Zoning on the Ballot – Issue 19 and Issue 20
There are multiple zoning related issues on the ballot for the upcoming November 5th, 2024 Election. To see a sample ballot go to the Summit County Board of Elections website and visit the VOTER LOOKUP SEARCH.
Understanding the Difference between Ballot Issues 19 and 20
Please note that Ballot Issues 19 and 20 are two entirely separate items. Issue 19 is a city-initiated proposal to update the zoning map and modernize the zoning code to benefit the entire community. In contrast, Issue 20 is a request by a private property owner to rezone a single parcel of vacant land from Commercial (C-2) to Residential (R-5) Single-Family Cluster District. Parcel No. 64-00589 is 12.3 acres located at 1816 E. Aurora Road. The concept plan proposed for this site is a cluster development indicating 38 detached single-family residential units.
Why We Need the Zoning Code Update: Ballot Issue 19
As many of you know, our City’s zoning code is the framework that determines what can be built, where it can be built, and how these standards support the overall vision of our beloved City. Over the years, our current zoning code has become outdated, inconsistent, and difficult to navigate. This update is about creating a clear, consistent, modern framework that supports our dynamic central area and maintains our cherished small-town quality of life. The goal of this update is to make our zoning code clearer, more modern, and easier for everyone to understand. It will provide more clarity around everyday uses and structures, such as composting bins, outdoor kitchens, sports courts, the keeping of honey bees, and gazebos, which our current code doesn’t even recognize.
What the Update Does (and Doesn’t) Do
Contrary to what some claim, the proposed zoning code update does not allow property owners to increase the size and height of buildings, densities, or the uses of their properties. Some of the zoning changes will reduce development on certain city-owned lots, ensuring that these areas remain free from any commercial or residential development, in line with what residents have voted for in the past.
Who was involved?
This 18-month journey to rewrite our zoning code was a community-driven process addressing concerns and implementing suggestions of Twinsburg residents, who have long voiced frustrations with our outdated code. A diverse group of participants, including residents, members of the public, and city officials, participated in various focus groups, meetings, and presentations to ensure that the updated code reflects our community’s shared values and goals.
This video, https://youtu.be/LlViy5oyotU will guide you through the details of these changes, helping you make an informed decision when casting your vote. For more information, visit the Together Twinsburg Zoning Code project page.
