Buckeye Lake adopts new zoning code after unanimous vote

The Buckeye Lake Village Council adopted a revised zoning code and map on June 8, 2026, passing Ordinance 2026-15 as amended by a unanimous vote. Councilor John Lemmon moved to adopt the ordinance as amended; Councilor Douglas Keener seconded and the roll-call vote was 7–0 in favor.

Development Director Olivia Newbold presented changes from a Development Proposal to the proposed zoning code and discussed those revisions with council members. Councilor Kellie Green proposed an "It Takes a Village" recognition program to highlight a person or business in the village; Newbold also outlined plans for expanded electronic communications to keep residents informed.

A motion by Council President Tom Wolfe, seconded by Councilor Douglas Keener, added amendments from the Development Proposal exhibit before the final adoption; that motion also passed 7–0. During public comment, Kame Cookston of 113 Anchors Way told council that "the revision on June 3 does not address many of the items that were talked about at the last meeting so she cannot comment," signaling some residents still expect further changes.

Council members described the adopted code as a framework they expect to refine over time. Councilor Deb Julian said the document should help guide the village into its next decade of growth and called it "a living, working, breathing document" that can be adjusted as needed. Councilor Kellie Green said the Village Spotlight idea and other outreach efforts are intended to support local businesses.

The ordinance replaces the official zoning code and map for Buckeye Lake; council members voted to adopt it during the third-reading portion of the meeting. Councilor Don Cable asked that a future review consider driveway-length standards as an additional amendment to be taken through the proper review channels.