To address the housing affordability crisis, many local governments are attempting to untangle decades-old zoning codes that can hamper development.
The Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Planning Commission this summer proposed not only updating its zoning code, but developing one code to rule them all: a unified zoning code for all 59 of its jurisdictions.
The plan, known as the unified zoning code initiative, “provides local governments with modern regulations that streamline development processes while developing a coordinated approach with partnering communities,” Mary Cierebiej, executive director of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, said in a news release unveiling the initiative in June.
The Planning Commission on Sept. 28 issued a request for proposals to find a consultant to begin developing the code. The initiative has six initial participant cities, including Brook Park, East Cleveland, Euclid, Maple Heights, North Olmsted and South Euclid.
Cuyahoga County has 1.2 million residents in cities, villages and townships that range from dense urban areas to small suburban communities, many of which have outdated zoning codes that are often incompatible with development needs, the commission said. Cleveland, which serves as the county seat, has been in the process of updating and implementing its own form-based zoning code.
“Many communities lack updated zoning maps or rely on outdated hard copy versions, further complicating redevelopment efforts,” the Planning Commission said.
Localities that opt in to the county’s unified zoning code will be able to adopt, administer and enforce the new code and be part of a centralized online zoning map.
“Developing a Unified Zoning Code all communities in the County could use would greatly benefit our community in ensuring we have the most up-to-date zoning code possible,” South Euclid, Ohio, Mayor and Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Board member Georgine Welo said in a news release.
Money could be a barrier for some local governments. Comprehensive zoning updates in Cuyahoga County regularly exceed $200,000 per community, according to the Planning Commission.
“Many communities seek assistance for full zoning code updates or only have the resources to undertake small pieces at a time,” the Planning Commission said. “The UZC process allows multiple community zoning codes to be updated at once and adds the benefit of regional collaboration and ongoing maintenance support.”
The Planning Commission said it anticipates working with a zoning consulting firm, legal advisors and its approximately 20-person in-house staff to maintain the unified zoning code.
The initiative has three funding partners: the Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga Land Bank and Akron Cleveland Association of Realtors.
“Our county is mainly built out, and new approaches are needed to repopulate our communities and build upon existing infrastructure,” Cierebiej said. “The Unified Zoning Code initiative supports neighborhood reinvestment by giving communities a faster, more cost‑effective path to updated zoning.”
