Code Twinsburg - Zoning Code Update Project

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
Comprehensive update of the city's zoning and development regulations

The City of Twinsburg is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced planning consultants to prepare a comprehensive update of the City’s Zoning and Development Regulations (Zoning Code). The current Zoning Code has seen many and varied additions and revisions since 1989, but these updates haven’t established a Zoning Code framework that supports a more user-friendly, modern and unambiguous document.

Project purpose and background
The City seeks a comprehensive update to its Zoning Code that is rooted in a vision for a dynamic central area, supports business development, increases the potential for sustainability and maintains an emphasis on a small-town quality of life. The City anticipates the update process to include extensive public outreach with a focus on performance standards, permitted and accessory uses and internal processes related to development applications. A Consultant that recognizes the importance of public outreach is highly desired. The City is envisioning an up-to-date Zoning Code that is supported by the Twinsburg community.

Status Report- November 2, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Hosted Public Workshop #2 (Open House) on 10/4/2023 (Task 2.10)
  • Met with client virtually on 10/9/2023 to debrief from Public Workshop #2 (Task 2.10) and discuss public engagement strategy (Task 1.4)
  • Met with client virtually on 10/10/2023 to debrief from Public Workshop #2 (Task 2.10)
  • Delivered revised calibration tables (Task 2.12) based on feedback from staff and open house participants

Public Open House #2 - October 4, 2023

The following documents were presented at the 2nd Public Open House on Wednesday, October 4th at the Community Center.

Status Report- October 3, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Met with client virtually on 9/8/2023 to introduce draft calibration tables and draft definitions (Task 2.4)
  • Major Milestone: Delivered draft calibration tables and draft definitions to client on 9/8/2023
  • Met with Working Group virtually on 9/13/2023 (Task 2.7) to introduce draft calibration tables and prepare for Public Workshop #2 (Open House) scheduled for 10/4/2023
  • Revised calibration tables per received feedback from staff and Working Group
  • Sent draft materials for Public Workshop #2 (Open House) (Task 2.10) to client on 9/25/2023
  • •Met with client virtually on 9/27/2023 to review draft materials for Public Workshop #2 (Open House) schedule for 10/4/2023 (Task 2.10)
  • Sent revised calibration tables to client


Status Report- September 7, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Met with client virtually on 8/2/2023 to prepare for two focus group meetings (Task 1.5), anticipated to be hosted by 8/31/2023
  • Met with client virtually on 8/11/2023 to continue preparations for focus group meetings (Task 1.5)
  • Developed substantial additions to the public engagement plan (Task 1.4)
  • Facilitated “Downtown” focus group meeting (remote) on 8/17/2023 (Task 1.5)
  • Met with client virtually on 8/18/2023 to prepare for “Housing” focus group meeting set for 8/30/2023 (Task 1.5)
  • Facilitated “Housing” focus group meeting (remote) on 8/30/2023
  • Prepared calibration tables (Task 2.4)
  • Continued preparing for Workshop #2 (Task 2.10), anticipated to be hosted on 10/4/2023

Status Report- August 2, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Prepared materials (boards, handouts, invitations) for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 7/14/2023 to review materials and setup for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Major Milestone: Hosted Workshop #1 (Task 2.8) with OHM on 7/17/2023
  • Hosted a virtual meeting with working group (Task 2.9) on 7/25/2023 to debrief from Workshop #1
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 7/28/2023 to prepare for:
    • Proposing districts/zoning map (Task 2.2)
    • Two focus group meetings (Task 1.5), anticipated to be hosted by 8/31/2023
  • Began preparation for Workshop #2 (Task 2.10), anticipated to be hosted on 10/4/2023

Results from Public Outreach Workshop #1 which was held on Monday, July 17th, 2023.

