CHATHAM TOWNSHIP
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
April 2011
Prepared by the
Medina County Department of Planning Services
In conjunction with the
Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
5/6/2011
Dedication
Gary Chidsey 1940 – 2008
Frank Munz 1937 – 2010
The Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan is dedicated to
Gary Chidsey and Frank Munz for their vision, guidance and
perseverance in the creation of the Plan
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Table of Contents:
Introduction:
Page
Purpose of the Plan
Chapter 1:
A.
B.
C.
Chapter 2:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Chapter 3:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Chapter 4:
A.
Chapter 5:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
……..………………………. ………
Comprehensive Planning Process
………………….
6
6
Background for the Plan
………………….
Regional Context …………………….………………..
Historical Background
………………………………
Geographic Location & Natural Features ………………
8
8
9
13
Natural Resources Analysis ……………….
14
14
14
16
16
16
Chatham Township Geology ….…………………………
Topography & Slopes……………………………………..
Woodlands ……………………………………………….
Watersheds ……………………………………………….
Floodplains ……………………………………………….
Wetlands …………………………………………………
Prime Farmland Soils ……………………………………
16
21
Demographic Trends
………………………..
Population Trends ………………………………………..
Population by Age ………………………………………..
Residential Development Trends ………………………..
Rental Units ………………………………………………..
Employment & Labor Force Analysis ………………….
Income ……………………………………………………
23
23
24
28
31
31
32
Land Use Patterns ………………………………..
34
34
Existing Land Use ………………………………………..
Public Facilities, Services and Utilities
Utilities ……………………………………………………
Schools ……………………………………………………
Township Facilities and Services ………………………..
Parks and Recreation ……………………………………
Hazard Mitigation ………………………………………..
Hospitals and Health Facilities
………………………..
39
39
39
41
42
43
44
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Chapter 6:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Chapter 7:
Development Issues
………………………
Residential Development ………………………………
Non-residential Development
………………………
Chatham “Town Center” ………………………………
Zoning …………………………………………………..
Environmental Impact of Development ………………
Farmland Preservation
………………………………
Goals, Objectives and Policies …………
46
46
46
46
47
49
49
Introduction ………………………………………………
Transportation ………………………………………….
Housing …………………………………………………
Intergovernmental Relations …………………………
Economic Development ………………………………
Natural and Cultural Resources ………………………
Utilities ……………………………………………………..
Public Facilities ………………………………………..
Land Use
………………………………………………
51
51
51
52
53
53
53
54
54
54
Chapter 8:
Recommendations
55
Chapter 9:
Future Land Use Plan …………………….
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
…………………..……….
A.
B.
Purpose ………………………………………..…………….
Influential factors ……………………………………………
C.
Plan Overview …………………………………………………….
61
61
61
63
Implementation Strategies …………….
Zoning Text Amendment ………………………………
Zoning Map Amendment ……………………………
Future Studies ………………………………………..
Resolutions ……………………………………………..
Capital Improvements …………………………………
65
65
67
67
67
67
Survey Form and Results …………………………………..
Land Use Details ……………………………………….. …..
Agricultural Use Notice ……………………………………….
Chatham Township Hazard Mitigation Goals and Objectives
Traffic Counts ……………………………………………………
Conservation Development Sketch ……………………………
69
70
71
72
73
75
Chapter 10:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Appendix
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
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List of Maps
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Chatham Township and Vicinity
Wells
Topography
Forests and Wetlands
Watersheds
FEMA Floodplains
Hydric and Flood Prone Soils
Prime Farmland Soils
Building Permits Since 2000
Current Land Use
Recreation and Parks
Ground Water
Public Services, Facilities and Utilities
Current Zoning
Future Land Use Plan
Proposed Zoning
List of Tables
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-9
3-10
3-11
3-12
3-13
3-14
4-1
6 -1
Chatham Township Population 1950-2000
Chatham Twp. Total Population by Age Group – 1990 Census
Chatham Twp. Total Population by Age Group – 2000 Census
Medina County 2000 Population Pyramid
Ohio 2000 Population Pyramid
US 2000 Population Pyramid
Chatham Twp. /Medina County Population Comparison
% Change Housing Units
Chatham Twp. Residential Development 1980, 1990 & 2000
Housing Unit Comparison
Housing Units - 2000
Employment and Labor Force Analysis
Occupations 2000 – Estimates Chatham Twp.
