WHAT IS ZONING?

Communities use zoning to protect the health, safety and welfare of its residents. Zoning preserves the character of our communities by allowing certain types of development in specific areas – keeping factories out of residential districts and neighborhoods out of retail districts. Of course, at some point, those uses may be adjacent to one another. Through its height and setback controls, zoning ensures sufficient light and air at street level so communities would not be dark and dreary canyons.

There are generally four types of zoning districts. Commercial zones allow things such as office buildings and retail stores. Factories and warehouses are found in industrial zones. Residential zones consist of houses, condominiums and apartment buildings. Planned unit development districts allow a combination of uses after review of the Township Trustees.

Zoning also ensures that development takes place in those areas that can support it; low density residential development in areas without sewer and water and a higher density residential in areas that have sewer and water. Major commercial and development is limited to areas with sanitary sewer and water. Development is consistent with the Township Comprehensive Plan -–its vision of the future.

In recent years, communities have been using zoning to encourage the protection of the environmental, control storm water runoff and soil erosion, and preserve historic structures and discourage suburban sprawl.

Township zoning can regulate most building and land uses. There are uses which are exempt from regulation, such as agricultural uses, public utilities, group homes as defined in the regulations, downspout locations and the issuance of liquor permits. While we may attempt to make recommendations in some of these cases, there are no township regulations to refer to for compliance or enforcement

 ZONING PERMITS:
Zoning Permits are required prior to the construction or altering of any sign, structure or building, including accessory buildings, such as a shed, deck, or unattached garage. Dog houses, fences and children’s play equipment do not require a zoning permit. However, storage sheds that are used as children’s play house shall require a permit and shall conform to applicable regulations. Permits and additional information may be obtained from the Jackson Township Zoning Department, 5735 Wales Avenue, NW, Massillon, Ohio 44646 at (330) 832-8023.

BUILDING PERMITS:
Building permits are required for commercial and some residential construction. The Stark County Building Department is located at 100 Central Plaza N., Canton, Ohio 44702, and should be contacted to determine if a permit is needed for your project at (330) 451-1770.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
Septic permits for new construction are required in areas where sewer is not available. The Health Department also requires the review of any addition to a structure located in an area where septic is used. To determine if the location of your addition or alteration will affect your existing septic system, contact 493-9904.

FENCES:
The Township does not require a zoning permit for a fence. However, we do recommend that fences be placed at least 18-24” from the property line although they may go right up to the property line.  Fences must be at least 5 ft. from the street right of way in a residential district and 10 ft. from the street right of way in commercial districts.  Fences in a residential district may not exceed 4 ft. in height in the front yard and 8 ft. in height in the side or rear yard.  The front yard area is considered to be any portion of the yard that protrudes from the front corner of the home to the street right of way.  Fences in commercial districts my not exceed 8 ft. in height. 

SWIMMING POOLS:
All above ground swimming pools three (3) feet in height or greater and all in ground swimming pools require a permit and shall comply with all setback requirements.  The square footage of the swimming pool shall not be counted when calculating total square footage of accessory structures.  A zoning permit is required.  All above ground pools with a wall height of four (4) feet or greater measured from the surrounding grade shall not require fencing; however, the pool shall be secured to prevent uncontrolled access from adjacent properties.

TRANSIENT VENDOR PERMITS:
A permit issued for a person who opens a temporary place of business outside a building or while traveling about the Township, sells, offers for sale, or solicits orders for future delivery of goods.   Charitable activities are exempt from transient vendor fees.  Transient Vendors are not permitted to solicit in residential districts of the Township. Charitable groups may solicit for donations in the residential districts provided they register with the Township first.  All charitable solicitors are provided a badge from the Zoning Department. The Jackson Township Police Department may be contacted if a solicitor attempts to sell items or solicit money in the residential neighborhoods without a badge.

INFORMATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR:  A person or business that completes an information distribution application and obtains a badge to distribute pamphlets, brochures and other information at residentially zoned properties.  However, personal solicitation or other contact with the property owner is prohibited.  Must register with the township and obtain a badge from the Zoning Department.   

INSIDE VENDOR PERMIT:  A permit issued for a maximum of 90 days for the temporary place of business for the sale of goods or services that is located within a building in the township.  Participants must register with the township and obtain a permit from the Zoning Department.

SPECIAL EVENT VENDOR PERMIT:  A permit issued for a temporary place of business for the sale of goods or services at Fairs and Festivals within the township.  Participants must register with the township and obtain a permit from the Zoning Department.

Please direct comments or inquiries to the Zoning Department, (330) 832-8023.