Zoning Commission Advances Multiple Code Updates
The Northfield Center Township Zoning Commission has made significant progress on updating township codes during recent meetings, addressing enforcement responsibilities, parking restrictions, and other longstanding concerns.
During their April 14 regular meeting, the Commission approved several amendments to the township’s zoning resolution. Members voted to modify Section 690.01 to officially designate the Zoning Inspector as responsible for enforcing both the zoning resolution and the township’s exterior property maintenance code.
The Commission also welcomed Scott Peters as the new Zoning Inspector. Peters, who previously served as an alternate on the Board of Zoning Appeals, expressed enthusiasm about joining the township team, with Tim Black continuing to support field operations as Assistant Zoning Inspector.
To ensure the Board of Zoning Appeals has proper authority to hear appeals related to the maintenance code, the Commission approved adding language to Section 530.07 extending the BZA’s jurisdiction to include appeals of maintenance code enforcement decisions.
Two weeks later at their April 28 work session, the Commission tackled additional zoning challenges, particularly focusing on residents parking vehicles on their lawns – a persistent issue raised by Trustee Gene Lim.
After deliberation, members agreed to create a new section (310.15) in the zoning resolution prohibiting “parking of vehicles on a surface other than a driveway in excess of 48 hours.”
“We’re looking for habitual violators,” noted Chair Samantha Salamon. “The 48-hour timeframe allows for temporary situations like visitors while addressing problem properties.”
To support this new regulation, the Commission also worked on defining “lawn” in the township code, ultimately deciding on “all exterior space on a property, excluding all structures, driveways and landscaped areas.”
Township Service Director Rich Reville raised concerns about residents placing landscape rocks in township right-of-ways, which damages leaf collection equipment. The Commission agreed to add language to both the “landscaped area” and “right-of-way” definitions stating “landscape rocks are not permitted in the right-of-way.”
Other topics discussed included dumpster enclosures for businesses and clothing donation bins. Zoning Inspector Peters also reported making progress on several outstanding enforcement issues, including tracking down the owner of a problematic property on Leonard Avenue.
BZA Continues Hearing on VFW Electronic Sign Request
The Northfield Center Township Board of Zoning Appeals continued its public hearing on May 1, 2025, regarding the Northfield VFW’s request for a variance to install an electronic message sign at its 8584 Olde Eight Road location.
During the hearing, VFW representative Clint shared impressive statistics about the post’s community involvement, including over $602,495 in combined monetary value and labor hours contributed to various charitable causes in the current fiscal year. He emphasized that an electronic sign would help better promote their events and blood drives, noting the post has conducted 98 blood drives collecting 2,771 units of blood.
“We’re not just a bar. We’re here for the community,” he explained, adding that improved signage would help them expand their outreach.
Michelle Miller from Acre Signs presented a sample display to demonstrate the proposed electronic sign, emphasizing that it would include dimming features and could be completely turned off during non-operational hours. She noted the sign would maintain the existing stone pillars at the entrance, with only the center panel being replaced.
However, neighboring residents expressed concerns about potential light pollution affecting their properties. BZA member Jack Romanek noted that electronic message signs are specifically not permitted in Business-Residential zoning districts under township code section 420.11.5, except under extraordinary circumstances.
After discussion, the BZA voted to continue the hearing until May 15 to allow neighboring residents an opportunity to view the demonstration sign at night to better assess its impact. The board requested that the VFW and sign company work with neighbors to reach an agreement on operating hours and brightness levels before the next meeting.
Trustees Appoint New BZA Member, Discuss Township Projects
The Northfield Center Township Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on May 5, 2025, addressing several key township matters.
Among the decisions made, the Trustees appointed Eric Czerwony as an alternate member to the Board of Zoning Appeals, replacing Scott Peters who recently became the township’s Zoning Inspector. Czerwony will serve through December 31, 2027.
The Trustees also approved a $750 donation to the Historical Society of Olde Northfield, to be funded from NOPEC grant monies, and approved a new job description for a Township Program Manager position at a rate of $25 per hour.
During public comments, Life Scout Ryan Koast from Troop 82 proposed installing a new sign at the Palmer House as his Eagle Scout project. The Trustees expressed support but noted that coordination between the township and school board would be necessary since the property is owned by the school district.
Township Service Director Tim Black provided updates on the summer road maintenance program, which will include crack sealing, ditching, sinkhole repair, asphalt patching, and other maintenance work. Black also highlighted ongoing efforts to inspect and maintain the township’s 511 storm water catch basins, noting issues with debris and improper disposal of pet waste bags clogging the system.
The township will host a fire department open house on May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring touch-a-truck activities, barbecue, and ice cream.
The Trustees scheduled a public hearing for May 12 at 6:45 p.m. to discuss zoning resolution amendments and maintenance code changes before final approval.
This article provides a comprehensive review of recent Northfield Center Township activities across multiple meetings from April through early May 2025.