Household Income – 1999, Chatham Twp.
Pie Chart – Land Use Percentages
CAUV Enrollment
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Introduction:
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan is a dynamic planning tool that provides a structure for land
use decisions while concurrently allowing for continuous revision based upon changes
in the market and growth trends. The purpose of the comprehensive planning process
is threefold: to provide spatial design specifications for the township, to provide a
technical database for legal support in the use of the land, and to provide the framework
for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan provides a
community with the opportunity to guide physical development and redevelopment
through the identification of key policies, and goals of the residents with respect to
public health, safety and general welfare.
It is intended that this plan be used not only as a guide for land use decisions, but also
as an extensive reference on the township, and a blueprint for community programs,
public and private sector initiatives and investment in facilities and infrastructure.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS
To date, Chatham Township has not adopted a comprehensive plan. However, in 2004,
a committee of interested residents began the process to create a comprehensive plan
for Chatham Township. As part of this process, a community survey was sent to all
township landowners. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the needs and desires
of Chatham Township’s residents.
The survey was mailed to 997 households and 435 were returned. This is a
phenomenal response rate of 43.6%. The survey form and the specific survey results
can be found in Appendix A.
In 2006 the Township applied for and received grant money from the Medina County
Commissioners to create a comprehensive plan. Building on what had been written by
the resident committee and the results of the survey; the current Comprehensive Plan
for Chatham Township was created.
That fall of 2006 Chatham Township established a Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee to work with the Medina County Department of Planning Services (DPS).
The Committee, consisting of 18 interested residents including the current Trustees,
Fire Chief, a member of the Zoning Commission, and members of the Board of Zoning
Appeals, met on a monthly basis with the Department of Planning Services. During
these meetings DPS presented data and progress updates and provided an opportunity
for discussion of key issues. Guest speakers on issues such as conservation
development, riparian corridors and farmland preservation were often a part of the
meeting discussions. The meetings were open to the public and were often attended by
other residents of the Township.
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An Open House was held in October of 2007. Over fifty people attended to review
preliminary findings and provide input on the preliminary goals and objectives drafted by
the Advisory Committee. A second Open House was held in July of 2008 to present the
Comprehensive Plan in draft form. The Plan was made available online and at various
locations in the Township to allow as many residents as possible an opportunity to
comment.
After incorporating input from the second Open House, which took place on July 22,
2008, the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan will be scheduled for a public hearing
before the Zoning Commission. The Commission will then make a recommendation to
the Township Trustees for approval and adoption (with amendments if necessary). A
public hearing will be convened before the Township Trustees for final discussion and
action on the Plan. Action will be taken on the Final Comprehensive Plan (with
amendments by the Trustees if necessary) at the conclusion of the hearing.
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CHAPTER I:
A.
BACKGROUND FOR THE PLAN
REGIONAL CONTEXT
Chatham Township is located in Northeastern Ohio, in the west-central quadrant of
Medina County. The state highways of S.R. 162 and S.R. 83 divide the Township
north/south and east/west respectfully, and the intersection of these two state routes
forms the “town center” of the Township. The “town center” is approximately 8 miles
southwest of the City of Medina and approximately 4 miles north of the Village of Lodi.
A map locating Chatham Township within Medina County is shown below.
Map 1: Chatham Township and Vicinity
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B.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The history of Chatham Township was written in detail in their The History of Chatham
Township Medina County, Ohio – Chatham Centiseptiquinarian 1818-1993. Chatham
Township was set apart under the Connecticut Land Survey and was part of the
Connecticut Western Reserve formed in 1786. It was designated as Township No. 2 of
Range 16, the northern half being known as the Wadsworth Tract, controlled by the
Wadsworth brothers of Massachusetts, and the southern half as the Hinckley Tract.
The first settlement in Chatham Township was made by Moses Parsons in 1818. He
purchased several hundred acres of land approximately 3 miles north of Harrisville
Center. The Parsons family left their hometown in Ontario County, New York in
February of 1818 and finally reached the Harrisville settlement seven weeks later in mid
April. By 1826 ten families were permanently settled on the Hinckley Tract. On
December 5th 1833 a political organization of Chatham Township was created, thus
forming township 18 in the organization of Medina County.
