Columbiana council approves annexation first reading and forwards R3 zoning to planning commission, sets July 21 public hearing

The Columbiana City Council on May 19 took the first formal step to annex 6.279 acres in Unity Township and to pursue high-density residential (R3) zoning for that property.

Council approved Ordinance No. 26-3351 on first reading, accepting the annexation of the parcel into the city. In the same meeting the council adopted Resolution No. 26-R684 to accept the planning commission's recommendation and to send a proposed R3 zoning classification back to the planning commission for further consideration.

Council members voting during the first-reading action recorded affirmative roll-call responses. The motion and subsequent resolution were intended to secure the procedural steps that allow planning commission and the council to complete zoning and annexation work this summer.

The council was told that planning commission will consider the matter on June 9; notices must be sent to adjoining property owners and a 30-day publication period is required before a public hearing. The council set a public hearing for July 21, at which the city may vote to adopt the R3 zoning if the public process and notices are complete.

The materials presented to council identify the annexed tract as 6.279 acres referenced in the amended petition. The council and staff said the R3 classification was consistent with surrounding parcels and would simplify future land-use alignment if the annexation proceeds to completion.

Next steps: planning commission review on June 9, public notices and a July 21 public hearing; any final zoning or annexation action would occur after the public hearing and required publication period.