The Stark County Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 2 approved a zoning text amendment (ZTA0525) adding development standards for banquet and reception halls. Staff told commissioners the standards provide guidance to applicants on what the county expects for permitting and operation of such facilities.

Steve Josephson said the amendment defines expectations for applications and operations and clarified the use would be allowed in both agricultural and commercial zoning districts. "It gives them guidance as to what the county would expect and also guidance in terms of putting an application together and actually operating one of these facilities," Josephson said.

The commission opened a public hearing, heard no public comment, and approved the amendment on a roll-call vote. The amendment will be forwarded following standard procedures to the county commission for final action, per the zoning ordinance’s amendment process.