Dear Property Owner or Agent:
The attached application must be completed if you wish to petition for approval to use your property in a way not expressly permitted by Oakwood’s Zoning Code. There are two points to consider as you begin the process of seeking an exception to the code.
First, our city is a very special place and we are proud of its unique heritage and character. In large part, the community's ambiance and property values can be linked directly to the strict enforcement of a zoning code that governs the use of property throughout the city. Our regulations are in place to protect you as well as the neighborhood in which you live or work.
Second, the Oakwood Zoning Code is a "permissive" one. That is, regulations prescribe the permitted property uses. If the code does not specifically "permit" a use, it is either prohibited or allowed only as a "special use", "conditional use" or "variance."
Our City Charter and Zoning Code provide for the establishment of a Board of Zoning Appeals and a Planning Commission. Both bodies are comprised of citizen volunteers who are appointed by City Council.
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a five person board that hears requests from property owners who want to undertake projects that vary from the zoning rules. Besides granting variances, the BZA is also empowered to hear appeals from any order, decision or determination of the building commissioner, who is a member of city staff.
The Planning Commission also has five members and is empowered to approve or deny requests to use property under special conditions. These special conditions typically take the form of exceptions to the code and are termed "special uses." The Commission may also grant variances in specific situations and can recommend to Oakwood City Council changes in the Zoning Code itself.
It is important that you clearly understand the code as it relates to your specific circumstance; the code is available in its entirety on the city’s website. City staff stand ready to assist you through the application process. We are here to interpret and enforce the code, and also make sure you have submitted all of the information necessary to properly process your application. At times during the process, we may request additional information or documents. The actual time it takes to complete the process is dependent upon the complexity of an application and the completeness and accuracy of the supporting documentation.