Zoning Department

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Zoning Department

Being a semi-rural community, Auburn Township’s zoning was established to provide a firm guide for future controlled growth of our community in a balanced and orderly manner.

Auburn Township’s zoning districts were established to help guide our new growth into areas where the growth can be most reasonably supported. The majority of Auburn is zoned residential single family dwellings (about 75%).

Auburn has implemented protection for its environmentally sensitive areas and has also zoned for its passive open spaces.  About 20% of Auburn is included in these areas. The remaining areas in the township are zoned for Industrial and Commercial/Business uses.

 

Recent Messages from the Zoning Inspector

All swimming pools must have a zoning permit issued by the Township Zoning Inspector. In-ground pools, must be enclosed by a permanently constructed chain link fence or wall not less than four (4) nor more than six (6) feet in height. These fences or walls must be maintained in a safe and secure condition. All gates shall be self-closing and self-latching with a latch not readily accessible for children to open.

Above ground pools over four feet need only be secured at the entrance to the pool, as described above. If there is a deck around the pool, it must be at least four feet off the ground with the opening secured.

If your pool falls into any of the above classifications, please arrange to secure it immediately.

 

Zoning Messages

All buildings and structures, new businesses, building additions, improvements and change of uses require a Zoning Permit.  If you have a question as to whether your project requires a Zoning Permit, please contact the Zoning Office at 440-543-1660.

 

Business Use Permits issued here!

If you are opening a business in Auburn Township, please stop in and register.

 

Adding a second drive on your lot?

Contact the Zoning Department for your permit.

 

Accessory Building Guidelines

Accessory Buildings

 

Additional Information

Geauga County Planning Commission

Agriculture – The Geauga Way

Zoning Permit Fee Schedule

Zoning Department Staff

M-F: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(440) 543-1660

440-543-9520 fax

Zoning Inspector
Frank Kitko
Mr. Kitko has been the Auburn Township Zoning Inspector for over 44 years. He is a retired Kenston High School teacher and Kenston Bomber football coach. Frank and his wife Lynn and four children have lived in Auburn Township for the past 48 years . They love being grandma and grandpa to their six grandchildren and great grandparents to three.
Assistant Zoning Inspector
Jane Hardy
Ms. Hardy has twenty-six years of zoning and governmental administration experience. She has worked for Auburn Township for twenty four years in various capacities and worked for two years at another government entity. In addition, she has been the Zoning Board of Appeals secretary since 1995.

Zoning Board of Appeals

What We Do

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a quasi judicial board in township government. Its authority is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code 519.13 which provides for the 5 member Board to hear and decide appeals and to authorize variances from the Zoning Resolution through fact-based evidence. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) may also grant conditional use permits.

 

How To Serve

BZA members are appointed to a 5 year term with a new seat opening every year. Both alternate seats are re-appointed yearly. If you would like to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals, letters of interest are accepted during the month of October. Interviews generally take place in November and the appointments are made at the first meeting of the Board of Trustees in January.

 

Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals hears cases on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm at the Auburn Administration building, 11010 Washington Street.

Board Members

Lewis Tomsic Brian Stewart
Bob Ford Dr. Michael Varley
Ben Timmons Mark Kolanz
John Nesi Allison Lesniak, Secretary

Zoning Commission

What We Do

The Zoning Commission is the legislative branch of the Township in regard to Zoning.  The Zoning Commission is responsible for updating the Auburn Township Zoning Resolution, Auburn’s zoning laws.

A zoning change or amendment can be initiated in one of three ways: by the Board of Trustees, by the Zoning Commission or by an individual.

Members serve a five year term with a new seat opening each year.

 

How To Serve

If you would like to serve on the Zoning Commission, letters of interest are accepted during the month of October. Interviews generally take place in November and the appointments are made at the first meeting of the Board of Trustees in January.

 

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission meets on the 2nd  Thursday of every month at the Auburn Administration Building, 11010 Washington Street, at 7:00 PM.

Zoning Commission Members

Scott Brockman Ted Van Hyning
Chad Canfield Angela Daugherty
Jeff Pulsford Gregory Lackey
Dennis Bergansky Sydney Reed, Secretary

Auburn Township Zoning Resolution & Maps

The Zoning Resolution is subject to updates. For information on the latest changes, please call the Auburn Township offices at 440-543-7028.

