Ashtabula Township Zoning Department:

For Zoning Code and Forms Click Here

Zoning Office

The Ashtabula Township Zoning Office is located at 2718 North Ridge Road East in the Township Administration Building. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The township zoning inspector’s name is Ryan Whitmire and he is responsible for the general administration of zoning functions in the Township. He also enforces the zoning code, processes the zoning office records, and helps educate to protect land use, land contract, and land policy. The zoning office can be contacted by e-mail at ryanwhitmire@ashtabulatownship.com or telephone at (440) 997-9221.

The zoning office issues zoning permits for all construction projects in the township. The zoning inspector is responsible for processing applications, processing re-zoning applications, processing amendments to the zoning text, processing appeals / variances, and working with the County Health Department to enforce Health and Safety Codes. The office also responds to complaints made by township residents regarding township zoning violations.

The Ashtabula Township Zoning Text is available on this site for your review and edification. You may also obtain a township zoning application, which makes it easier to begin the process of applying for a zoning permit. The official zoning map will be updated and installed onto the website in the near future.

Township Construction, Growth, and Development

Ashtabula Township is a rapidly expanding, not to mention growing community. Our primary growth lies in the commercial areas; however we also continue to develop in the manufacturing and residential districts. We average approximately five to six new businesses per year in the township, while issuing an approximate total of 200 permits. The Ashtabula Mall Commercial Corridor has been a big asset to the township and has helped aid the surrounding areas to grow and prosper. Our township is willing to work with all developers, contractors, and engineers to help further expand our township in all facets of growth.

Zoning Permits are required for the following projects; principal structures, which may be classified as a home, business, manufacturing plant, etc., accessory structures, additions, swimming pools, fences, porches, decks, satellite dishes over 3 feet in diameter, towers, and wind electric conservation systems (windmills).

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals serves in the capacity of a “judicial branch” of zoning administration. The Board of Zoning Appeals is permitted to exercise only three functions
by the Ohio Revised Code. These would include appeals from a adverse decision made by the Zoning Inspector, variances from the required zoning rules and regulations, and the granting of Conditional Use Permits for certain land uses. They may also issue use variances on a case-by-case basis. The Township Board of Zoning Appeals is comprised of five members and one alternate who are appointed by the Township Trustees for five-year terms. They meet on Tuesday nights on an as need basis and hold up to two hearings at 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission Members are also appointed by the Township Trustees for five-year terms. The board is made up of five full-time members and one alternate. The primary duties of the Zoning Commission are to prepare the Zoning Resolution, make any changes or amendments to the text, and pass on recommendations to the Board of Township Trustees for re-zoning issues. The Zoning Commission hold their work sessions on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month , however reserve the right to cancel them if there is no business to review or discuss.