Council adopts rezoning for Franciscan University dormitory; ordinance effective March 5

Steubenville City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-2 on Feb. 3, 2026, rezoning ten parcels at 1235 University Boulevard from an I-1 General Commercial and Industrial district to a 'P' Public and Semi-Public district to permit a dormitory use for Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Mayor Ralph Petrella opened the hearing and read the final reading: "You’ve heard the third and final reading of Ordinance No. 2026-2." Planning staff had recommended approval in a written report read into the record by the clerk, citing consistency with the city’s Comprehensive Plan (future land use: Community Commercial and Civic Institutional) and availability of public water and sanitary sewer. Jim Harkin stepped forward to present a project drawing to council during the public comment opportunity.

Council called the question and, on roll call, voted all ayes; Mayor Petrella declared the ordinance duly adopted. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect March 5, 2026. The rezoning was also the subject of a unanimous positive recommendation from the Steubenville Planning and Zoning Commission, which sent its report and the staff letter to council for consideration.

What happens next: because the ordinance passed at third reading, the zoning classification change will be effective on the date stated in the ordinance unless modified by subsequent council action or a timely legal challenge. The council record includes the staff letter and Planning & Zoning recommendation as part of the official minutes.