440-969-1106, Extension 1
zoning@saybrooktownship.org
If you are planning any construction such as building a new structure, putting up a fence, sign, pool, or shed, you are required to apply for a Zoning Permit before any work is started. This applies not only to residential but all industrial and commercial buildings.
“Zoning Inspector has office hours on a part-time basis with limited hours on Tuesday and Thursday with appointments made as needed. Please call 440-969-1106 Ext. #1 to leave a message and your call will be answered. Permit applications can be picked up at the Administrative Office during regular business hours or printed from the website; completed permits may be dropped off anytime during regular business hours or deposited in the drop-box at the rear of the Administrative Office in the door.”
Dean Moore, Chairperson
Kathleen Kennedy, Vice-Chair
Kathy Feiler
Gary Carlson
Jason Keeler
Scott Russell, 1st Alternate
Vacant 2nd Alternate
Saybrook Township Zoning Commission
Contact: Daryl Upole, Chairman
440.228.0367 daryl.upole@gmail.com
The Saybrook Township Zoning Commission held their regular meeting Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 10:00AM at the Saybrook Township Hall. The next meetings will be at 10:00AM on the 2nd Wednesday of September, October, and November 2023.
The Chairman, Daryl Upole, updated the Commission that the Saybrook Board of Trustees approved the modifications to Article 4 of the Zoning Text regarding Non-Conformities. This went through the entire process including two public hearings. Under the prior zoning regulations, a home could not be re-built if it was destroyed or damaged unless it conformed to all current zoning regulations. If the existing home did not comply with current regulations, it would require the costly and burdensome process of seeking a zoning variance simply to rebuild that home. The changes that were approved allow a person to rebuild a non-conforming structure on the same “footprint” if it is not increased in size. At the public hearing, there was outstanding attendance and valuable input from the participants. The Trustees incorporated this input into the final version.
As a result of the comments and participation from residents of the Hallwood Park Association, the Trustees and Commission have prioritized exploring “Overlay Districts”. Overlay Districts are utilized to mitigate the effects of “cookie cutter” zoning. Overlay Districts consider the history, nature, and needs of specific neighborhoods. Several residents attended today’s Zoning Commission meeting to discuss proceeding with such an Overlay District. The Chairman provided email links and handouts as resources about Overlay Districts. The Trustees and Zoning Commission expressed gratitude to the participants and are eager to work with neighborhoods that have significant consensus that this is the direction they would like to proceed. The types of issues addressed in an Overlay District would be lot size, setback requirements, lot coverage, and other related issues.
An additional topic of discussion was short term rentals. The Chairperson indicated that this was on the priority list but went on the back burner while the Article 4 amendment was finalized. This will be a dual priority with the Overlay Districts. It is likely that some regulation of short-term rentals will occur, and the Chairperson indicated that significant public participation is critical in crafting a reasonable and manageable solution for Saybrook Township. The Zoning Commission encourages all residents to attend the meetings and participate. It is especially important for those with a stake in short-term rentals and the Overlay Districts to be participatory in the next few months. The Commission attempts to keep meetings to one hour, if possible, and includes public participation where appropriate.