Beaver Twp. zoning altered

NORTH LIMA -- Beaver Township Zoning Commission has amended its zoning ordinance to establish regulations for adult or sexually oriented businesses.
Among other stipulations, new adult businesses will be confined to the township's commercial district along state Route 7, an area near the turnpike. They must be at least 500 feet away from one another. According to the amendment, adult businesses include but are not limited to sexually oriented theaters, stores, bars and studios. Previously, the township has had no way to regulate adult businesses, officials said.
In other news Wednesday, the planning commission approved the final reading of the township's comprehensive land-use plan.
Township trustees must now approve the plan, which was introduced to residents in March. Officials began developing the plan, the first of its kind in the township, in March 2003.
The plan focuses on governing land use in the township while addressing ways the township can maintain and increase an economic base, manage environmental resources, coordinate transportation and maintain facilities and services.