Community Development / Zoning
Frequently Asked Questions
Zoning Certificates
When do I need to obtain a Zoning Certificate?
As a rule of thumb, any construction that requires a building
permit will also require a zoning permit. Zoning Certificates are
required for new home construction, additions to homes, finishing
basement, swimming pools, storage sheds, detached garages, fences, home
occupations, new apartments or condominiums, new commercial buildings,
commercial tenant finishes, new business permits and signs. This list
is not inclusive, but does indicate the most common projects that will
require a zoning certificate. Zoning Certificates are not normally
required for remodeling projects such as kitchen or bath, new windows
or a new roof.
How do I Obtain a Zoning Certificate?
To obtain a Zoning Certificate you must complete an application
form. Applications are available at the Township Hall or on-line at
our website. This one page form provides the basic information on the
proposed project. In addition to the application form, you must
provide two (2) copies of the site plan and (1) copy of the proposed
plans for you project. There is an application fee required for each
application.
How long does it take to get a Zoning Certificate?
Most Zoning Certificates can be issued the same day over the
counter provided the application is complete. Commercial, Industrial
and Multi-Family projects will require more time due to a requirement
for a site plan review. Zoning Certificates for these projects can be
issued in approximately two weeks depending on the complexity of the
project.
Site Plans
What is a Site Plan?
A Site Plan is a graphic representation of the arrangement of
buildings, parking, drives, landscaping and any other structure that
is part of a development project.
When do I Need to Prepare a Site Plan?
A Site Plan is required for any request to change zoning and for
any development project other than traditional single-family homes.
Site Plans are also required for the expansion or redevelopment of an
existing non-single family structure. Site plans are required for the
following developments: new commercial/retail, office or industrial,
new multi-family projects, new mobile home parks, Any request for a
change in Zoning Classification, and the redevelopment or expansion of
any existing commercial, retail, office, industrial or multi-family
facility. This list is not inclusive, but does indicate the most
common projects that will require a site plan review.
How Do I Apply for Site Plan Review?
A pre-application conference with the Director of Community
Development, which should occur prior to the completion of final
plans, is highly recommended. The applicant must submit three (3)
copies of the completed site plan and complete a one page application
form. There is a fee required for all site plan reviews.
How Long Does it Take to Complete a Site Plan Review
Most site plans can be reviewed within one to two weeks. The review
for more complex projects can take more time. During the review
process the Township may solicit comments from other agencies
including the County Engineer or the Ohio Department of
Transportation. The Director of Community Development will meet with
other Township personnel to review the plan. Depending on the
complexity of the plan, the applicant may be requested to come to a
meeting to discuss the plan.
Variance and Conditional Use
What is a Variance?
A Variance is relief from a specific requirement of the Miami
Township Zoning Resolution
Who Grants Variances?
The Miami Township Board of Zoning Appeals is responsible for
hearing and acting upon variance requests. The Board has five members
who are appointed by the Miami Township Trustees. A variance request
requires a public hearing before the Board. All adjoining property
owners are notified of the hearing and will have an opportunity to
comment on the request. The applicant must appear at the public
hearing to justify the request. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets the
first Monday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Trustees meeting room at
5900 McPicken Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150.
How Do I Apply for a Variance?
Applications for a Variance can be obtained at the Miami Township
Department of Community Development located at 5900 McPicken Drive,
Milford, Ohio 45150. Office Hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday
through Friday or online at our web site. The deadline for submitting
a Variance application is the last working day of the month in order
to make the next Board of Zoning Appeals' meeting agenda. The
applicant must submit the original and eight copies of the application
and all attachments.
What is a Conditional Use?
The purpose of a conditional use is to permit a use that would not
be appropriate generally, but may be allowed with appropriate
restrictions upon a finding that (1) the proposed use meets the
required conditions as stated in the zoning resolution, and (2) the use
or development will not have an adverse impact on adjoining
properties.
Who Grants the Conditional Use?
The Miami Township Board of Zoning Appeals is responsible for
hearing and acting upon Conditional Use requests. The Board has five
members who are appointed by the Miami Township Trustees. A
conditional use request requires a public hearing before the Board.
