At the October 22, 2015 meeting of the Bethel Township Zoning Commission, the commissioners approved changes to Article 36 of the Zoning Regulations. Article 36 of the Zoning Regulations governs the sign regulations for commercial signs erected throughout Bethel Township.
The first regulation that the commissioners voted to change was to Section 36.08 (D), which regulates temporary signs. The new regulations reduce the maximum permitted size from 32 square feet to six square feet for any architect, engineer or contractor when building in the township. In addition, under the old regulations, the temporary signs had to be removed when construction was completed. The new regulations specify that the signs must be removed within 30 days of completion.
The number of signs allowed remains at one sign per street front for the location.
In addition, the commissioners modified section 36.10 (B) governing all business, industrial, factory and agricultural districts. The new regulation reduces the maximum height of a commercial sign from 35 feet to 10 feet. Only one ground sign and one wall sign are permitted on each street front. In addition, the wall signs cannot project above the roofline.
Furthermore, the zoning regulations for A-2 General Agriculture were expanded to include A-1 Domestic Agriculture. According to Jeff Green, Planning and Zoning, “The only difference between the two agricultural districts is the acreage. A-1 must be a minimum of five acres; whereas, A-2 must be a minimum of 20 acres; however, both districts can operate the same types of business.” Therefore, the commission thought it was prudent to for the two districts to fall under the same sign regulations.
In addition, Green reported that the Miami County Zoning Board reviewed the new regulations on October 20, 2015 and unanimously approved the changes. According to Green, they specified that the changes would strengthen the townships zoning regulations.
John Berbach, Bethel Township Zoning Commissioner said, “I expect to have more discussions concerning signs in the future with more development along SR 201 and 202 and US 40.”
The Bethel Township Trustees will hold a public hearing on the amendments on November 10, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the township building. The trustees will vote on the amendments on November 24, 2015 at their regular trustee meeting.
The Zoning Board is tentatively scheduled to meet on November 19, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. pending the request of cases for the Bethel Township Zoning Regulations.