Status Report - June 27, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Delivered full draft Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7) to staff on 6/2/2023
  • Reviewed past years’ variance decisions in preparation for Module 2
  • Coordinated with OHM (subconsultants) on executing the engagement strategy and developing online tools (Task 1.4)
  • Prepared for Working Group meeting (Task 1.6 and Task 1.8) with OHM
  • Prepared draft promotional materials with OHM for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Prepared draft maps, boards, and in-event materials with OHM for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 6/7/2023 to review draft Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7)
  • Task 1.6 and Task 1.8) Facilitated Working Group meeting (virtual for consultant; in-person for other attendees) on 6/22/2023 to discuss the draft Diagnostic Report and prepare for Workshop #1
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 6/27/2023 to edit Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7) and prepare for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Major Milestone: Delivered final Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7) to staff on 6/27/2023 (full report along with an excerpt can be found in the Documents section of this webpage)

Status Report - May 2, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

• Met with staff (virtually) on 4/4/2023 to discuss and edit draft diagnostic benchmarks
• Facilitated the project kick-off in-person; touring Twinsburg, meeting staff, meeting with the Working Group and subconsultant, OHM on 4/12/2023 (Task 1.2)
• Coordinated public engagement strategy draft with OHM (Task 1.4)
• Reviewed existing planning documents in preparation for the Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7)
• Coordinated a Diagnostic Report explanatory document to follow up with the Working Group (preparation for Task 1.7)

Project Update - January 17, 2023

  • Request for proposals were due December 5th, 2022.
  • Six consultants submitted with price points ranging between $100,000 to $159,000 for this 18-month project.
  • Proposals were reviewed by a selection committee with three of the six consultants being offered a virtual interview.
  • After all three interviews were completed, the selection committee agreed unanimously on a top consultant and would like to move forward with awarding them the contract.
  • If Council approves this allocation of funds, next step will be to have them vote on official legislation at the Jan 24th meeting and the consultant would begin work immediately thereafter.

Project Update - March 17, 2023

The City of Twinsburg is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced planning consultants to prepare a comprehensive update of the City’s Zoning and Development Regulations (Zoning Code). The current Zoning Code has seen many and varied additions and revisions since 1989, but these updates haven’t established a Zoning Code framework that supports a more user-friendly, modern and unambiguous document.

Project purpose and background
The City seeks a comprehensive update to its Zoning Code that is rooted in a vision for a dynamic central area, supports business development, increases the potential for sustainability and maintains an emphasis on a small-town quality of life. The City anticipates the update process to include extensive public outreach with a focus on performance standards, permitted and accessory uses and internal processes related to development applications. A Consultant that recognizes the importance of public outreach is highly desired. The City is envisioning an up-to-date Zoning Code that is supported by the Twinsburg community.

Status Report- November 2, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Hosted Public Workshop #2 (Open House) on 10/4/2023 (Task 2.10)
  • Met with client virtually on 10/9/2023 to debrief from Public Workshop #2 (Task 2.10) and discuss public engagement strategy (Task 1.4)
  • Met with client virtually on 10/10/2023 to debrief from Public Workshop #2 (Task 2.10)
  • Delivered revised calibration tables (Task 2.12) based on feedback from staff and open house participants

Public Open House #2 - October 4, 2023

The following documents were presented at the 2nd Public Open House on Wednesday, October 4th at the Community Center.

Status Report- October 3, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Met with client virtually on 9/8/2023 to introduce draft calibration tables and draft definitions (Task 2.4)
  • Major Milestone: Delivered draft calibration tables and draft definitions to client on 9/8/2023
  • Met with Working Group virtually on 9/13/2023 (Task 2.7) to introduce draft calibration tables and prepare for Public Workshop #2 (Open House) scheduled for 10/4/2023
  • Revised calibration tables per received feedback from staff and Working Group
  • Sent draft materials for Public Workshop #2 (Open House) (Task 2.10) to client on 9/25/2023
  • •Met with client virtually on 9/27/2023 to review draft materials for Public Workshop #2 (Open House) schedule for 10/4/2023 (Task 2.10)
  • Sent revised calibration tables to client


Status Report- September 7, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Met with client virtually on 8/2/2023 to prepare for two focus group meetings (Task 1.5), anticipated to be hosted by 8/31/2023
  • Met with client virtually on 8/11/2023 to continue preparations for focus group meetings (Task 1.5)
  • Developed substantial additions to the public engagement plan (Task 1.4)
  • Facilitated “Downtown” focus group meeting (remote) on 8/17/2023 (Task 1.5)
  • Met with client virtually on 8/18/2023 to prepare for “Housing” focus group meeting set for 8/30/2023 (Task 1.5)
  • Facilitated “Housing” focus group meeting (remote) on 8/30/2023
  • Prepared calibration tables (Task 2.4)
  • Continued preparing for Workshop #2 (Task 2.10), anticipated to be hosted on 10/4/2023