In the fall of 1865 the Chatham Monumental Association was formed to honor the
people of Chatham who gave their lives during the Civil War. After receiving donations a
committee purchased a monument to honor these soldiers. The monument consists of a
solid Berea Sandstone base, a marble sub base four feet square and three feet high,
and finally a marble shaft 9 feet high consisting of an American Eagle of Parisian
marble.
OIL
No discussion of Chatham Township is complete without introducing the topic of oil and
oil production. In spite of its importance very little of the history of the oil years in
Chatham Township has been documented.
The source of the oil in Chatham Township is the Berea Sandstone, which underlies the
township at just a few hundred feet. The oil wells in the township range in depth form
275 -5000 feet.
The first oil producing wells in Chatham Township were drilled in the 1890’s. Different
sources carry different dates; one identifies this drilling as the first in Medina County.
However the 1881 History of Medina County indicates that drilling for oil began in 1860
in both Litchfield and Liverpool Townships. Within the township there appears to be four
distinct periods of oil activity these periods are 1890 to 1918, 1918 to 1936, 1936 to
roughly 1960 and finally 1960 to present.
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1890-1918
The initial activities in Chatham’s oil producing years seem to date from 1890; the first
wells were drilled using water well drilling rigs. These wells were located in the southern
part of the township on property that was owned at the time by F.R. Shaw.
Approximately 32 wells were drilled in that particular area. Some additional drilling
occurred near the center of Chatham; historians say that Dr. E.L. Moodie used gas from
his own well for cooking and lighting. During this time a pipeline was used to pump oil to
Lodi Village, from there the oil was carried by rail to the refineries in Cleveland.
1918-1936
The “boom years” of Chatham oil began in 1918. The boom began just to the south of
the center of the township. The proverbial name associated with this “oil boom” was
E.R. Edson who leased and drilled on several of the farms. The boom began with a
gusher on the property of Tom McVicker. Word spread of these highly productive wells
and other operators descended upon the township. By 1920 35 drilling rigs were
operating in the township with many hundreds of wells being drilled.
During this era Chatham became a boomtown, almost all houses had two or three
families living in them while others lived in tents. It was common that beds were used at
night by one person then used by another through the course of alternating shifts of
workers. The impact of this era is difficult to describe, the amount of money that
changed hands was in the millions and what had formerly been a farming community
was turned upside down.
1936-1960
In 1937 Chatham Township was introduced to a new technique of acquiring oil, water
flooding. This method was called “five-spot” drilling. With this method four wells were
drilled in a square pattern, with a fifth well at the center of the square. The four corner
wells were water injection wells; the center well was the production well. Typically these
wells were spaced 300-500 feet apart. Water was injected into the Berea Sandstone at
pressure as high as 400 pounds per square inch. As water flooded the stone the oil was
pressured towards the production well. At the same time oil and brine was forced
through previously abandoned wells and into the water table, a majority of the
townships wells were contaminated and unusable.
1960-Present
Around 1960 oil production was but a shadow of the past, a few “stripper” wells still
produce small quantities of oil, but activity in the fields is slight. The extreme prices for
crude oil of the 70’s stimulated some increase but only a handful of wells are currently
working. While the oil, money and workers are gone there are still reminders of the
boom years in Chatham Township. Most of the water is contaminated beyond use,
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equipment remains scattered throughout the fields and there are abandoned or
forgotten wells that are still uncapped and unplugged. Map 2: Wells illustrates the
quantity of wells that once were located in Chatham Township.
ELECTRIC and TELEPHONE SERVICE
One of the first electrical services to Chatham Township was provided by E. R. Edson,
an oil developer who needed electricity for his drilling operations. In 1920 he financed
the extension of an electrical line from the city of Lodi into Chatham.
Around 1895 the U.S. telephone Company extended a line from Lodi to Chatham.
However several years prior to this Romanzo Shaw invented a similar line of
communication and patented his idea in 1876. A line between Francis Packard’s home
and his drug store was probably the first telephone line in Chatham. Later a group of
citizens headed by Clement S. Rice, Henry Kilmer and others formed the Chatham
Farmer’s Mutual Telephone Company. Lines were built to all parts of the township with
subscribers performing the actual labor. The company’s first telephone became
operational in the summer of 1904 after a small switchboard was installed in the living
room of Miss Emma Webber who became the “central”. Later the building and service
were purchased by the Northern Ohio Telephone Company in 1970 and subsequently
taken over by GTE.
