In early 2021, the city adopted a new master plan, and in January 2023, City Council adopted a new Planning and Zoning Code to replace the outdated 30 year old code. Meetings with residents during the beginning of the planning process revealed four main concerns including preserving the city’s parks and open spaces, increasing housing options, assuring the compatibility of uses and development, and transparency during the update process.
The city took these concerns into account when updating the Planning and Zoning Code, which was overwhelmingly approved by residents in a May 2023 referendum. “Our old zoning code did not have a parks and open space district, notes Mayor Ron Van Kirk. “Under the new Planning and Zoning Code our parks and open spaces are preserved and protected.”
The desire for additional housing options were also addressed. “The city owns a five-acre property on Memphis Avenue that could be a great location for a small housing development,” says Mayor Van Kirk. “The Planning and Zoning Code update allows for more flexibility in the type of owner-occupied housing that can be constructed.” He notes that the sale of the land and construction plans still required approval by city council and the planning commission.
The compatibility of uses and development is addressed in the new zoning code, explains Jeremy Rowan, economic development and planning director. That includes bringing zoning standards and uses up to date. “The new Planning and Zoning Code modernizes the types of businesses permitted in commercial areas,” he says. The new zoning code has specifically revised parking requirements, allowing businesses to have less parking if they can prove they don’t need it. There are new requirements for street trees, onsite landscaping for businesses, and enhanced bufferings where business and residential come into contact.
Much of the background research and meeting materials from the master plan and Planning and Zoning Code updates is available for review on the city website at BrooklynOhio.gov.