Status Report- August 2, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 and Task 2.1 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Prepared materials (boards, handouts, invitations) for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 7/14/2023 to review materials and setup for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Major Milestone: Hosted Workshop #1 (Task 2.8) with OHM on 7/17/2023
  • Hosted a virtual meeting with working group (Task 2.9) on 7/25/2023 to debrief from Workshop #1
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 7/28/2023 to prepare for:
    • Proposing districts/zoning map (Task 2.2)
    • Two focus group meetings (Task 1.5), anticipated to be hosted by 8/31/2023
  • Began preparation for Workshop #2 (Task 2.10), anticipated to be hosted on 10/4/2023

Results from Public Outreach Workshop #1 which was held on Monday, July 17th, 2023.

Status Report - June 27, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

  • Delivered full draft Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7) to staff on 6/2/2023
  • Reviewed past years’ variance decisions in preparation for Module 2
  • Coordinated with OHM (subconsultants) on executing the engagement strategy and developing online tools (Task 1.4)
  • Prepared for Working Group meeting (Task 1.6 and Task 1.8) with OHM
  • Prepared draft promotional materials with OHM for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Prepared draft maps, boards, and in-event materials with OHM for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 6/7/2023 to review draft Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7)
  • Task 1.6 and Task 1.8) Facilitated Working Group meeting (virtual for consultant; in-person for other attendees) on 6/22/2023 to discuss the draft Diagnostic Report and prepare for Workshop #1
  • Met with staff (virtually) on 6/27/2023 to edit Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7) and prepare for Workshop #1 (Task 2.8)
  • Major Milestone: Delivered final Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7) to staff on 6/27/2023 (full report along with an excerpt can be found in the Documents section of this webpage)

Status Report - May 2, 2023

The following monthly status report is provided per Task 1.3 of the contract between the City of Twinsburg and ZoneCo, regarding the Twinsburg zoning code rewrite.

Summary

• Met with staff (virtually) on 4/4/2023 to discuss and edit draft diagnostic benchmarks
• Facilitated the project kick-off in-person; touring Twinsburg, meeting staff, meeting with the Working Group and subconsultant, OHM on 4/12/2023 (Task 1.2)
• Coordinated public engagement strategy draft with OHM (Task 1.4)
• Reviewed existing planning documents in preparation for the Diagnostic Report (Task 1.7)
• Coordinated a Diagnostic Report explanatory document to follow up with the Working Group (preparation for Task 1.7)

Project Update - January 17, 2023

  • Request for proposals were due December 5th, 2022.
  • Six consultants submitted with price points ranging between $100,000 to $159,000 for this 18-month project.
  • Proposals were reviewed by a selection committee with three of the six consultants being offered a virtual interview.
  • After all three interviews were completed, the selection committee agreed unanimously on a top consultant and would like to move forward with awarding them the contract.
  • If Council approves this allocation of funds, next step will be to have them vote on official legislation at the Jan 24th meeting and the consultant would begin work immediately thereafter.

Project Update - March 17, 2023

We are happy to answer your questions about the Zoning Code Update Plan.

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Do the buildings at Cornerstone Business Park meet the building and height requirements?

    26 days ago

    Building height and setbacks at Cornerstone Business Park meet or exceed the requirements of current code which mirrors the 1989 standards. Click the links below for more information:

    Historic 1-2 & I-3 Maximum Building Height Timeline

    Cornerstone Business Park Compliance Review

    Cornerstone Business Park Building Heights

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I keep hearing the term "development pattern districting" being referenced in the code update. Could you explain how this is different than form-based codes or conventional zoning?

    about 1 month ago

    Great question. Please reference this attached form that will hopefully break down the concepts into more easily understandable terms. Please do not hesitate to outreach to Lynn Muter, City Planner, for additional information.

    Lynn Muter: lmuter@twinsburg.oh.us 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Is the 2014 Comprehensive Plan still a valid document after the 2021 plan was approved? Are there any other old plans that are still relevant?

    4 months ago

    Yes, the 2014 Plan remains a valid document.  The 2021 Plan did not replace the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan is a traditional comprehensive plan document, while the 2021 Plan* provides a framework for sustainability as related to municipal facilities and operations. 2014 Plan recommendations and their current status are incorporated by reference in Appendix A of the adopted 2021 Plan.