ROADS
Due to topography and densely wooded areas there were no major roads traversing
Chatham Township early in its existence. Smith Road is positioned on the northern
boundary of Chatham Township this road was originally part of the Indian Mahoning
Trail and one of the first in Medina County. It was used in the war of 1812 for the
purposes hauling supplies to western posts.
Directed by Ohio Legislature a major road was to be built connecting the city of Elyria
in Lorain County to Wooster in Wayne County, today this road is titled State Route 83.
In 1919 Chatham and Lodi agreed to pave what is currently known as (83) because of
the increased usage during the “oil boom”, up until 1948 that was the only paved road in
Chatham Township.
COMMERCE
The first commercial establishment (a country store) in Chatham Township was
established by Josiah Packard in the fall of 1839. This small frame building was located
on what is now known as Coon Club Road. A couple of years later a few more stores
were opened within the township. Randall Dyer & Son opened a general store in the
“village” in 1843. In 1854 Josiah Packard opened another store on the southeast corner
of the “square” this was deemed a general store. At one time a hotel was located on the
southwest corner of the square. Unfortunately it was destroyed by fire. A post office
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was established in 1844 with mail routes extending from Lodi to the Chatham. In 1900
smaller post offices were closed because of Rural Free Delivery routes through Medina.
C.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION & NATURAL FEATURES:
Chatham Township is located near the southwest corner of Medina County. It is
bounded to the north by Litchfield Township, to the east by Lafayette Township, to the
south by Harrisville Township and finally to the west by Spencer Township.
Chatham Township is the second largest township in Medina County, measuring
approximately 16,876 acres or 26.37 square miles; the largest being 26.86 square
miles. Using geographical information systems (GIS) data a current land use map was
created. The map indicates that approximately 5500 acres of land is deciduous forest
while over 6000 acres of land is being used as cropland, these totals account for 68% of
Chatham Township’s land.
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CHAPTER 2: NATURAL RESOURCES ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION:
Protection of natural resources has been a recurring theme both in the Chatham
Township Community Survey of Township Residents that was distributed in the fall of
2004, and at the October 2007 Township Open House. The scenic beauty of the natural
amenities of the area is valued by the residents as adding to the rural atmosphere and
the quality of life in Chatham Township.
A.
CHATHAM TOWNSHIP GEOLOGY
Medina County is divided from the northeast direction to the southwest direction by a
glaciated plateau. This is often referred to as the Continental Divide within the county.
This distinguishes the drainage patterns, to the north or west lakes, rivers and
tributaries eventually drain to Lake Erie; where as everything south or east of the divide
eventually drains into the Ohio River. The divide follows very closely, the eastern
boundary of Chatham Township. As a result a majority of Chatham Township lies in the
Black river drainage basin, which drains into Lake Erie.
Approximately 900 acres of Chatham Township is located on the southern or western
side of the divide, which then drains into the Ohio River. Chatham Township is
predominately level with gently rolling hills of little relief.
The surface geology of Chatham Township was formed by glaciers during the periods of
glaciation that dominated the past history of this region. Chatham Township lays on the
western edge of the Appalachian Plateau. To the west of Chatham Township lies the
Central Lowlands of Ohio; these Central Lowlands have a specific feature called the
Cincinnati Anticline (or Arch). This feature helps us describe the underlying bedrock
within Chatham Township, the most notable being that of the Berea Sandstone.
The sandstone derives its name from Berea, Ohio where it was quarried for many years
and was the source for the “Oil Boom” around the turn of the century. There are 54
different soil types in Chatham Township most of which are part silt based clay loam of
glacial till. In non- glaciated areas, the soil is generated locally. It is the sum of the
erosion of rocks into sand and clay plus the organic material set down by the plants and
animals.
B.
TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPES:
Topography data was collected from the Geographic Information Systems of Medina
County. Approximately 2 percent of the land within the Township consists of land with
slopes of twelve percent (12%) or greater (between 12 and 18%). These steep slopes,
located generally along streambeds, are shown on Map 3: Topography.
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C.
WOODLANDS:
Significant wooded areas within the Township are concentrated along the Black River
and in backlands as shown on Map 4: Forests and Wetlands. These wooded areas
represent 37.5 % of the land area of the Township and add to the rural character and
natural amenities of the community.
D.
