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Brimfield trustees remove clause to bar housing in conservation districts
Summary
The Brimfield Board of Trustees voted July 6 to remove a zoning code clause (section 400.1 b 56 l 1) that allowed ownership arrangements such as condominiums in conservation developments, a change officials say will prevent housing inside conservation districts. The change takes effect in 30 days.
Brimfield Township trustees voted July 6 to adopt a zoning text amendment removing language that had allowed ownership arrangements — including fee-simple lots and condominiums — within conservation developments.
Zoning and economic developer Mike Ladd told trustees the clause (section 400.1 b 56 l 1) “states ownership any ownership arrangement including but not limited to fee simple lots and condominiums is permitted in a conservation development.” Ladd said the provision “defeats the purpose of the conservation area” and that the zoning commission recommended removing it to prevent housing in conservation districts.
The board held a duly advertised public hearing before the vote; no members of the public spoke on the amendment. After testimony from the zoning staff and confirmation that regional planning had approved the change, trustees approved the amendment by roll call. The chair noted the amendment will take effect 30 days from the meeting date.
Supporters said the change clarifies the township’s intent to preserve open space designated as conservation, limiting types of development that had been permitted under the earlier wording. Ladd said developers may still construct limited features in open space under certain sections (for example, under a five‑acre allowance), but the amendment removes a pathway to higher‑density ownership arrangements in conservation zones.
Trustees and staff said the zoning commission will continue work on related code chapters, including agricultural chapter edits and specific restrictions for data centers, and that the commission will hold its next meeting July 9.