    Also, the 2018 Community Connections Plan* (First Mile/Last Mile) remains relevant.

    Both the Community Connections Plan and the 2021 Plan can be found in the documents section to the right of the Code Twinsburg project page.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I did see the survey that was posted on line. I have 4 neighbors that do not have computers. How is the city going to reach the seniors since they are 31% of are community?

    Resident asked 7 months ago

    OHM Advisors, part of the Code Twinsburg update consulting team, is in process of developing a public outreach and engagement strategy specific to the Twinsburg community. Paper surveys will be made available at key city locations.

    *Update- paper surveys and collection boxes were made available at the Senior Center, Fitness Center, and City Hall Lobby from May 22nd to June 9th, 2023. These locations will be utilized again for future Code Twinsburg surveys.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    How is the Tax Increment District going to affect our schools with their current situation of precautionary fiscal watch? Has the city had a meeting with the school? How will this work with the Township and Reminderville?

    Resident asked 7 months ago

    Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an economic development tool available to local governments in Ohio for financing public infrastructure improvements.  A TIF District is typically defined by a potential redevelopment area that is currently providing reduced tax distributions because of underutilized and/or vacant properties.  Portions of the Twinsburg central area fall into this category of vacancy, underutilization and resulting limited tax benefit to the City schools.  It is anticipated that development within a central area TIF district will increase the property tax base in the District and will also provide stimulus for additional economic activity and development in the larger central area.  Specific TIF legislation has not been developed for a Twinsburg location and consequently there has been no meeting to date with the School District regarding this issue.  The Twinsburg City Schools and the City of Twinsburg continue to partner on tax abatement programs and the City schools have continued representation on the CIC Board and Tax Incentive Review Commission.  A complete understanding of measures associated with the precautionary fiscal watch should be pursued through appropriate school district channels.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Pattern Districting is not discussed in our zoning code, this is very close to spot zoning? Can the Law Director explain the differences?

    Resident asked 7 months ago

    This response has been provided by the City Planner with confirmation by the ZoneCo project manager regarding the terminology “development pattern districting” found in the Twinsburg proposal related to case studies provided in the document.

    These are two very different concepts in zoning. Spot zoning is the process of singling out a small parcel of land for a use classification totally different from that of the surrounding area for the benefit of the owner of such property and to the potential detriment of other owners. [Anderson’s American Law of Zoning, 4th Edition, § 5.12 (1995).  In development pattern districting, the districts are informed by the as-built development pattern or by desired development patterns (such as the City Center Plan for Twinsburg). It’s not purely form-based and it doesn’t ignore regulation of uses. It’s a blend between the two at a scale that has been found to be useful by ZoneCo and efficient in helping communities implement their adopted visions.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Where do I find a copy of the 2021 comp plan?

    Mailmeyers asked 6 months ago

    Click here to access the 2021 Comprehensive Plan Update on MyTwinsburg.com.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Can we please look into why the clerk of council did not have the bid when residents were asking for it?

    Resident asked 7 months ago

    The RFP required proposals to be submitted directly to the Economic Development Director. Seven proposals were received and were distributed to the proposal review team. The proposals were not provided to the Clerk of Council. The contract resulting from the review team decision was provided to the Clerk.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Who will be on this driving tour of Twinsburg?

    Resident asked 7 months ago

    The driving tour was conducted by Rebecca Zeigler, Economic Development Director, Lynn Muter, City Planner and Christopher Myers, ZoneCo Project Manager.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Can we get the procedures of how Zone Code will compare and score our current code? Can I get a copy of the Comprehensive plan they will be using. Will it be the 2014 or the 2021?

    Resident asked 7 months ago

    The process of evaluating the current code against adopted planning documents will consider both the 2014 and the 2021 plans. These Plans are available at mytwinsburg.com in the document center in the planning division file. The full 2014 Plan and the executive summary are both posted. The 2021 Plan is posted and references the 2014 goals and objectives in Appendix A. The Connecting Communities trail plan is also posted at this location. A Diagnostic Report will be provided as indicated on page 16 of the ZoneCo proposal. The resulting information will be posted on the Together Twinsburg project page.

Page last updated: 03 Nov 2023, 11:30 AM