Auburn Township Land Use Plan

Auburn Township riparian setback map

Auburn Township Zoning Resolution

Title File
Exhibits 1-20 Open File
Appendix G – R1 & R2 Driveway Setbacks Open File
Appendix F – Sample Lot Mean Depth/Width/Area Calculations Open File
Appendix E – Riparian Setback Map Open File
Appendix D – Zoning Process Flow Chart Open File
Appendix C – Parking Arrangements Open File
Appendix B – Auburn Township Zoning Map Open File
Appendix A – Lot and Yard Arrangements Open File
Article 10 – Open Space Districts Open File
Article 9 – Sexually Oriented Businesses Open File
Article 8 – Development Plan Open File
Article 7 – Wireless Communications Open File
Article 6 – Administrative Provisions Open File
Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations Open File
Article 4A – Business & Industrial Open File
Article 4 – Residential District Open File
Article 3 – General Provisions Open File
Article 2 – Definitions Open File
Article 1 – Title and Enactment Open File
AZR Table of Contents Open File
AZR Cover Page Open File
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Applications & Forms

Title File
Roadside Ditch Policy/Permit Open File
Mailbox Replacement Policy Open File
Town Hall Agreement 2026 Open File
2026 Pavilion Rental Agreement Open File
2026 Rental Agreement Open File
Auburn Township Employment Application Open File
No Solicitation Form Open File
Resolution-2020-27-Transient-Vendors Permit Open File
Special Needs Form Open File
Complaint of Zoning Violation Open File
Zoning Amendment Application Open File
Zoning Application Fee Schedule Open File
Conditional Use Zoning Application Open File
Variance Application Open File
Accessory Building Guidelines Open File
Accessory Building Permit Application Open File
Sign Permit Application Open File
Pool Permit Application Open File
Fence Permit Application Open File
General Permit Open File
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View All Forms & Documents

Record of Proceedings

Resolutions, fiscal reports, department reports, agendas and supporting documents
are posted as attachments to the pertinent meeting minutes.

NOTE:  Board of Trustees meeting minutes are not posted on website until transcribed and approved by the Trustees.

Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Meetings are at 7:00 PM at the Auburn Administration Bldg., 11010 Washington Street. If you would like to be added to the agenda, please call the administration office at 440-543-7028 or email admin@auburntownship.com All meetings are open to the public.
Board of Zoning Appeals
Board of Zoning Appeals hears cases on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Auburn Administration Bldg., 11010 Washington Street. Please note, if there is no case to be heard, there will be no meeting. All case dates are published in the legal notice section of The Maple Leaf or The News Herald. All meetings are open to the public.
Zoning Commission
Zoning Commission meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Auburn Administration Bldg., 11010 Washington Street. All meetings are open to the public.

