Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Code Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Findlay staff propose zoning-code clarifications on treatment centers and craft‑beverage uses, add extension process; data centers not permitted under current代码
Summary
Staff proposed clearer definitions for outpatient and inpatient treatment centers, added craft‑beverage facility language, moved public parks to permitted uses, introduced a 12‑month extension process (30‑day request window), and confirmed data centers are not permitted under current Findlay code without a code amendment.
City planning staff presented a package of clarifying amendments to Findlay’s zoning code, including definitions and placement of treatment centers, rules for craft‑beverage facilities, a procedure to grant limited extensions of planning approvals, and guidance that data centers are not permitted under the current code.
Matt (speaker S4) said he added definitions for outpatient and inpatient substance‑abuse treatment centers so the code treats outpatient centers as medical offices (permitted where medical offices are allowed) while inpatient facilities remain treated like nursing/convalescent homes and are subject to conditional‑use review in O‑1 districts. He said the changes are intended as clarification not to tighten or loosen where treatment centers are allowed. “Outpatient substance abuse treatment centers shall be considered a medical office,” S4 said.
Staff also recommended consolidating a craft‑beverage facility definition to cover breweries, wineries and distilleries making products on site and moved public parks back to permitted uses after discussion. S4 warned that zoning is forward‑looking and cannot revoke previously permitted uses: “Zoning cannot put the horse back in the barn,” he said, noting that retroactive restrictions can raise constitutional takings concerns.
On lapse of approval, staff proposed allowing the zoning administrator to grant a written extension of up to 12 months if requested before the approval expires, subject to showing reasonable effort, delays beyond the applicant’s control, and no substantial changes in zoning or site conditions. Commissioners requested adding a 30‑day pre‑expiration notice requirement; staff agreed to add that language and return the updated draft at the next meeting.
When asked whether data centers are permitted, S4 said the current Findlay code does not list data centers as a permitted use and that the city law director (Rob Feitner, referenced) agreed; permitting a data center would require a code amendment and legislative consideration.
The commission agreed to forward the updated language as legislation after staff incorporates the 30‑day extension notice and will revisit the proposed code text at a subsequent meeting.
