Clearing Up Misconceptions About Issue 19
Unfortunately, there has been some confusion due to inaccurate information circulating about Issue 19. We sincerely appreciate the residents who have taken the time to reach out directly to the city for clarification. Our goal is to provide you with clear and accurate answers, so please don’t hesitate to contact our Economic Development Director, Rebecca Ziegler, at 330-963-6154 or RZiegler@twinsburg.oh.us if you have any additional questions.
You can also send questions to me at gregbellantwinsburg@gmail.com or send them via the contact form.
Below are some of the recent questions we’ve received and the city’s responses to help clarify any misunderstandings.
QUESTION #1
Is it true that passing Issue 19 would allow for an additional 220 row houses to be built in the district requiring parking and government services to support them?
ANSWER
No, this is not a change. The current zoning code already allows for up to 220 townhouses, which could be built now if a developer had a large enough site and their plan met all the required standards. The 2014 and 2021 Comprehensive Plans included a conceptual site plan for potential development in the downtown core, featuring mixed-use residential and commercial buildings, as well as townhouses. However, despite the plan being in place for a decade, this type of development has not materialized. Issue 19 (the Zoning Code Update) does not alter these permissions. In summary, townhouses are allowed under both the current and proposed zoning.
QUESTION # 2
Also, will the configuration of I-480 and SR-91 and the intersections around the Square be impacted per the Comprehensive plan?
ANSWER
Simply put, no. It’s also important to note that the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code are two separate documents. Issue 19 does not impact the Comprehensive Plan.
QUESTION #3
Is this statement true? The new zoning code would leave these parcels zoned PF (Public Facilities). No residential or commercial development could be built here.
ANSWER
Yes, that’s correct. The city-owned land at SR 91 and Glenwood Drive is proposed to be rezoned to the Public Facilities District, which would no longer permit residential or commercial development. Please refer to the attached screenshot for the permitted uses in the PF zone (Public Facilities Zone #1 | Public Facilities Zone #2). You can find the full zoning code on the Together Twinsburg project page here, https://together.mytwinsburg.com/city-of-twinsburg-zoning-code-update
QUESTION #4
HOWEVER, an R-5 cluster home clause was then added to the PUD district in the rewrite of the zoning code as a conditional use.
ANSWER
This is incorrect. We did not add any cluster home provision to the PUD. Cluster homes are already permitted in the PUD district, which includes Ethan’s Green. However, that area is fully developed. It’s important to understand that PUDs are governed by a development agreement, similar to how an HOA operates. For example, if the City allows three sheds in your backyard but your HOA has stricter rules, you must follow the HOA’s regulations.
QUESTION #5
A CONDITIONAL USE CAN BE APPROVED FIRST BY OUR PLANNING COMMISSION AND THEN CITY COUNCIL WITHOUT IT BEING PUT TO VOTERS. IF Issue 19 passes, then this clause would be there to allow the City to by-pass a vote of the people.
ANSWER
No, Issue 19 does not introduce any provision allowing the City to bypass a public vote. Conditional uses are defined in the zoning code as those requiring special review. The conditional use permit process is standard across municipalities in the United States and typically begins with the Planning Commission. In Twinsburg, this process also starts with the Planning Commission, but we add an extra layer of oversight by requiring City Council to review conditional-use permits. This includes a public hearing. The City Charter still mandates that any zoning changes be put to a public vote.