WATERSHEDS:
Most of Chatham Township lies in the Black River drainage basin, which in turn drains
into Lake Erie. Only a few acres of the Township, along the eastern boundary, lie in the
Muskingum River basin, which flows to the Ohio River and then into the Mississippi
River. A majority of the township’s water drains into the Lake Erie drainage basin via
Chatham’s primary river, the Black River and its subsequent branches. Two tributaries
of the Black River traverse Chatham. The East Branch flows in a northern direction
along the western portion of township. The East Fork flows through the center of the
township in a southerly direction. Map 5: Watersheds
E.
FLOODPLAINS:
Both the East Fork and the East Branch are located in the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) 100-year flood plain. This is an indication of a 1% annual
chance flood event and requires a mandatory flood insurance purchase. There is
approximately 5.9% or 1001 acres of the total land area of FEMA flood zone in
Chatham Township. FEMA flood zones consist of 500-year, 100-year or annual flooding
in an area. Map 6: FEMA Floodplain
F.
WETLANDS:
Wetlands hold significant environmental value and deserve protection. Wetlands are
those areas inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater, at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support (and that under normal circumstances do support) a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Swamps,
marshes, bogs, fens, potholes and vernal pools often characterize wetland areas. The
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identifies wetlands based on three conditions: the
presence of water, the presence of soils that form under flooded or saturated conditions
(hydric soils), and the presence of plants adapted to hydric soils. Wetlands are
beneficial, serving as natural water filtration systems that reduce pollutants from surface
water; controlling flooding and recharging aquifers, providing crucial habitat for many
plant and animal species and providing recreational opportunities such as bird watching,
hunting and fishing. Wetlands, covering approximately 709 acres, accounts for
approximately 4.2 percent of Chatham’s land cover. Map 4: Forests and Wetlands
identify the water bodies and designated wetlands within the Township boundaries
Map 7: Hydric and Flood Prone Soils shows the locations of the most prominent
wetland type soils in the Township. Hydric soils can be found sporadically throughout
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Chatham Township. These are typically indicators of wetlands since they are usually
impervious soils that do not drain well, therefore causing water to stand for long periods
of time. A total of 1965 acres of hydric soils cover Chatham Township. This accounts
for 11.6 percent of the Township’s 16,876 acres. .
G.
PRIME FARMLAND SOILS:
As shown on the accompanying Map 8: Prime Farmland Soils, most of the soils within
Chatham Township are “prime farmland soils” or would be “prime farmland soils” if
drained and/or protected from flooding. Those areas consider “not prime farmland”
have slopes greater than 12%, are areas within the FEMA floodplain or are already
developed.
“Prime farmland”, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is land that has the
best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed,
forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is also available for these uses. It has the soil
quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce economically
sustained high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable
farming methods, including water management. In general, prime farmlands have an
adequate and dependable water supply from precipitation or irrigation, a favorable
temperature and growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, acceptable salt and
sodium content, and few or no rocks. They are permeable to water and air. Prime
farmlands are not excessively erodible or saturated with water for a long period of time,
and they either do not flood frequently or are protected from flooding.1
1
Soil Survey Staff (1993). "Soil Survey Manual". Soil Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture
Handbook 18. Retrieved on 2006-08-30.
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CHAPTER 3: DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS
This chapter analyzes a number of existing conditions, including comparisons of
Chatham Township to adjacent townships and to Medina County as a whole. This
analysis is necessary in order to understand the growth potential of the township. It
also provides the foundation on which goals and objectives are formulated and policies
and strategies established. The significant statistics are highlighted below while the
complete set of tables is included in Appendix B.
A.
POPULATION TRENDS
According to the 2000 US Census, Chatham Township’s population was 2158,
representing a 24.5 % increase over the last decade. Census figures indicate a 123.7%
increase in population over the last 50 years with an average increase of 24.7% each
decade.
Chatham Township's Population
1950-2000
2500
2158
2000
Population
1799
1568
1500
1402
1190
1000
965
500
0
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
Years
Table 3-1
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B.
POPULATION BY AGE
A population pyramid, also called age-sex pyramid and age structure diagram, is a
graphical illustration that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population
(typically that of a country or region of the world), which forms the shape of a pyramid. It
typically consists of two back-to-back bar graphs, with the population plotted on the Xaxis and the age on the Y-axis, one showing the number of males and the other
showing the number of females in a particular population in specific age group (also
called cohorts).
