Legislative Update #13

Monday, July 20th, Bowling Green City Council held a regular meeting. Four pieces of legislation were introduced and three were adopted. Prior to the meeting, the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee held a public hearing on Ordinance 9365 and the Finance Committee heard a second quarter update from the Finance Director.

Resolution 3912 amending and adopting Chapter 156 of the Codified Ordinances of BG, regarding Access Management Policies and Guidelines was introduced. Updates to the Access Management Policies and Guidelines were presented to the Planning Commission on June 3rd. It regulates access points to public roadways. A public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th at 6:10 pm.

Ordinance 9368 amending the zoning district map of the City of BG for approximately 22 acres at the southeast corner of South Dunbridge Rd and Expressway Dr, from Interstate Commercial to Institutional zoning was introduced. The Planning Commission recommended approval after a public hearing at its July 1st meeting. At that meeting, the applicant presented a plan for an assisted living facility at the property. A required public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th at 6:25 pm.

Ordinance 9369 accepting annexation of approximately 0.84 acres of land located at 1200 Sand Ridge Rd in Plain Township, Wood County, Ohio from Michael Q. McNamara, agent and petitioner, was introduced. The Planning Commission recommended approval at its July 1st meeting.

Ordinance 9370 establishing interim zoning of R-1 Low Density Residential Zoning for the approximately 0.84 acres of land located at 1200 Sand Ridge Rd and recently annexed to the City as petitioned by Michael Q. McNamara was introduced. The required public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th at 6:40 pm.

Ordinance 9363 authorizing the Utilities Director to enter into a contract with PowerSecure, Inc for the PowerBlock Voltage Conversion Project was adopted. This project involves replacing a transformer in order to use a generator at the Water Pollution Control Facility for back up power. The generator has been used for peak shaving and back up power in the past, but a voltage upgrade a few years ago necessitates a new transformer in order for use as a back up once again. Funding will come from the 2026 Electrical Capital Reserve Fund.

Ordinance 9364 authorizing the Utilities Director to sell surplus electrical equipment no longer needed for municipal purposes was adopted. This will allow the City to sell the transformer being replaced.

Ordinance 9365 amending and adopting changes to Section 150.44(J)(6)(b) of the Codified Ordinances of BG, regarding Accessory Uses was adopted. One member of the public spoke in support during the public hearing and lobby visitation. This changes the language under Specific Use Regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the zoning code. Currently, one of the dwelling units on any lot with an ADU must be occupied for at least 180 days per year by the owner of the lot or structure, or if it has multiple owners or is owned by a corporation, one of those owners or one of the members of the corporation must occupy one of the dwelling units for at least 180 days. The proposed change would require one of the units on a lot with an ADU be the principal residence of an owner. In the case of ownership by corporation, one of the dwelling units would need to be the principal residence of a member of the corporation who has at least 50% ownership in the corporation. This change brought the rule more in line with the original intention of owner occupancy. While this passed unanimously, multiple members stated an interest, as consistent with Council goals, in reviewing this and other parts of the zoning code for impacts on housing supply. I think our community is in agreement that housing costs are high and we would like to see an increase in the type and supply of housing. If we have rules that are hindering the production of housing, they should be reexamined with the public.

 The next meeting of City Council is Monday, August 3rd at 7 pm in Council Chamber.

Resolution 3911 authorizing an application and contract with ODOT for funding a roundabout at W Wooster and Wintergarden and Ordinance 9367 regarding Low-Speed Micromobility Devices will receive third readings and votes.

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