City hires StructurePoint to review zoning code; staff to present Welcome Home Ohio proposal to school board

City planning staff told the Athens Planning Commission Nov. 20 that StructurePoint will review Title 23 of the Athens zoning code and produce recommendations to improve clarity and coherence.

“Mister Riggs” (planning staff) said the consultant will analyze the zoning code and noted the current code has accumulated amendments that do not always fit together. “They’re gonna be looking at Title 23, which is the zoning code,” Riggs said, adding the review could consider folding certain overlay districts into the zoning chapter.

Staff identified two overlay areas that could be considered during the review: the historic preservation overlay in the uptown area and the wellhead protection areas around the city’s water supply. Riggs said StructurePoint, which works with many municipalities, can provide examples of what has worked elsewhere.

Planning staff also updated the commission on the Welcome Home Ohio grant. Planner Miss Jennings said she and a colleague will present the program to the Athens City School District board to pursue purchase of the front portion of the former West Elementary School property and to invite that parcel into the Welcome Home Ohio program. “Tomorrow night, myself and Mary are going to the Athens City School District board meeting to present that particular program,” Jennings said. Staff said other city‑owned and privately owned vacant parcels have been identified as potential program sites if the school board does not participate.

Commissioners discussed the city’s interest in encouraging walkable neighborhood retail and the potential for the zoning review to support that objective; the commission did not take formal action on the consultant work or the grant update during the meeting.