissioners may by resolution authorize the sale, lease, transfer, or conveyance of any real property or any interest therein acquired by it in accordance with and for the purposes of the county renewal plan either with or without competitive bidding therefor upon such lawful terms and conditions and in such manner as are prescribed in such resolution by the board of county commissioners. (C) The board of county commissioners may for a period not to exceed three years operate and maintain any real property or interest therein acquired by it in a county renewal area for or in connection with a county renewal project of such county pending the disposition of the property as authorized in sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, without regard to the provisions of division (A) of this section, for such uses and purposes as it determines desirable even though not in conformity with the pertinent county renewal plan.
Section 303.40 \| Cost of street maintenance within a county renewal area. Effective: January 1, 2018 Latest Legislation: House Bill 26 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Costs of maintaining, repairing, constructing, relocating, paving, and repairing of public streets, alleys, curbs, and gutters within a county renewal area may be paid out of moneys distributed to counties under sections 5735.27 and 4501.04 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.41 \| Special assessments. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A board of county commissioners may levy assessments against specially benefited lots or lands within a county renewal area or areas for any purpose within or without such area or areas for which special assessments may be levied by a county. In the exercise of such power to levy special assessments, the provisions of, including but not limited to Chapters 5555., 5559., 6103., and 6117. of the Revised Code, shall control. A board may include among such specially benefited lots or lands any or all lots or lands then or thereafter owned by the county, provided that the specially benefited lots or lands may consist entirely of county-owned property.
Section 303.42 \| Method of making a special assessment. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In making a special assessment by percentage of the tax value or by the front foot on lots or lands not subdivided into lots, on county-owned, or other, lots or lands within a county renewal area or areas, when such lots or lands are not assessed for taxation, the board of county commissioners shall fix, for the purpose of such assessment the value of such lots as they stand and of such land at what the board considers a fair average depth for lots in the neighborhood, so that it will be a fair average of the assessed value of other lots in the neighborhood, if there be such lots.
Section 303.43 \| Waiving right to collect assessments. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In the event a board of county commissioners instituted assessment proceedings affecting lots or lands within a county renewal area, and then or thereafter eminent domain proceedings arising under sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, are pending or contemplated against such lots or lands, the board may, by proper entry in such eminent domain proceedings, or by release in the event eminent domain proceedings are never brought, waive its right to collection out of the compensation awarded for such taking of the amounts levied or to be levied in such assessment proceedings. In the event of such waiver, the said assessment proceedings and the property liens resulting therefrom shall not be affected by the acquisition by the board of any or all of such lots or lands.
Section 303.44 \| Paying assessments on county owned lands. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In the event of the levy of special assessments against lots or lands within a county renewal area which lots or lands are or become county-owned, the board of county commissioners may authorize the amount of the assessments thereon, or the amounts of the respective unpaid installments of such assessments, to be certified by the clerk of the board of county commissioners to the county auditor, entered upon the tax list of all taxable real and personal property in the county, and collected as other taxes, provided that such certification for payment by the county at large shall cease upon sale of such lots or lands by the county. The unpaid portion of such assessments on lots and lands so sold shall continue as liens against the lots and lands in the hands of such purchasers, as other assessments, and shall be collected as other taxes.
Section 303.45 \| Funds for planning or county renewal project functions. Effective: October 30, 1989 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 118th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In addition to all other powers of boards of county commissioners provided by any other laws, any board, in order to provide funds for or in connection with its planning or county renewal project functions, under sections 303.26 to 303.56 of the Revised Code, or for the exercise of any of the powers granted by those sections, may: (A) Use its general tax revenues; (B) Issue and sell its bonds, and its notes in anticipation of such bonds, pursuant to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code.
