Planning commission rejects rezoning request for Saybrook parcel, urges applicant to pursue PUD

The Ashtabula County Planning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 25, 2026, to disapprove a request to rezone parcel 48-003-00-094-00 in Saybrook Township from R2 to R4 and recommended that the applicant pursue a Planned Unit Development. Mr. Branch moved to disapprove the rezoning and recommend the PUD route; Ms. Friedstrom seconded and the motion passed with all in favor.

Director of Planning and Development Jake Brand told commissioners that a County Prosecutor opinion was unnecessary to resolve the zoning question, explaining that “PUD is allowed in any zone. The PUD shall only apply to property with the property owner’s approval.” Brand said the county treats a PUD as an overlay district and pointed to the application and review process under Article 13. He added that if financing or a deal falls through, “the parcel would remain in R2 zoning and the PUD would go away.”

Saybrook Township zoning inspector Jim Hudson asked about the status of the prosecutor’s opinion; Brand replied that Mr. Donald Andrus’s assertion that rezoning to R4 was required to use a PUD was incorrect. Ms. Krysa recommended that Hudson attend a zoning conference to become more familiar with PUD rules prior to any township-level public hearing.

The motion to disapprove was recorded as moved by Mr. Branch and seconded by Ms. Friedstrom. Roll call on the motion listed Aye votes from Commissioner Ducro, Ms. Friedstrom, Mr. Krieg, Ms. Kanicki, Ms. Krysa, Mr. Styzej, Mr. Branch and Chair Mr. Douglass; there were no Nays or Abstentions. The commission advised the applicant and township that a PUD application would begin with the township zoning committee or trustees under Article 13, followed by a Planning Commission review if the township approves a PUD overlay.