A great deal of information about the population broken down by age and sex can be
read from a population pyramid, and this can shed light on the extent of development
anticipated and other aspects of the population. A population pyramid also explains how
many people of each age range live in the area. For example, the population pyramid
below indicates more females than males in the older age groups. This is due to longer
life expectancy among females.
Chatham Township’s population breakdown by age and sex for the years1990 and 2000
are depicted below. As indicated in the population pyramid, in 2000 the 4 largest
cohorts are for age groups between 30 and 55. The largest increase was in the 50-54
year old category. This cohort had a population gain of 110 from 1990 t0 2000 for an
increase of 97.3%. However, this increase is primarily a result of the 1990 40-45 age
group remaining in Chatham Township. This had been the largest age group in 1990.
Age Groups
Chatham's Total Population 1990 Census -1799
125
4
6
5
8
17
>85
80 - 84
75 - 79
70 - 74
65 - 69
60 - 64
55 - 59
50 - 54
45 - 49
40 - 44
35 - 39
30 - 34
25 - 29
20 - 24
15 - 19
10 - 14
5-9
<5
12
23
30
30
27
26
29
36
56
60
69
53
75
109
92
81
81
79
60
85
93
83
73
74
74
42
45
100
75
Females
Males
45
43
40
34
50
25
0
25
50
75
100
125
Population Count
Table 3-2
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CHATHAM TOWNSHIP
Age Groups
Chatham's Total Population 2000 Census- 2158
>85
80 - 84
75 - 79
70 - 74
65 - 69
60 - 64
55 - 59
50 - 54
45 - 49
40 - 44
35 - 39
30 - 34
25 - 29
20 - 24
15 - 19
10 - 14
5-9
<5
14 5
17
18
24
19
28
23
39
35
63
50
78
82
119
104
94
91
87
112
81
85
64
62
53
86
80
84
77
75
71
68
60
125
100
75
Males
Females
37
35
38
50
25
0
25
50
75
100
125
Population Count
Table 3-3
Age Group
MEDINA COUNTY
Medina County 2000 Census Population- 151,095
1238
480
85 +
Female
1341
80 - 84
784
1976
1426
75 - 79
Male
2200 1896
70 - 74
2336 2236
65 - 69
2991
2914
60 - 64
3937
4063
55 - 59
5463
5441
50 - 54
5968
6151
45 - 49
6734
6796
40 - 44
6586
6879
35 - 39
5307
5616
30 - 34
4039
4215
25 - 29
3627
3418
20 - 24
5458
5137
15 - 19
6143
5860
10 - 14
5989
5818
5-9
5378
5254
<5
8000 6000 4000 2000 0 2000 4000 6000 8000
Population
Table 3-4
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OHIO
Table 3-5
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Table 3-6
POPULATION COMPARISON 1950-2000
CHATHAM TOWNSHIP
YEAR
POPULATION
1950
965
1960
ANNUAL %
INCREASE
MEDINA COUNTY
POPULATION
ANNUAL%
INCREASE
---
% OF COUNTY
POPULATION
---
16,814
1,190
2.33%
36,047
11.43%
3.30%
1970
1,402
1.78%
46,445
2.88%
3.09%
1980
1,568
1.18%
65,976
4.21%
2.40%
1990
1,799
1.54%
122,354
8.55%
1.50%
2000
2,158
1.93%
151,095
2.35%
5.74%
1.40%
Table 3-7
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As the chart indicates, Chatham Township’s population has steadily increased over the
last 50 years. However, its growth has been slower than that of the County as a whole,
as evidenced by its gradually declining percentage of the County population.
C.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TRENDS
According to the 2000 US Census, the number of occupied housing units in Chatham
Township was 747. All 747 housing units were single-family housing units; there were
no apartments, condominiums, or multi family units etc. Since 2000, according to the
Chatham Township Zoning Inspector, an additional 89 single-family permits have been
issued.
Over the past 30 years Chatham Township has experienced a large increase in
residential dwelling units. From 1980 to 1990 there was a 42% increase; however from
1990 to 2000 there was a decrease to only a 27% increase in dwelling units. Chatham’s
housing growth experience has been in line with other communities within the county.