All adjoining property owners are notified of the hearing and will
have an opportunity to comment on the request. The applicant must
appear at the public hearing to justify the request. The Board of
Zoning Appeals meets the first Monday of each month at 7:30 PM in the
Trustees meeting room at 5900 McPicken Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150.
How Do I Apply for a Conditional Use?
Applications for a Conditional Use can be obtained at the Miami
Township Department of Community Development located at 5900 McPicken
Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150. Office Hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM,
Monday through Friday or online at our web site.
The deadline for submitting a Conditional Use application is the
last working day of the month in order to make the next Board of
Zoning Appeals' meeting agenda. The applicant must submit the original
and nine copies of the application and all attachments.
Zone Change
What is a District Zone Change?
A District Zone Change is a change to the zoning classification of
a parcel or parcels of land which is reflected on the official Zoning
Map for the Township.
How Do I Apply for a Zone Change?
Applications for a District Zone Change are made to Miami Township.
A pre-application conference is highly recommended. Such a
conference can identify potential issues that could arise during the
zone change process.
The property owner must sign the application and 18 copies of the
application and all attachments must be submitted to the Township.
Does a Zone Change Request Require a Site Plan Review?
All requests for a zone change must also include a site plan
review. All Zone Change requests must be for a specific use with a
specific plan.
What must the Zone Change Application Include?
All Applications for a Zone Change must include the following:
· Completed application with justification for the proposed zoning
district.
· A detailed site plan showing the location of all buildings,
streets, drives, parking, landscaping, signs, and other
project data;
and all adjoining properties
· A list of all adjoining property owners. The list should be on
mailing labels and four copies submitted.
What is the Zone Change Process?
A Zone Change request requires three public meetings. The process
may take 3-6 months to complete depending on the complexity of the
request.
County Planning Commission
· The first meeting is before the Clermont County Planning
Commission. The Planning Commission meets the fourth
Tuesday of each
month. The Planning Commission makes a recommendation to Miami
Township.
Miami Township Zoning Commission
· The second meeting is a public hearing before the Miami Township
Rural Zoning Commission. The Zoning
Commission meets the first
Wednesday of each month. The Zoning Commission makes a recommendation
to the
Township Trustees.
Miami Township Board of Trustees
· The third meeting is public hearing before the Township
Trustees. The Township Trustees take final action on the
zone change
request. These public hearing are set by the Trustees and will vary.
Signs
What is a Sign?
A sign is any structure, object or device that is used to attract
attention to any object, product, place, activity, organization,
business. There are many types of signs permitted in Miami Township
including wall signs, freestanding signs and temporary signs. Signs
are more fully defined and regulated in the Miami Township Zoning
Resolution.
What are the Different Types of Signs?
Below are listed three of the most common types of business
identification signs:
Freestanding Pole Sign: This type of sign can be used to identify a
business. The maximum height is 15 ft and the
maximum area is 20
square feet per face.
Freestanding Ground Sign: This type of sign can be used to identify
a business. The maximum height is 5 ft and the
maximum area is 30
square feet per face for single occupancy buildings.
Wall Sign: This type of sign can be used to identify a business.
Maximum area is equal to 1.5 square feet for each
lineal feet of
building width up to a maximum of 120 square feet.
How many Signs are Permitted?
All single occupancy retail buildings are permitted two signs,
which include a freestanding sign and wall sign. Office and Industrial
Uses may have only one sign - freestanding or wall sign.
All multiple occupancy buildings may have one freestanding
identification sign and one wall sign for each first floor tenant.
Are Temporary Signs Permitted?
The Miami Township Zoning Resolution permits temporary signs to
advertise a special event or promotion. Such signs are permitted to be
displayed for ten (10) days and are limited to three displays per
year.
What Signs are not Permitted?
Signs are not permitted within the public right-of-way and are not
permitted to be attached to any utility pole or street sign.
Any sign resembling an official traffic control sign is prohibited.
Flashing and/or animated signs are prohibited.
Is a Permit Required?
All signs require a permit before the erection of the sign except
political signs, real estate signs.
Where Do I Get a Zoning Certificate for a Sign?
Zoning Certificates can be obtained at the Miami Township Community
Development Department at 5900 McPicken Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150.
Office Hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or
online at our web site.