Richfield zoning code revisions move closer to approval

Special zoning meeting

by Sue Serdinak

After 17 months of review, the Village of Richfield is moving closer to adopting a revised zoning code that would change property classifications, building setbacks and permitted land uses.

At a joint meeting of the Richfield Village Planning Commission and Village Council, Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz and Andre Meyers of planning and urban design consulting firm Tunnell, Spangler, Walsh & Associates explained how the proposed changes were developed.

Frantz said many existing buildings do not conform to current zoning requirements, particularly setbacks from the front property line. The proposed revisions would place properties in new zoning districts with different setback requirements, eliminating some of those nonconformities.

Property owners would not be required to make changes to existing buildings, but new construction would be subject to the revised setbacks.

The proposed revisions would also create new zoning districts and change the classifications of some properties. Additional public meetings and council approval are required before the revised code can take effect. Frantz said he hoped the process would be completed by the end of the year.

Proposed changes include:

  • Several new zoning districts have been redefined and many properties are now listed in new districts, with different regulations that would apply to new structures in those districts.
  • The prohibition of private indoor and outdoor recreation uses in buildings. Indoor shooting ranges would be conditionally permitted.
  • Allowing use variances in the zoning code but eliminating the automatic review of zoning matters by village council and the call-up authority by village council for conditionally permitted uses.
  • Permitting home occupations but limiting drive-up windows to only businesses on Wheatley and Brecksville roads and at signalized intersections.
  • Requiring hard surfaces for outdoor storage units.
  • Prohibiting data centers in all zoning districts.
  • Limiting the height of all buildings in the residential districts and the commercial historic districts to 35 feet, or two stories. Shutters on historic structures would no longer be required.
  • Fences in rear and side yards of residential districts adjacent to nonresidential properties would be limited to 8 feet. Composite, vinyl and plastic fencing would be permitted.
  • Residential driveways would be limited to 16 feet in width within the setback area. Detached structures of 100 square feet or less would not require a zoning certificate.
  • Electric charging stations would not be prohibited in the village.
  • Three regulations would cover ground-mounted, wall-mounted and temporary signs. Registration, deregistration, permitted duration and quantity of temporary signs would be eliminated.
  • Several parcels on the northeast corner of Hawkins and Broadview roads, south of Apple Ridge, would be rezoned to R-1.
  • Stand-alone apartment buildings would not be a permitted use on the south side of Wheatley Road. Mixed-use buildings would be permitted.

The complete proposed zoning documents are available at richfieldzoning.konveio.com.

Following the Oct. 20 public hearing, council could introduce an ordinance at its Nov. 4 meeting, allowing the planning commission to hold an informational hearing Nov. 10 and council to conduct a final public hearing Dec. 15. If additional time is needed, adoption could be delayed until early 2027.