Percentage Change In Housing Units
1990-2000
45
40
40
38
35
30
27
25
19
20
15
9
10
5
0
Chatham township
Harrisville
township
Lafayette township Litchfield township Spencer township
Table 3-8
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Residential Development
Chatham Residential Develoment
30
Housing Units
25
20
1980's
1990's
15
2000's
10
5
0
1980
1990
2000
1981
1991
2001
1982
1992
2002
1983
1993
2003
1985
1995
2005
1984
1994
2004
1987
1997
1986
1996
2006
1988
1998
1989
1999
Years
Table 3-9
This chart depicts the number of new dwelling units in Chatham Township per year as
well as per decade. Chatham Township has been a great representation of the entire
housing market across the country through the decades. The 1980’s had an average
growth rate while the 1990’s experienced what many call now the housing boom. As
indicated, in 2000 the housing market started to fall below the boom of the 1990’s but
remained above the 1980’s level. Map 9: Building Permits since 2000 indicates the
location of housing built since 2000.
2000 Census Info
Total Housing Units
Geographic Area
Number of
Units
Chatham
Township
Litchfield Township
Lafayette Township
Harrisville
Township
Spencer Township
& Village
Medina County
State of Ohio
Total
Occupancy
Rate
Occupied
Units
Vacancy Rate
747
1,056
2,092
721
1,035
1,934
96.8%
98.1%
93.2%
3.5%
1.9%
7.6%
2,056
1,961
95.4%
4.6%
851
822
96.1%
3.4%
56,793
4,783,051
54,542
4,445,773
96.1%
92.9%
3.9%
7.1%
Table 3-10
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Housing Units: 2000
Owner Occupied
Units
Number of Units
Chatham Township
Litchfield Township
Lafayette Township
Harrisville Township
Renter Occupied
Number of
% Of all
Units
Occupied Units
681
1035
1934
1961
94.5%
94.1%
88.2%
73.2%
40
62
229
526
5.5%
5.9%
11.8%
26.8%
485
205
91.7%
70.0%
44
88
8.3%
30.0%
44302
3072514
81.2%
69.1%
10240
1373259
18.8%
30.9%
Spencer Township
Spencer Village
Medina County
State of Ohio
% Of all
Occupied Units
Data Collected at www.census.gov – Tables SF3- H1,H6,H7,H8
Table 3-11
D.
RENTAL UNITS:
Chatham Township’s rental housing stock has remained insignificant in the ten years
from 1990 to 2000. There has been no new apartment or rental housing in Chatham
Township. There has been natural attrition in older housing stock replaced with the
conversion of older homes to rental units.
Rental housing, both in the form of single-family homes and apartment buildings, adds
to the diversity of housing for the community.
Also, rental housing provides an
opportunity for both young adults right out of school and older adults who no longer wish
to care for a home and three-acre yard to be able to stay within the Township.
E.
EMPLOYMENT & LABOR FORCE ANALYSIS
Employment, Chatham Township
2000
Labor Force
1,165
Employed
1,118
Unemployment
Unemployment Rate
47
4.03%
Source: US Census 2000
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Table 3-12
As shown in Table 3-12 above, Chatham Township enjoys a very low unemployment
rate of slightly over 4%. The Township also benefits from a diverse workforce as shown
in Table 3-13.
Table 3-13: Occupations 2000 Estimate, Chatham Township
Civilian Employed Population Age 16-plus
Occupation:
Management, Business and Financial Operations
Professional and Related Occupations
Service
Sales and Office
Farming, Fishing and Forestry
Construction, Extraction and Maintenance
Production, Transportation and Material Moving
Blue Collar
White Collar
Service and Farm
Male
639
Female
479
Total
1,118
65
63
49
59
31
165
207
41
109
86
197
0
0
46
106
172
135
256
31
165
253
418
424
166
% Of
Total
8.6%
15.4%
12.1%
22.9%
2.8%
14.8%
22.6%
F.
INCOME:
Of the 718 Chatham Township households surveyed in the 2000 census, the 1999
median household income for Chatham Township was $60,000 compared to the
Medina County 1999 median household income of $55,811 and Ohio’s median income
of $40,956. The Township is slightly more affluent than the remainder of Medina
County and significantly more affluent than the state.
