Miami Township Zoning
Township zoning is a local government system that divides a township’s unincorporated territory into districts to regulate land use and development. It establishes rules for where and how buildings can be used and constructed, such as by designating zones for agricultural, residential, business, industrial, or other specialized purposes, and specifying requirements for building height, size, and setbacks. The primary goals are to manage orderly growth, protect the public health, safety and general welfare of it’s residents and to maintain the character of the community. Miami Township started zoning in 1961 and currently has it’s own specific Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Resolution to help regulate land usage and regulations.
The township zoning department is located at 101 E. Herman Street in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Office hours are by appointment only.
Township Zoning Administrator – Bryan Lucas
The Zoning Administrator enforces the Miami Township Zoning Resolution, including the issuance of zoning permits for new construction, accessory structures and uses. The division of land (lot splits) requires a zoning administrator review. The Zoning Administrator has the authority to take appropriate action to correct violations of the Resolution. The Zoning Administrator is also the staff designee that assists both the Township Zoning Commission and the Township Board of Zoning Appeals.
Zoning permit applications, BZA requests, reports of zoning violations and general inquiries should be made to zoning administrator at blucas@miamitownship.net
Township Zoning Commission
The Miami Township Zoning Commission meets at the township meeting room on the first Thursday of every month at 7 pm. Meetings are open to the public.
The Zoning Commission is composed of five (5) appointed members who must reside in the unincorporated area of the township (outside the villages of Yellow Springs and Clifton). One of the primary duties of the commission is to review all proposed text or map amendments to the zoning resolution. The commission also determines whether or not specific proposed developments are compatible with the principles and requirements of the Zoning Resolution and the Comprehensive Land Use plan.
Members are appointed by the Board of Trustees for five-year staggered terms, such that the term of one member will expire each year. The board also has the prerogative to appoint two members to serve as alternates. Citizens interested in serving as a zoning commission member may submit a letter of interest to the trustees at trustees@miamitownship.net . There is currently a vacancy for one Zoning Commission alternate member.
CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS:
Jenifer Adams
Term expires 12/31/25
Jayne Brahler
Term expires 12/31/26
Brian Corry
Term expires 12/31/27
Fred Legge
Term expires 12/31/28
Mark Willis
Term expires 12/31/29
Alternates: Jane Sweet
Township Board of Zoning Appeals
The Miami Township Board of Zoning Appeals meets at the township meeting room when necessary. Meetings are open to the public.
The Miami Township Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi-judicial body composed of five (5) appointed members who must reside in the unincorporated area of the township (outside the villages of Yellow Springs and Clifton). Among its primary duties, the BZA may hear and decide appeals in such cases where it is alleged there is error in a requirement or determination made by the Zoning Inspector in the enforcement of the Township Zoning Resolution. The board may also hear and decide appeals for conditional use permits and specific requests for variance from the terms of the zoning resolution.
Members are appointed by the Board of Trustees for five-year staggered terms, such that the term of one member will expire each year. The board also has the prerogative to appoint two members to serve as alternates. Citizens interested in serving as a BZA member may submit a letter of interest to the trustees at trustees@miamitownship.net. There is currently a vacancy for two Board of Zoning Appeals alternate members.
CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS:
Amy Achor
Term expires 12/31/25
David Neuhardt
Term expires 12/31/26
Joseph Giardullo
Term expires 12/31/27
Richard Silliman (Chairperson)
Term expires 12/31/28
Eli Hurwitz
Term expires 12/31/29
For more detailed information about the duties of these boards, please consult the Ohio Revised Code Section 519.05 and the Miami Township Zoning Resolution Article 9.
