What is Zoning?

Zoning is among the powers given to townships by the state (ORC Chapter 519) to regulate land use and development to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Do I need a Zoning Permit?

Activities Requiring a Certificate of Zoning Compliance

1. New Construction
• Residential homes
• Commercial buildings
• Accessory structures (e.g., garages, sheds, pole barns)
2. Additions and Expansions
• Room additions
• Decks, patios, and porches
• Garage expansions
3. Change of Use or Occupancy
• Changing a building’s purpose (e.g., residential to commercial use, commercial to commercial use)
4. Fences and Walls
• Installation of new fences or retaining walls
5. Driveways and Parking Areas
• New driveway installations or expansions
• Parking lot creation or modifications
6. Swimming Pools
• Above-ground, in-ground pool, or hot tub installations
7. Signage
• Installation or modification of commercial or residential signs
8. Garage Sales
• Garage sales must be permitted
9. Temporary Structures
• Placement of temporary buildings, trailers, or tents
10. Home-Based Businesses (Home Occupations)

• Establishing or modifying home-based business operations

Other Land Use Changes

• Subdivision of land or changes to property lines

For questions regarding whether a zoning certificate is required please contact the Blendon Township Zoning Department by email at zoningpermits@blendontwp.org or by phone at (740) 816-7229.

No permit is needed from the Township for the following:

• new/replaced shingles/tiles on a roof
• installing solar panels on a roof
• new/replaced windows or doors

 Blendon Township Board of Zoning Appeals Schedule 2025

All applications requiring public hearings by the Board of Zoning Appeals shall be submitted to the Zoning Inspector by appointment. Please contact the Zoning Department at 740-816-7229 prior to the application filing deadline to inquire if a pre-application meeting with Township staff is also required.

Any complete application received after the stated application deadline shall be scheduled for the subsequent month.

*Per the Rules of the Board of Zoning Appeals, any substantive amendments/revisions/changes to applications must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled public hearing. It is the policy of the Board to continue public hearings when amended application materials are not submitted in accordance with this rule or are submitted to the Board for review during the hearing.

Zoning Department FAQs:

What is my property zoned?

The zoning designation of each property is tracked on the Blendon Township Zoning District Map. The regulations for each zoning district can be found in the Blendon Township Zoning Resolution.

I am concerned about a property. What can I do about it?

Complaints or concerns about a property, such as tall grass, junk, illegal outdoor storage, improper use of property, general lack of upkeep, and unauthorized construction, should be submitted to the Planning and Zoning office. Inspectors will investigate and respond if necessary.

Blendon Township has adopted a property maintenance code; therefore, the Planning and Zoning office enforces restrictions established within the Zoning Resolution and the Property Maintenance Code. Nuisances, as defined and regulated by state law, can only be declared by the Township Trustees.

Please be advised that the name and any contact information recorded by the Township when the complaint is received are generally considered a public record. Such information is discoverable by anyone who makes a public records request per state law. Complaints may be filed anonymously without providing your name or contact information; however, the Township will be unable to contact you with any follow-up information pertaining to its investigation.

My property has drainage problems. What can be done?

The Township cannot, generally, address drainage problems on private property via zoning as such authority is not granted by the State of Ohio. Furthermore, Blendon Township does not have a civil engineer on staff. Residents with concerns about flooding/drainage should contact the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. A trained inspector from the district can come out to your property, evaluate the situation, and advise as to what can be done to fix the problem; however, they cannot force a neighboring property owner to remedy a drainage problem. Private disputes are handled by the court system. Alternatively, a petition, pursuant to Section 6131 of the Ohio Revised Code, can be filed with the County requesting that the County Commissioners act on behalf of a landowner.

Who do I talk to about cars and other items parked on the street?

Zoning does not have authority over the use of streets. Traffic and parking in the street fall under the authority of the Blendon Township Police Department or, in some instances, the Westerville Fire Department. The use of private streets falls under the authority of the agency or entity owning said street. Please contact the respective department, agency, or entity with any complaints or concerns about on-street parking.

Does the Township enforce covenants/deed restrictions?

No, covenants and deed restrictions are considered private law and are not enforced by Blendon Township. However, the township recommends that a property owner check with their plan’s governing board prior to submitting an application to determine if the desired improvement is permitted. Some neighborhoods do prohibit structures that are otherwise permitted by the Township's Zoning Resolution.

What is a Variance and when do I need one?

A Variance is needed when an applicant wishes to do something on their property that is not permitted by the Blendon Township Zoning Resolution. 

The Variance Application and BZA Meeting Schedule can be found on the Zoning Department's page.

The Zoning Inspector will provide the proper paperwork to the applicant, file it with the Board, and assist the applicant through the Variance process.