Minutes of the Meeting of the Rootstown Township Zoning Commission
November 15, 2010

The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission met in regular session on Monday, November 15, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at Rootstown Town Hall.

Present:
Karen Henry
Amanda Lewis
AnneMarie Mullenix
George Tishma
Helen Vari

Absent:

Also present:
Jim Mahood, Zoning Inspector
Van-Note Black, Assistant Zoning Inspector
Judy Adamson, secretary

Chair, AnneMarie Mullenix, called the meeting to order.

Everyone stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Zoning Inspector Jim Mahood reported an increase in the number of home building permits in the last month. Business opportunities have been sparce.

Mrs. Mullenix thanked Mr. Black for taking her on a tour of the township recently to familiarize her with the history of zoning issues over the years.

Following last month’s discussion on the gray area of the portion of the zoning regulation which covers fencing in conjunction with swimming pools, the group again brainstormed suggestions on how it could be clarified. Railing, fences, and walls, all were discussed at length.

Much discussion followed on the pros and cons of the best way to clarify the text.

George Tishma made a motion to amend Section 310.09 I 1 as follows: “Every pool defined as a structure shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall not less than 4 feet in height which shall not exceed 6 feet in height above the natural grade”. Amanda Lewis seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Karen Henry, YES; Helen Vari, YES; George Tishma, YES; Amanda Lewis, YES; and AnneMarie Mullenix, YES – passed 5/0

The above-proposed amendment will be forwarded to the Portage County Regional Planning Commission for review and recommendations and to the Prosecutor’s office for legal review prior to approval at the next regularly scheduled Zoning Commission meeting.

George Tishma made a motion to approve the October Zoning Commission meeting minutes as presented. Helen Vari seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

Continuing their review of the tentative goals to complete as time permitted for the group, the topic of allowing duplexes to be grandfathered in areas which are within a certain distance of existing duplexes was next. The removal of the limitation was recommended in the Addendum to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Section 390.06 (Conditional Use Regulations) W states that 300-ft. is the distance which a two-family unit may be built in locations where two-family dwellings exist. The Comprehensive Land Use Addendum of 2004 recommendations included limiting duplexes to V-C and R-V zones and should blend into the existing setting in terms of size, bulk, and design.

Karen Henry made a motion to propose an amendment to change Section 390.06 W as follows:

W. Two-family Dwelling Units shall comply with the following: 1. Two-family units may be approved in locations where the proposed site is within 300 150 feet of an existing two-family dwelling, or a non-single-family residential district.

George Tishma seconded the motion and vote was as follows: Helen Vari, YES; Amanda Lewis, YES; George Tishma, YES; Karen Henry, YES; and AnneMarie Mullenix, YES – passed 5/0

The above proposed amendment will be forwarded to the Portage County Regional Planning Commission for review. A legal review will also be requested from the County Prosecutor’s office and the recommendations will be acted upon at the next regularly scheduled Zoning Commission meeting.

Following up on additional tentative goals to complete, the group next chose to follow the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Addendum policy recommendation to remove the term “designated” in regard to areas for recreational parks in the township. Originally it was suggested to select the northwest portion due to increased density; however, the residents are automobile dependent and driving to a park is a minor consideration. Any area in the township should be considered for a new park and grants applied for should take this into consideration.

Karen Henry made a motion to remove the term “designated” regarding park areas in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan as recommended in the Addendum of 2004. Amanda Lewis seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: George Tishma, YES; Amanda Lewis, YES; Helen Vari, YES; Karen Henry, YES; and AnneMarie Mullenix, YES – passed 5/0. This will be submitted to the trustees for formal approval as an amendment to the original Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

The next regularly scheduled Zoning Commission meeting will be December 20, 2010.

George Tishma made a motion to adjourn. Karen Henry seconded the motion and all ayes were heard.

__________________________________
Ann Marie Mullenix, Chair
Rootstown Township Zoning Commission

Judy Adamson, secretary