Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
June 18, 2007

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on June 18, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rootstown Town Hall.

Present:
Bob Baumgardner
Paul Galido
Richard Petro , alternate
David Ries, voting alternate
Robert Swauger
Helen Vari

Absent:
Dorothy Filing

Also present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretary

Vice Chair, Bob Baumgardner, called the meeting to order. Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Baumgardner introduced the zoning commission members, secretary and zoning inspector to the audience of three who had come to the meeting.

Zoning Inspector Jim Mahood reported it’s still rather slow and quiet for business. He said that Trustee Armentrout would like for the zoning commission to discuss the definition for single family. After reviewing the zoning resolution and realizing that it could be fine-tuned when it comes to having homes occupied by non-related persons, our regulations could be tightened up. Perhaps the zoning commission can seek Regional Planning’s advice for wording choices compared to what the Ohio Revised Code allows and see if it compares to other townships. The zoning districts of R-1 and R-2 single-family residential might be unclear with listing unrelated individuals living in a home.

Rob Swauger made a motion to investigate the possibility of tightening up the definition of single-family residence through Portage County Regional Planning Commission. Paul Galido seconded the motion. Vote as follows: David Ries, YES; Rob Swauger, YES; Paul Galido, YES; Helen Vari, YES; and Bob Baumgardner, YES. Passed 5/0

Mr. Mahood also informed the group the Trustees will hold a public hearing to approve or deny the games of skill proposed amendments on July 10, 2007.

Helen Vari made a motion to accept the May 21, 2007 Zoning Commission meeting minutes as presented. Rob Swauger seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

Mr. Baumgardner asked if the audience members were there for business. If so, the timeline could be changed so as not to hold them up. Audience member, Michael Chrin, 3134 Tallmadge Road, stated that he attended to hear the discussion of outdoor furnaces. Zoning Inspector Jim Mahood explained that the trustees had requested the zoning commission look into the county regulations and possibly the state regulations to see if the township could apply the same to be put in the zoning resolution. At the current time, there are no regulations for outdoor furnaces in our book so nothing can be enforced.

The things basically to be looked at are for safety concerns. The idea is not to outlaw them. Setbacks from property lines and neighbors, noise, smoke and fumes, what can be burned, etc. are some of the things to be considered. Jim Mahood said proposed regulations on outdoor furnaces would be in 310.09 for permitted accessory uses and also a definition would be needed. Mr. Chrin has had an outdoor furnace for 10 years and wants to make sure he can still supply the heat and hot water for his home. He explained to the group how his system is set up, the general size of the unit, distances from the house and neighbors, etc. Rob Swauger has a family member who also has been using an outdoor unit for several years and he said if they’re used correctly almost no smoke is noticeable. It was also noted that some persons may burn toxic materials or un-seasoned wood and that might affect the neighbor’s enjoyment of their homes. The zoning districts where outdoor furnaces would be permitted is another thing to be considered.

Paul Galido made a motion to check with Portage County Regional Planning to see if they might have some suggested language for outdoor furnace regulations as well as a definition. It was noted that the EPA had presented information to Regional Planning in April. David Ries seconded the motion. Vote as follows: David Ries, YES; Rob Swauger, YES; Paul Galido, YES; Helen Vari, YES; and Bob Baumgardner, YES. Passed 5/0

Next on the agenda was the ongoing review of the Planned Residential Development regulations. Three changes have already been approved by the trustees and are now effective; however, the part about density and how it’s figured is where the group gets stalled. Due to the changing population of the zoning commission and the fact that the current members had not been part of the beginning of the discussion regarding the density formula, Mr. Mahood suggested that Bob Harris of Regional Planning might be able to help clarify the way the county and other rural townships might have determined their density regulations. The basic reasons for reviewing these regulations were to make open space requirements include useable land and to reduce density requirements and tweak setback regulations. Some of the latest developments approved were pushing the limits of minimum lot sizes and leaving open space as unusable wetlands, etc. Therefore, the township officials asked for a review which might meet the wishes of keeping the rural look in the township. Also, it is hoped to have all planned subdivisions come before the zoning commission for approval.

Rob Swauger made a motion to have the secretary contact Bob Harris of Portage County Regional Planning Commission to see if he’s available to attend an upcoming zoning commission meeting to help get this Planned Residential Development section completed, specifically the density formula. Helen Vari seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

Brief discussions followed on temporary signs (garage sales, real estate, party directions, etc.) Zoning Inspector Mahood checks regularly to make sure temporary signs are removed in a timely fashion. Signs on utility poles are prohibited.

The next regularly scheduled zoning commission will be July 16, 2007.

Rob Swauger made a motion to adjourn. David Ries seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

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Bob Baumgardner, Vice-Chairperson
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, Secretary