Section 303.46 \| Bonds for county renewal project. Effective: October 30, 1989 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 118th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In addition to all other powers of boards of county commissioners provided by any other laws, any board may issue bonds from time to time to finance its undertaking and carrying out of any county renewal project of such county, including, without limiting the generality thereof, the payment of principal and interest upon any advances for surveys and plans for or in connection with any such county renewal project, and may also issue refunding bonds for the payment or retirement of such bonds previously issued by it pursuant to this section. The bonds covered by this section shall be payable, as to both principal and interest, solely from the county renewal project income, proceeds, revenues, and funds of the county derived by it from its undertaking and carrying out of the county renewal project with respect to which such bonds are issued. Such bonds, both as to principal and interest, may be made payable or additionally payable from or secured by a pledge of any loan, grant, gift, or contribution from the federal government or any other source, in aid of such county renewal project. Bonds issued under this section shall not constitute a part of the net indebtedness of the county. Bonds issued under this section shall not constitute general obligations of the county, and the general credit or taxing power of the county shall not be pledged for the payment of any part of the principal of or interest on such bonds. Bonds issued under this section shall be authorized by resolution of the board of county commissioners and may be authorized, issued, and sold without a vote of the electors of the county. Bonds issued under this section shall bear interest at such rate or rates, not exceeding the rate determined as provided in section 9.95 of the Revised Code, as may be provided by such resolution.
Section 303.47 \| Validity of signatures of public officials. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In case any of the public officials whose signatures appear on any bonds or coupons issued under any of the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, cease to be such officials before the delivery of such bonds, such signatures shall, nevertheless, be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if such officials had remained in office until such delivery. Any bonds issued under any of the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code shall be fully negotiable.
Section 303.48 \| Validity or enforcement of bond. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of any bond issued under any of the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, or the security therefor, any such bond reciting in substance that it has been issued by the county in connection with county renewal project of such county shall be considered to have been issued for such purpose, and such project shall be considered to have been planned, located, and undertaken or carried out in accordance with the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code.
Section 303.49 \| Bond interest and income exempted from taxes. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Bonds issued under any of the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose and, together with interest thereon and income therefrom, shall be exempted from all taxes.
Section 303.50 \| Bonds are lawful investments. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF All banks, trust companies, bankers, savings banks, and institutions, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, investment companies, and other persons carrying on a banking or investment business; all insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on an insurance business; and all executors, administrators, curators, trustees, and other fiduciaries, may legally invest any sinking funds, moneys, or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds issued by a county pursuant to section 303.46 of the Revised Code. Such bonds shall be secured by an agreement between the issuer and the federal government in which the issuer agrees to borrow from the federal government and the federal government agrees to lend to the issuers, prior to the maturity of such bonds, moneys in an amount which, together with any other moneys irrevocably committed to the payment of principal and interest on such bonds, will suffice to pay the principal of such bonds with interest to maturity thereon, which moneys under the terms of said agreement are required to be used for the purpose of paying the principal of and the interest on such bonds at their maturity. Such bonds shall be authorized security for all public deposits. Under the provisions of this section any persons, political subdivisions, and officers, public or private, are authorized to use any funds owned or controlled by them for the purchase of any bonds. Nothing contained in this section with regard to legal investments shall be construed as relieving any person of any duty of exercising reasonable care in selecting securities.
Section 303.51 \| Property exempt from levy and sale by virtue of execution. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF All property of a county, including funds owned or held by it for the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, shall be exempt from levy and sale by virtue of an execution, and no execution or other judicial process shall issue against the same, nor shall judgment against a county be a charge or lien upon such property. The provisions of this section shall not apply to or limit the right of obligees to pursue any remedies for the enforcement of any pledge or lien given pursuant to sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code by a county on rents, fees, grants, or revenues from any county renewal project.
Section 303.52 \| Property exempt from taxation. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The property of a county, acquired or held for the purposes of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental purposes and such property shall be exempt from all taxes of the county, any municipality, the state, or any political subdivision thereof. The tax exemption provided for in this section shall terminate when the county sells, leases, or otherwise disposes of such property in a county renewal area to a purchaser or lessee which is not a public body entitled to tax exemption with respect to such property.
