Broadview Heights Council proposes outside review of zoning code; discusses parking and public training

Broadview Heights City Council discussed a multi-step review of the city’s zoning code on Jan. 5, with Mayor Samuel J. Alai and Law Director Vince Ruffa recommending outside counsel to identify gaps and draft legislation.

“Let him look at everything, come back to us,” Council President Robert Boldt said, describing the review as “a living, breathing” process that should be revisited periodically. Ruffa said Kevin Butler is “very interested in working with us” and noted Butler’s recent work assessing the city’s ordinances in litigation gives him a head start.

Councilors said the initial phase should be capped and transparent. Councilor Joe Price asked staff to provide a firm not‑to‑exceed figure before committing, saying the city should avoid a “blank check” and compare options from engineering firms or law firms. Boldt said funds are available and that any ordinance would be brought through three readings to allow public comment.

Discussion touched on specific zoning topics councilors want addressed, including parking‑lot requirements, curb cuts and ramps, accessibility and snow‑clearing responsibilities, and conditional‑use standards. Councilor Brian Wolf pressed for clearer codified requirements for curb cuts and handicap accessibility; Councilor Brian Dunlap emphasized coordination between administrative staff and council during the discovery phase.

The council also discussed training for board members. Boldt and others proposed recording a training session so new Planning Commission and BZA members can view consistent guidance. Councilors and the administration said they would consider seeking input from the county planning commission after the initial review is complete.

Next steps: staff will solicit a quote for discovery work (with a recommended cap), and the council plans to return proposed legislation and a training plan for additional review and public hearings. Boldt said he would like to place a separate vote at the next meeting to extend an expiring “small and big box” ordinance for six months to allow the code work to proceed, but no vote was recorded at the Jan. 5 work session.