Conneaut pursuing comprehensive zoning reform
He said the city identified the need for zoning reform in an update to its comprehensive plan in 2018.
'Our zoning text by and large dates back in 1982,' Sanford said.
The city needs to update its zoning codes to reflect the fact it is not 1982 anymore, he said.
'Our zoning code's just old, frankly,' he said.
City leadership is interested in reforms that work out for both residents and developers, Sanford said.
Sanford is interested in having the zoning districts have more flexibility for development and applications for development, while working to preserve historic buildings in the city, he said.
Sanford said the update has to focus on the fact Conneaut is geographically diverse, with a coastline and rural and urban areas.
'It's imperative that we are mindful of that,' he said.
Sanford was thankful for the work of previous city administrations and councils for what they could do to pursue the issue, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
Sanford is interested in having the zoning reforms done by the end of the year, he said.
'I think it's an achievable goal,' he said.
The city is still in the early stages of the project, Sanford said.
'We're essentially testing waters to get started in this,' he said.
Sanford said he wants to have community workshops to hear from residents.
None are planned yet, he said.
The city was interested in getting a grant from the Ohio Department of Development to fund the project.
Council passed a resolution approving the grant application at an April 28 meeting.
Sanford said ODD received around $2 million in requests, and had to close the window for funding applications early.
'This is something we're still going to pursue without funding,' he said.
Sanford said MS Consultants, an engineering firm the city uses, has several employees versed in the nuances of zoning reform and law, who can help the city.
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