Section 303.53 \| Transfer of property to county. Effective: October 30, 1989 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 118th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Any public body, for the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of a county renewal project located within an area in which such public body is authorized to act, may, upon such terms, with or without consideration as it may determine: dedicate, sell, convey, or lease any of such public body's interest in any property or grant easements, licenses, or other rights or privileges therein to a county; incur the entire expense of any public improvements made by such public body in exercising the powers granted in this section; do any and all things necessary to aid or cooperate in the planning or carrying out of a county renewal plan; lend, grant, or contribute funds to a county; enter into agreements, which may extend over any period, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary, with a board of county commissioners respecting action to be taken pursuant to any of the powers granted by sections 303.26 to 303.56 of the Revised Code, including the furnishing of funds or other assistance in connection with a county renewal project; and cause public buildings and public facilities, including parks, playgrounds, recreational, community, educational, water, sewer, or drainage facilities, or any other works, which it is otherwise empowered to undertake to be furnished, furnish, dedicate, close, vacate, pave, install, grade, regrade, plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places; plan or replan, zone or rezone any part of the public body or make exceptions from building regulations; and cause administrative and other services to be furnished to the county. Any sale, conveyance, lease, or agreement provided for in this section may be made by a public body without appraisal, public notice, advertisement, or public bidding. For the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of a county renewal project of a county, any affected municipality or any affected county or other public entity may, in addition to its other powers and upon such terms, with or without consideration, as it may determine, perform any or all of the actions or things which, by the foregoing provisions of this section, a public body is authorized to perform, including the furnishing of financial or other assistance. For the purpose of this section, or for the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of a county renewal project of a county, any affected county, municipality, or other public entity may issue and sell its general obligation bonds. Any such bonds issued by such affected county, municipality, or other public entity shall be issued in the manner and within the limitations prescribed by Chapter 133. of the Revised Code. Nothing in this section shall limit, restrict, or otherwise affect adversely any of the other powers authorized by sections 303.26 to 303.56 of the Revised Code.
Section 303.54 \| Presumption of compliance. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Any instrument executed by a county respecting a county renewal project thereof and purporting to convey any right, title, or interest in any property under sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed in compliance with the applicable provisions of said sections insofar as title or other interest of any bona fide purchasers, lessees, or transferees of such property is concerned.
Section 303.55 \| Establishing and maintaining records and funds. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Any board of county commissioners, in carrying out its operations and activities under sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, with respect to any county renewal project or projects, may set up, establish, and maintain, for and on behalf of the county or any affected office, department, board, or commission thereof, such books, records, budgets, and accounts, and such general, separate, special, or specific funds, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such revolving funds, general expense funds, planning funds, county renewal project funds, bond and interest retirement funds, and other funds, pertaining to said operations and activities, as the board determines to be necessary or appropriate for the purposes of these sections; and deposit or cause to be deposited in or to the credit of or transferred to any such fund any or all of such advances, donations, grants, gifts, contributions, appropriations, rentals, bond proceeds, proceeds from the sale, leasing, or other disposition of any of its county renewal project property, or other income, revenues, receipts, or profits derived by it from its undertaking of any county renewal project, as become available to the county in connection with its planning or project activities under the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code.
Section 303.56 \| Rules and regulations. Effective: October 21, 1959 Latest Legislation: House Bill 1081 - 103rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Any county availing itself of any of the provisions of sections 303.26 to 303.56, inclusive, of the Revised Code, in order to fully effectuate the purposes and objectives of said sections in respect of any planning or project activities thereunder by such county, may, by its board of county commissioners, prescribe such reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with said sections, as such board of county commissioners determines to be necessary or appropriate.
Section 303.57 \| County wind and solar generation restriction definitions. Effective: October 11, 2021 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 52 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF As used in this section and sections 303.58 to 303.62 of the Revised Code: (A) "Economically significant wind farm" has the same meaning as in section 4906.13 of the Revised Code. (B) "Large wind farm" and "large solar facility" have the same meanings as in section 4906.01 of the Revised Code. (C)(1) "Material amendment" means an amendment to an existing power siting board certificate for the construction, operation, or maintenance of a utility facility that does any of the following: (a) For utility facilities: (i) Changes the facility's generation type from one type of utility facility to another; (ii) Increases the facility's nameplate capacity; (iii) Changes the boundaries of the facility, unless the new boundaries of the facility are completely within the previous boundaries of the facility or the facility components outside of the previous boundary are underground. (b) For large wind farms and economically significant wind farms: (i) Increases the number of wind turbines; (ii) Increases the height of a wind turbine. (2) Material amendments do not include the addition of a battery storage system to a utility facility. (D) "Utility facility" means an economically significant wind farm, a large wind farm, or a large solar facility. Last updated July 23, 2021 at 4:42 PM
