RECENT UPDATES TO CLEVELAND’S ZONING CODE

Zoning is a device of land use regulation which governs how property may be developed.  It addresses items such as the types of uses permitted, height of structures, density of development, location of buildings, parking, access and circulation, and landscaping.  These rules are laid out in the Zoning Code which is part of the City of Cleveland’s Codified Ordinances.
The Zoning Code is used hand in hand with the City’s Zoning Map.  The Zoning Map indicates, among other things, which use, height and area district applies to each property within the City.  The district a property is within effects the specific rules for how that property can be developed.

The Zoning Code is not a static document.  Trends in development change over time.  It is desired that the rules in the Code keep up with these trends and also anticipate development issues that might arise.  From time to time the Zoning Code is amended to update the City’s development regulations.  Below are recent changes to the City’s Zoning Code.

Auto Repair in Business Districts
Ch. 325 & 343
Effective date:  July 8, 2009
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Clarify and improve current regulations regarding motor vehicle repair, service stations, and car washes in Business Districts. The amended regulations differentiate between “minor“repairs and “major” repairs of motor vehicles, permitting minor repair activities in General Retail Districts while restricting major repairs to Industrial Districts.

Wind Energy Facilities
Ch. 354A
Effective Date:  June 12, 2009
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Regulations established to ensure that wind energy facilities will be developed and maintained in a manner that maximizes utilization of Cleveland’s wind energy resources while protecting the public ‘s health, safety and welfare. The regulations detail the locations, setbacks, heights, and maintenance of such facilities, as well as the lighting, design, and noise level of the wind turbines. The application and approval process is also specified.

Open Yard Storage – General Industry Districts
Ch. 345.04
Effective Date:  June 12, 2009
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Change in regulations to increase the required setback between open yard storage and any Residence District from fifty (50) feet to five hundred (500) feet.  Also requires open yard storage to be enclosed by a well-maintained substantial fence and also to not be closer to the street line than the setback building line.

Private Clubs in Multi-family Districts
Ch. 337.08
Effective Date:  June 5, 2009
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Change in regulation to delete “private clubs operated for the benefits of members only” as a permitted use in a Multi-family District.

Design Review Districts
Ch. 341 & 303
Effective Date:  February 11, 2009
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New regulation replaces the previous Chapter 341 regarding Public Land Protective Districts and Chapter 303 regarding Business Revitalization Districts, to ensure appropriate design of buildings and properties. Specifies standardized district names and regulations, design review for new developments, the consolidation of design review committees, and district control over demolitions.

Keeping of Farm Animals and Bees
Ch. 205.04 & 347.02
Effective Date: February 5, 2009
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Regulations permit urban farming while preventing nuisances to neighbors. These regulations specify the type and number of permitted animals, length of setbacks from property lines, and the required dwellings for animals in both residential and non-residential areas. Slaughtering, sanitation, nuisances, and how to apply for permission to keep farm animals and bees on city property are also addressed.

Check Cashing and Pay Day Lending
Ch. 347.17
Effective Date: October 16, 2008
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Regulations established to regulate the location of check-cashing businesses for the purpose of protecting neighborhoods from negative secondary effects created by the concentration or clustering of such businesses. Furthermore, the regulations guard against market saturation, which may lead to increased rates as an offset for lower business volume.

Bicycle Parking
Ch. 457.10
Effective Date: June 16, 2008
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Requirements added for the purpose of ensuring adequate and safe facilities to accommodate bicycle parking and to encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative to motorized vehicles. The regulations include the number, size, and location of spaces, as well as the implementation of bicycle racks and lockers in non-residential areas.