Planning commission backs allowing up to two nonresident members on Landmark Commission

The Sandusky Planning Commission on April 23, 2025 voted to recommend that the City Commission adopt an amendment to the Planning and Zoning Code allowing up to two members of the Landmark Commission to reside outside the City of Sandusky if they possess required expertise and have a substantial connection to the city.

Planning staff member Ms. Blair told the commission the proposed change to section 11.61.03 grew from a Landmark Commission recommendation and staff research showing other small cities sometimes permit nonresident members when local expertise is scarce. Under the draft language, the Landmark Commission would continue to consist of seven members — including one city commissioner and six citizens — but up to two members could live outside city limits if they are property or business owners in the city or otherwise have a substantial connection as determined by the appointing body. The draft retains language that two members should have expertise in architecture, history, planning, archaeology or related fields “to the extent available within the community.”

Ms. Blair said the city has struggled to identify local candidates with the needed historic‑preservation or architectural expertise and cited one example, architect Dan Frederick, who lives in Milan and owns a historic property and a business in Sandusky.

The commission debated the change at length. Connor Whelan opposed loosening the residency requirement, saying citizen boards should be filled by local residents and warning that permitting nonresidents risks diluting local voice. Several members, including Mike Zulof and David Miller, argued the amendment merely gives the City Commission discretion to appoint nonresidents in limited cases and said outside expertise has been valuable in past landmark reviews. Commissioners and staff also discussed shades of legal definitions used on boards — “citizen,” “resident,” and “elector” — and Ms. Blair said the city requires in‑person attendance and that the draft emphasizes preference for city residents when possible.

Commissioner Mike Zulof moved to recommend the amendment to City Commission; David Miller seconded. Miss Rambo recorded roll call votes: Connor Whelan, yes; Jade Casteel, yes; Mike Zulof, yes; Jim Jackson, yes; Steve Pajali, yes; David Miller, yes. The motion passed. The Planning Commission's recommendation will go to the City Commission for final consideration.

Commission discussion also touched on implementation details asked by members: the draft does not restrict nonresidents to nearby cities, though a commissioner suggested the City Commission might opt to limit appointments to Erie County; Landmark Commission minutes and state Historic Preservation Office requirements for certified local governments were cited as part of the background for maintaining discipline‑expertise language in the ordinance.