Section 303.58 \| Restricted area resolution by county commissioners. Effective: October 11, 2021 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 52 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The board of county commissioners may adopt a resolution designating all or part of the unincorporated area of a county as a restricted area, prohibiting the construction of any or all of the following: (1) An economically significant wind farm; (2) A large wind farm; (3) A large solar facility. (B) A resolution described in division (A) of this section may designate one or more restricted areas and shall fix restricted area boundaries within the unincorporated area of the county. (C)(1) The board may adopt a resolution designating a restricted area at a regular meeting of the board or at a special meeting called for the purpose of discussing such a resolution. (2) At least thirty days prior to the meeting at which a resolution to designate a restricted area will be discussed, the board shall do all of the following: (a) Provide public notice of the date and time of the meeting by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the county; (b) Publicly post a map showing the boundaries of the proposed restricted area at all public libraries within the county; (c) Provide written notice of the meeting, by first class mail, to all school districts, municipal corporations, and boards of township trustees located in whole, or in part, within the boundaries of the proposed restricted area. (3) The board shall comply with the requirements of divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section before the board modifies a resolution it previously adopted under this section. (D) Any resolution designating a restricted area shall include a map of the restricted area, as well as texts sufficient to identify all boundaries of the restricted area. A copy of the resolution and any accompanying texts and maps shall be filed with the office of the county recorder of the county. (E) A resolution adopted under this section shall not affect the construction of a utility facility that was presented to the board of county commissioners under section 303.61 of the Revised Code, and the board did not adopt a resolution prohibiting the facility within the time required under section 303.62 of the Revised Code. Last updated July 23, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Section 303.59 \| Restricted area resolution effective date; referendum. Effective: October 11, 2021 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 52 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A resolution designating a restricted area prohibiting the construction of utility facilities, if adopted by the board of county commissioners, becomes effective thirty days after the date of its adoption, unless, within thirty days after the adoption, there is presented to the board of county commissioners a petition, signed by a number of registered electors residing in the county equal to not less than eight per cent of the total vote cast for all candidates for governor in that county at the most recent general election at which a governor was elected, requesting the board of county commissioners to submit the resolution to the electors of that county for approval or rejection at a special election to be held on the day of the next primary or general election that occurs at least one hundred twenty days after the petition is filed. Each part petition shall contain the number and the full and correct title, if any, of the resolution, motion, or application, furnishing the name by which the resolution is known and a brief summary of its contents. In addition to meeting the requirements of this section, each petition shall be governed by the rules specified in section 3501.38 of the Revised Code. The form of a petition calling for a referendum on the designation of a restricted area and the statement of the circulator shall be substantially as follows: "PETITION FOR REFERENDUM ON THE DESIGNATION OF A RESTRICTED AREA PROHIBITING THE CONSTRUCTION OF UTILITY FACILITIES (if the proposal is identified by a particular name or number, or both, these should be inserted here)__________ A proposal to designate a restricted area prohibiting the construction of utility facilities in the unincorporated area of __________ county, Ohio, adopted __________(date) (followed by brief summary of the resolution). To the board of county commissioners of __________ county, Ohio: We, the undersigned, being electors residing in __________county, equal to not less than eight per cent of the total vote cast for all candidates for governor in the county at the preceding general election at which a governor was elected, request the board of county commissioners to submit this designation of a restricted area to the electors of __________ county, for approval or rejection at a special election to be held on the day of the primary or general election to be held on __________ (date), pursuant to section 303.59 of the Revised Code. __________ Signature __________ Residence address __________ Date of signing STATEMENT OF CIRCULATOR I, __________ (name of circulator), declare under penalty of election falsification that I reside at the address appearing below my signature; that I am the circulator of the foregoing part petition containing __________ (number) signatures; that I have witnessed the affixing of every signature; that all signers were to the best of my knowledge and belief qualified to sign; and that every signature is to the best of my knowledge and belief the signature of the person whose signature it purports to be or of an attorney in fact acting pursuant to section 3501.382 of the Revised Code. __________ (Signature of circulator) __________ (Circulator's residence address) WHOEVER COMMITS ELECTION FALSIFICATION IS GUILTY OF A FELONY OF THE FIFTH DEGREE." The petition shall be filed with the board of county commissioners. Within two weeks after receiving a petition filed under this section, the board of county commissioners shall certify the