Defiance Council rezones two parcels to support industrial and residential projects

The Defiance City Council on Nov. 11 adopted two rezoning ordinances designed to advance development along Baltimore Street and at Maumee River Crossing.

The first ordinance rezoned roughly 34 acres on Baltimore Street to M-2 Limited Industrial to enable an industrial park consistent with the city's comprehensive plan. "The ordinance here before you is the final step to amend the zoning map," said Mister Donahoe, describing the amendment and noting that Rod Rittenhouse, a principal of the applicant LLC, attended the meeting.

After a motion to suspend the rules, council members voted to adopt the ordinance. Councilmember Corbett moved to adopt the ordinance and the motion received a second; the roll call showed unanimous affirmative votes and the president declared the ordinance adopted.

The second rezoning concerned a 1.805-acre parcel at Maumee River Crossing to be rezoned from business/general categories to R-2 medium-density residential for single-family housing. Staff noted an inconsistency in the applicant's paperwork that listed 0.276 acres; no subdivision of the parcel had occurred to explain that discrepancy. Mister O'Donnell said the ordinance on the floor was correct and asked for a full three readings when required. The council moved, seconded, and adopted the ordinance by roll call.

Both rezoning measures were described as final steps to amend the zoning map under the city's planning code and were adopted after motions to suspend the rules and standard roll-call votes.

What happens next: With the ordinances adopted, applicants may proceed with development plans in line with the updated zoning; staff indicated the city will continue to monitor required notices and any required school-district notifications tied to those rezoning steps.