Panel working on code for property maintenance

By Linda Linonis

HUBBARD — The Hubbard Township Property Maintenance Code Committee evolved out of knocks on the door of the zoning- inspection department by residents who had concerns and complaints.

John Pieton, zoning administrator, said, “[The committee] grew out of citizens’ wanting properties cleaned up,” he said. “We’ve had complaints about abandoned and neglected properties.”

Pieton said some of the complaints of those on the committee have focused on high grass, garbage cans left in front of properties, run-down cars on properties, gutters falling down and siding in disrepair.

He said trustees developed a form to enlist the help of those residents who were motivated enough to visit the township building and voice concerns. On the form, township residents may volunteer to serve on the property- maintenance code committee, zoning commission and the board of zoning appeals.

The committee, which has met twice, has attracted 12-13 participants. Its next session will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the township administration building, 2600 Elmwood Drive.

The committee’s existence is temporary. Once it develops a property code, that will be submitted to the zoning commission. The commission, in turn, will conduct public meetings to garner more input. The code and additional information from the meetings will be turned over to the trustees, who also will hold public meetings on the subject. The trustees will take that information for property maintenance regulations and devise a zoning resolution,” he said.

Fred Hanley, a trustee since 1989 who also has served on the zoning commission, said the current process to resolve complaints about unkempt properties is cumbersome. What evolves from the code committee will lessen that.

Hanley said the process from the citizens’ committee to the trustees ensures that input from other township residents is garnered through the public meetings. Pieton said the township, with a population of 6,020, is changing from agricultural to residential and business. He said “instilling property pride” in residents is important.

And the description of the committee’s job on the form also notes “coding brought forward by this committee could greatly reduce the problems associated with vacant properties and improve property values in the process.”

Ray McElroy, chairman of the zoning commission, said this “grass-roots effort” was important because it’s “community-based.” He said input from residents was vital because the standards they devise will help improve property values.

A Hubbard Township pamphlet notes that zoning promotes orderly land development and compatibility. Zoning also protects public health, safety, comfort and general welfare.

Property maintenance committee: Citizens group of volunteers working on devising a property maintenance code.

Zoning commission: Reviews zoning regulations and recommends rules and guidelines to meet current needs of township residents.

Board of zoning appeals: Resolves questions of inequity raised by individual property owners.

Zoning permits: Are required when property owners want to change the use of the land by erecting, moving, adding or structurally altering a building. This includes building a house, garage, shed, deck or gazebo, installing a swimming pool or adding an addition to a house. Permits are not required for interior renovations, roof and window replacement, siding installation, driveways or walks, landscaping, concrete pads or mending fences.

Office: Zoning office is open from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays in the township administration building, 2600 Elmwood Drive, or call for an appointment. Phone is (330) 534-2161. John Pieton is administrator and Dennie Parsons, inspector. Contact the zoning office before finalizing plans for work at property.