petition to the board of elections. A petition filed under this section shall be certified to the board of elections not less than ninety days prior to the election at which the question is to be voted upon. The board of elections shall determine the sufficiency and validity of each petition certified to it by a board of county commissioners under this section. If the board of elections determines that a petition is sufficient and valid, the question shall be voted upon at a special election to be held on the day of the next primary or general election that occurs at least one hundred twenty days after the date the petition is filed with the board of county commissioners, regardless of whether any election will be held to nominate or elect candidates on that day. No resolution designating a restricted area for which such a referendum vote has been requested shall be put into effect unless a majority of the vote cast on the issue is in favor of the resolution. Upon certification by the board of elections that the resolution has been approved by the voters, it shall take immediate effect. Within five working days after the resolution's effective date, the board of county commissioners shall file the text of the resolution and maps of the restricted area in the office of the county recorder and with the county or regional planning commission, if one exists. The failure to file any resolution, or any text and maps, or duplicates of any of these documents, with the office of the county recorder as required by this section does not invalidate the resolution. Last updated July 23, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Section 303.60 \| Power siting board certificate or amendment prohibited in restricted area. Effective: October 11, 2021 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 52 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF If a resolution described in this section is adopted and becomes effective under sections 303.58 and 303.59 of the Revised Code, no person shall file, and the power siting board shall not accept, an application for a certificate, or a material amendment to an existing certificate, to construct, operate, or maintain a utility facility in a restricted area where the construction of such a utility facility is prohibited by the resolution. Last updated July 23, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Section 303.61 \| Public meeting before power siting board application for certificate or amendment. Effective: October 11, 2021 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 52 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) At least ninety days, but not more than three hundred days, prior to applying for a certificate from the power siting board, or a material amendment to an existing certificate, for a utility facility, to be located in whole or in part in the unincorporated area of a county, the person intending to apply shall hold a public meeting in each county where the utility facility is to be located. (B) The applicant shall provide written notice of the public meeting to the board of county commissioners of the county, as well as the boards of trustees of every township in which the utility facility is to be located within that county. Notice shall be provided at least fourteen days prior to the meeting. (C) At the public meeting, the applicant shall provide the following information: (1) The person intending to apply for a certificate shall provide the following information to the board of county commissioners: (a) Whether the utility facility will be: (i) A large wind farm; (ii) An economically significant wind farm; or (iii) A large solar facility. (b) The maximum nameplate capacity of the utility facility; (c) A map of the proposed geographic boundaries of the project within that county. (2) The person intending to apply for a material amendment that makes any change or modification to an existing certificate shall comply with the requirements of this section when providing information regarding that change or modification to the board of county commissioners. (3) All of the information described in divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section shall be submitted to the board of county commissioners in written form. Last updated July 23, 2021 at 4:44 PM
Section 303.62 \| County commissioner prohibition or limitation resolution after public meeting. Effective: October 11, 2021 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 52 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Not later than ninety days after the public meeting described in section 303.61 of the Revised Code regarding an application for a certificate, or a material amendment to an existing certificate, for a utility facility, the board of county commissioners may adopt a resolution that does either of the following: (1) Prohibits the construction of the utility facility that is the subject of the certificate; (2) Limits the boundaries of the proposed utility facility to a smaller geographic area of the county, completely within what was proposed by the applicant. (B) If no resolution is adopted within the time required under this section, the application may proceed as filed with the power siting board. (C) No resolution adopted under this section shall prevent an applicant from filing another proposal for consideration by the board of county commissioners at a later date. Last updated July 23, 2021 at 4:44 PM
Section 303.65 \| Claim preclusion and zoning appeals. Effective: October 3, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 21 (GA 135), House Bill 33 (GA 135) PDF: Download Authenticated PDF A final judgment on the merits issued by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to its power of review under Chapter 2506. of the Revised Code, on claims brought under this chapter, does not preclude later claims for damages, including claims brought under 42 U.S.C. 1983, even if the common law doctrine of res judicata would otherwise bar the claim. The general assembly intends that this section be construed to override the federal sixth circuit court of appeals's decision in the case Lavon Moore v. Hiram Twp., 988 F.3d 353 (6th Cir. 2021). The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation. Last updated August 30, 2023 at 3:32 PM
Section 303.99 \| Penalty. Effective: June 14, 2000 Latest Legislation: House Bill 544 - 123rd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Whoever violates sections 303.01 to 303.25 of the Revised Code shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars for each offense.