Perrysburg: Revision of planning, zoning set
1/12/2005Perrysburg is preparing for the first complete revision of its planning and zoning code since the regulations were written in the 1960s.
"Over the years, we've done a series of patchwork and amendments to the code here and there," Councilman Tim McCarthy said. "We thought it was time to take a comprehensive look at the code."
City officials are seeking a consulting firm to help revise the code, which regulates many aspects of development in the city. A selection committee including several city administrators will review proposals from consultants and forward a recommendation to Perrysburg City Council, which will likely choose a consulting firm in March, said Rick Thielen, the city's planning and zoning administrator.
Revising the code is expected to take about eight months. A 12-member advisory committee made up of administrators and community members will oversee the update of the planning and zoning code.
"The advisory committee will be a sounding board for the consultants," Mr. Thielen said. "They will provide input and advice about how best to present the changes to the general public."
The city plans to hold a series of public meetings to hear suggestions on the planning and zoning code from residents and other interested people, such as developers.
Mr. Thielen said he will attend meetings of local civic groups over the next few months to encourage public comment during the revision process.
"I'm going to go out of my way to solicit broad participation from the community," he said.
City officials said they will look at revising all sections of the code, but are particularly interested in examining the types of zoning districts, updating the code to deal with current building techniques and materials, and reconsidering parking requirements.
"I've personally had a concern for many years that we require far more parking than is needed," Mr. McCarthy said.
Many of the revisions will involve rearranging the code to better incorporate rules passed over the last few decades.
"We want to organize the code better," Mr. Thielen said. "It needs to be in order so the common person can read and understand it."