Meeting Minutes

Title File
June 11, 2026 Open File
June 9, 2026 Open File
May 14, 2026 Open File
April 9, 2026 Open File
March 12, 2026 Open File
May 12, 2026 – a Open File
May 12, 2026 – b Open File
May 12, 2026 – c Open File
January 8, 2026 Open File
February 10, 2026 Open File
February 12, 2026 Open File
August 14, 2025 – Public Hearing (ZC2025-01) Open File
August 14, 2025 – Public Hearing (ZC2025-02) Open File
August 14, 2025 – Public Hearing (ZC2025-03) Open File
August 14, 2025 Open File
August 28, 2025 Open File
September 2, 2025 Open File
September 16, 2025 Open File
September 25, 2025 Open File
October 4, 2025 Open File
November 4, 2025 Open File
November 13, 2025 Open File
July 10, 2025 Open File
August 12, 2025 Open File
January 13, 2025 – Public Hearing (ZC2024-03) Open File
January 13, 2025 Open File
January 14, 2025 Open File
February 13, 2025 Open File
March 27, 2025 Open File
April 10, 2025 Open File
April 24, 2025 Open File
May 6, 2025 Open File
May 8, 2025 Open File
June 10, 2025 Open File
June 12, 2025 Open File
July 8, 2025 Open File
July 8, 2025 – b Open File
October 24, 2024 Open File
November 14, 2024 Open File
December 12, 2024 Open File
July 9, 2024 – b Open File
August 13, 2024 Open File
August 22, 2024 Open File
September 5, 2024 Open File
October 1, 2024 Open File
October 8, 2024 Open File
October 10, 2024 Open File
May 9, 2024 – b Open File
May 9, 2024 – a Open File
May 14, 2024 – a Open File
May 14, 2024 – c Open File
May 14, 2024 – b Open File
January 9, 2024 Open File
June 11, 2024 Open File
January 11, 2024 Open File
June 13, 2024 Open File
February 8, 2024 Open File
June 27, 2024 Open File
February 13, 2024 – a Open File
July 9, 2024 Open File
February 13, 2024 – b Open File
February 27, 2024 – a Open File
February 27, 2024 – b Open File
March 12, 2024 – a Open File
March 14, 2024 Open File
April 9, 2024 – b Open File
April 9, 2024 – a Open File
September 12, 2023 Open File
September 28, 2023 Open File
October 10, 2023 Open File
October 27, 2023 Open File
November 9, 2023 Open File
July 11, 2023 – b Open File
July 11, 2023 Open File
July 13, 2023 – b Open File
July 13, 2023 – a Open File
August 8, 2023 Open File
August 10, 2023 Open File
January 12, 2023 Open File
February 7, 2023 Open File
February 9, 2023 Open File
February 23, 2023 Open File
March 23, 2023 Open File
April 22, 2023 Open File
June 8, 2023 Open File
June 13, 2023 – a Open File
June 13, 2023 – b Open File
July 11, 2023 – a Open File
January 10, 2023 – a Open File
January 10, 2023 – b Open File
December 13, 2022 Open File
July 12, 2022 Open File
July 21, 2022 Open File
July 21, 2022 – Public Hearing Open File
July 26, 2022 Open File
August 16, 2022 – #1 Open File
August 16, 2022 – #2 Open File
August 16, 2022 – #3 Open File
August 23, 2022 Open File
September 8, 2022 Open File
April 14, 2022 Open File
September 13, 2022 Open File
April 28, 2022 Open File
October 11, 2022 Open File
May 10, 2022 Open File
October 13, 2022 Open File
May 12, 2022 Open File
November 10, 2022 Open File
May 26, 2022 Open File
June 16, 2022 Open File
June 21, 2022 Open File
February 10, 2022 Open File
February 22, 2022 Open File
February 24, 2022 Open File
March 8, 2022 Open File
March 10, 2022 – Public Hearing Open File
March 10, 2022 Open File
March 24, 2022 Open File
April 12, 2022 – #1 Open File
April 12, 2022 – #2 Open File
January 13, 2022 Open File
January 25, 2022 Open File
January 27, 2022 Open File
February 8, 2022 Open File
October 28, 2021 Open File
December 9, 2021 Open File
May 27, 2021 Open File
June 8, 2021 – #1 Open File
June 8, 2021 – #2 Open File
June 8, 2021 – #3 Open File
July 6, 2021 Open File
July 8, 2021 Open File
March 25, 2021 Open File
July 13, 2021 Open File
April 13, 2021 – #1 Open File
August 10, 2021 Open File
April 13, 2021 – #2 Open File
September 23, 2021 Open File
April 13, 2021 – #3 Open File
October 14, 2021 Open File
April 13, 2021 – #4 Open File
April 13, 2021 – #5 Open File
April 22, 2021 Open File
May 11, 2021 – #1 Open File
May 11, 2021 – #2 Open File
May 11, 2021 – #3 Open File
January 28, 2021 Open File
February 9, 2021 Open File
February 11, 2021 Open File
February 25, 2021 Open File
March 9, 2021 Open File
March 11, 2021 Open File
January 10, 2021 Open File
January 12, 2021 – Public Hearing Open File
January 14, 2021 Open File
November 12, 2020 Open File
November 19, 2020 Open File
December 10, 2020 Open File
February 11, 2020 Open File
March 12, 2020 Open File
May 13, 2020 Open File
July 9, 2020 Open File
August 13, 2020 Open File
August 25, 2020 Open File
August 27, 2020 Open File
September 10, 2020 Open File
September 24, 2020 Open File
October 22, 2020 Open File
January 14, 2020 Open File
January 14, 2020 Open File
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Zoning FAQs

Do new businesses need to register with the Township?

Businesses moving into Auburn Township need to apply for a use permit. It is in the permitting process that is determined that the proposed use is permitted at a given location and the business is registered with the township.

 

Do I need a permit to erect a fence?

Yes. Download Fence Permit

 

Do I need a permit to move or put up a sign?

New signs require a sign permit.  If an old sign is moved to a new location on a property, a permit is required.  No permit is required to simply change the text of an old sign as long as the size and location do not change. Download Zoning Permit Application (PDF)

 

Do I need a permit to conduct a garage sale?

Garage sales in Auburn Township do not require a yard sale permit.  However, signs are not to be posted on utility poles or in the road right-of-way.  Within twenty-four hours of the conclusion of the sale, all signs must be removed from display.

 

How do I contact the Zoning Department?

The Assistant Zoning Inspector, Jane Hardy, is available Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 3:30pm at the Auburn Administration Building, 11010 Washington Street or by calling 440-543-1660. Call the zoning office if you would like to schedule an appointment with Frank Kitko, Zoning Inspector.

 

May I run a business from home?

Some businesses are permitted in residential homes. A home business requires a home occupation permit and a conditional use.

 

Rent Adam Hall Community Center

Costs $100 per hour. Click here to request a reservation.