Small towns like Zanesfield don’t have zoning hearings all that often, but when they do, they can get costly.
The village council learned that the hard way during the recent dispute with property owner Matt Straker regarding two demolition derby cars he placed on the lawn of a centrally-located property.
Although the vehicles have now been removed, one step in the process was a board of zoning appeals hearing that village officials estimate cost several hundred dollars to conduct.
Solicitor Matt Chamberlain came to Monday evening’s meeting with a list of fees charged by other municipalities, including West Mansfield, Russells Point and Bellefontaine, among others. While Bellefontaine’s fee schedule is the most comprehensive, the West Mansfield and Russells Point examples were more appropriate for Zanesfield, Mr. Chamberlain and council members agreed.
While fees could be as high as $500 for zoning appeals and upward of $1,000 for zoning change requests, Mr. Chamberlain said based on the recent case, that he believes they are fair.
“I don’t think these fees are out of line with modern costs of doing business, even in a town of this size,” the attorney said. “The goal isn’t to recoup every dollar, but to mitigate our costs. I was shocked at the cost and time that went into preparing for the hearing.”
Read complete story in Tuesday’s Examiner.
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