Zoning
The first step in the development process is to determine if the property's zoning is compatible with the proposed use. The City has several zoning districts for residential, commercial and industrial land in the City of Fairborn, including Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). Each zoning district strives to accommodate similar or compatible uses. The uses are identified in each district as either a Principal Permitted Use or a Conditional Use. In addition, if a property owner has a particular hardship or difficulty imposed by the Zoning Code, they can seek a Variance or apply for a Rezoning. For an overview of the City's zoning districts, review the Zoning Map. Text descriptions of each zoning district are available in the Fairborn Zoning Code.
Principal Permitted Use
A permitted use may be lawfully established in a particular zoning district as long as it meets all requirements, regulations, and standards of the applicable district.
Conditional use
In addition to permitted uses, the city's zoning code also establishes conditional uses for each district. This is a use that cannot be classified as a permitted use due to its unique or more intensive characteristics. However, if the use meets certain standards, the use may be allowed by the City. A Conditional Use requires an application, complete with adequate plans and documentation, showing how the conditional use will meet all applicable standards. After staff has reviewed the application, the Planning Board holds a Public Hearing regarding the request and makes a recommendation to City Council. The City Council then holds a Public Hearing on the request and votes to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application.
Variance
A variance may afford a property owner relief from a particular hardship or practical difficulty that the Zoning Code may impose on a specific parcel of land making compliance with the regulations in a district extraordinarily difficult. These circumstances are limited to the property's condition, such as its unusual shape or topographic make-up. The owner of the property, or his agent, must initiate the request with the Building Inspection Division. The applicant must complete a Variance Application. In addition, the applicant must submit specific justification(s) for the variance, a site plan of the proposal for which the variance is requested, a list of names of property owners immediately adjacent to the property (available at the Greene County website) an application fee and any other information as the City may deem necessary in order to make an informed decision. The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on the request and approve, approve with conditions, deny or recommend the applicant modify and resubmit the request.
Rezoning
In cases where the property use is not listed as a principal permitted or conditional use, the owner of a property or his agent may initiate a rezoning. Rezoning is typically initiated when sufficient land is not available within the city for the desired use. The applicant must complete the Rezoning Application. Along with the application, the applicant must submit justification for the rezoning, a site plan of the property for which the rezoning is requested, a list of names of property owners within a minimum 250-foot radius of the property (available at the Greene County website), an application fee, and any other information as the City may deem necessary in order to make an informed decision. After the Planning Division has reviewed the application, the Planning Board holds a Public Hearing regarding the request and makes a recommendation to City Council. City Council will then hold a Public Hearing on the request and vote to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application.
Applications, Permits & Fees
The division is responsible for applications for Conditional Use requests, Rezoning and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). Submission to Planning Board staff is required 4 weeks prior to Planning Board consideration. Please review the Meeting and Submittal Schedule for specific reporting dates. Keep in mind that erroneous or incomplete information will add significantly to plan review so please follow instructions carefully and contact the Division with any questions.