Frequently Asked Questions
What is a township’s role in planning?
The powers of townships are governed by the laws contained in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Townships are permitted to regulate land uses by adopting zoning regulations contained in a document called a zoning resolution, The residents of Jerome Township originally adopted a zoning resolution in November of 1957. In addition to adopting zoning regulations, a township may draft and adopt a comprehensive plan. ORC Chapter 519 indicates that zoning regulations should be adopted in accordance with comprehensive plan. In a township context, it is important that the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations work hand-in-hand but are distinct in their individual purposes. A township also partners with a county or regional planning commission and other regional partners to plan for the future of the community. Jerome Township is a member of the LUC Regional Planning Commission and also participates in the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
What is a comprehensive plan?
A comprehensive plan is generally described as a broad policy document a community develops and informs decision making over a long-term planning horizon. It is a community-based vision for the future development of Jerome Township. The plan is intended to guide future land use development decisions, guide provision of community amenities and facilities, as well as guide the location and timing of infrastructure investment. Comprehensive plans are generally designed to plan for the next 20 to 30 years with regular review, with updates occurring every five years.
What does a comprehensive plan do, and not do?
A comprehensive plan is a high-level planning document to be used to inform decisions by local government officials, including the Regional Planning Commission, Township Zoning Commission, and Board of Township Trustees. Additionally, a comprehensive plan does serve as a guide for where and how development should occur – how the character of the community is defined.
A comprehensive plan is not a zoning code and is not intended to be applied on a parcel-by-parcel basis. A comprehensive plan does not establish allowable or prohibited uses and does not establish required development standards. While intended to be used to inform decisions by public officials, including the Board of Township Trustees, a comprehensive plan does not prescribe the decisions made by Township officials
Why now?
The Township last updated its comprehensive plan in 2008. While many of the community goals may remain unchanged, the Township looks and feels different than when during the last update. With ever-building regional development pressures and new residents moving to Jerome Township, now is the time to review what the current Township Comprehensive Plan has accomplished since 2008 and refine goals the Township wants to achieve moving forward.
Why is it important to update the comprehensive plan? Why do we need a comprehensive plan?
A comprehensive plan sets goals and action items for a community to pursue. These items are based on a snapshot in time of demographic and development trends in concert with the desires of the community. Over time, a comprehensive plan should be updated to reflect current trends, evaluate successes, and identify areas for improvement. An update to the Township’s current plan is needed to reflect changes in the community, establish priorities, and create a framework for sound decision-making over the next decade. Jerome Township has grown significantly since 2008 and now is the time to update our community profile and develop strong policies to maintain our quality of life and improve our quality of place.
How will the community be involved?
The Township officials, employees, and the planning consultant are committed to an open and inclusive process. All interested parties, regardless of experience, are encouraged to participate. Your experiences and perspective are critical inputs.
How can I get involved in the process?
As a resident, employee, or business owner in the region, you have a stake in and opinions about the future and how to maintain and improve the region’s high quality of life. The Jerome Township Comprehensive Plan update process offers multiple opportunities to share your perspectives on the special qualities to protect and the challenges to overcome. Your contributions to this conversation are essential; learn more and get involved!
Will this affect my home?
In short, no. The Comprehensive Plan, while applicable to the entire Township, is not intended to be applied on a parcel-by-parcel basis to regulate property. The comprehensive plan is intended to be a high-level guide to inform decision making by public officials, including the Board of Township Trustees. This update to the comprehensive plan will not amend any regulation contained in the Township Zoning Resolution, or otherwise affect any other existing regulation.
Where will this lead?
Ultimately, this process will lead to an updated comprehensive plan for Jerome Township. The planning team, using input received through this process, will analyze current trends in the community and create action items to be included in the plan. These action items serve as a guide to be used by the Township to achieve its goals.
When will the process be complete?
The Jerome Township Comprehensive Plan update process will last approximately 12-14 months, ending in late March or early April of 2024.
Who’s leading the process?
The Jerome Township Comprehensive Plan update was initiated by the Township’s Board of Trustees and Zoning Commission. The planning project consultant is MKSK, a collective of Planners, Urban Designers, and Landscape Architects. The Trustees, Zoning Commissioners, employees, and planning consultant are committed to an open and inclusive process and will engage stakeholders at key points in the project. Learn more about engagement on the “Get Involved” page.
How can I follow the progress or receive project updates?
Ready to get involved or read more about the process? Please review the “Get Involved” page to sign up for project updates, complete a community survey, or information on community meetings.