Table 3-14: Household Income 1999, Chatham
Township Source: US Census 2000
Income
Number of Households
Total
718
Less than $10,000
12
$10,000 to $14,999
15
$15,000 to $19,999
18
$20,000 to $24,999
47
$25,000 to $29,999
41
$30,000 to $34,999
27
$35,000 to $39,999
39
$40,000 to $44,999
39
$45,000 to $49,999
65
$50,000 to $59,999
70
$60,000 to $74,999
126
$75,000 to $99,999
152
$100,000 to $124,999
31
$125,000 to $149,999
12
$150,000 to $199,999
18
$200,000 or more
6
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According to the 2000 US Census, 4% of the residences of Chatham Township are
below the poverty level. This compares with 4.6% in Medina County and 10.6% in the
State of Ohio. The median income for both the Township and the County are well
above the poverty levels when compared to the rest of Ohio. (The poverty level for a
family of four in Ohio was $17,463 in 2000 according to the US Census Bureau.)
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CHAPTER 4: LAND USE PATTERNS
A.
EXISTING LAND USES
During the community analysis process, committee members identified specific land
uses on parcels to study the distribution of various land uses throughout the Township.
This information was derived from GIS data indicating an approximate summary of
acreage within the township based on the land use. (See Map 10: Current Land Use)
For the purposes of a pie chart some categories were combined. To view the individual
categories see Appendix (C)
Residential/Single
Family
14%
Transportation
1%
Commercial
.1%
Recreational
1%
Commercial
Cropland
Pasture
8%
Water
2%
Farmstead
2%
Cropland
36%
Forest
37%
Forest
Farmstead
Water
Pasture
Recreational
Residential/Single Family
Transportation
Table 4-1
AGRICULTURE (Cropland, Orchards, Pastures)
Chatham Township has maintained its rural character with the continuance of
agricultural activities. As indicated above, 6,083 acres (36%) of Chatham Township land
is currently being used as cropland. If pastures, orchards and farmsteads are added to
this figure, a total of 7,187 acres, 46%, of the land in Chatham Township is used for
agriculture.
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Several large active farms and many smaller “gentleman/gentlewoman” farms are
scattered throughout Chatham. A significant number of these farms produce grain
crops such as soybeans, corn and wheat. Other farms include alpacas, horses, cattle
and tree nurseries. Large wooded areas are common in the interior of blocks either as
the back portions of frontage lots or as undeveloped and often landlocked interior
parcels.
RESIDENTIAL
Approximately 14% of the land area in Chatham Township (2,265.8 acres) is developed
as residential land use. Residential land use is restricted by the availability of on-site
water, home sewage treatment, and access to roads.
Residential development within Chatham Township is entirely single-family detached
residences widely distributed along the existing roadway system. There have been no
internal developments; however, back lots are permitted. Chatham Township zoning
requires minimum three-acre lots with 200 feet of frontage except for lots that existed
prior to the adoption of the Township Zoning Resolution.
COMMERCIAL
14.24 acres, less than .1% of the total land area in Chatham Township, is used for
commercial or business use. Commercial use of land is restricted due in great part to
the lack of sewer facilities.
The small amount of commercial land use that does exist in Chatham Township is
located along Avon Lake Road (SR 83) and Chatham Road (SR 162) close to the
intersection of these two roads and the Township “Town Center”. The commercial
establishments include a corner general store, flower shop, junk yard/car parts business
and storage facility.
Additionally, home-based businesses are scattered throughout the Township. They are
typically identified by small freestanding signs located in the front yards.
INDUSTRIAL/SEMI-INDUSTRIAL
The only semi-industrial land use in the Township at this time is a trucking facility. As
with commercial land use, industrial use of land is restricted due in great part to the lack
of sewer facilities.
RECREATIONAL
Open Space or parkland within the Township consists of one County Park, Letha House
located at the northwest corner of Richman Road and Spencer Lake Road. There are
also several hunting clubs and two campgrounds totaling approximately 1% of the
Township’s land area (196.95 acres). (See Map 11: Recreation and Parks)
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PUBLIC AND QUASI-PUBLIC
Public uses such as the Community Center, the fire station, and quasi-public uses such
as the cemetery and churches make up 1.53% of the Township’s total land area (.62%
public uses and .91% quasi-public uses). This represents 9.78 acres of land for public
uses and 14.4 acres of land for quasi-public uses.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Over 100 acres of land within the Township are used for right-of way for roads, the
railroad and utilities. This represents approximately 1% of the total land area of
Chatham Township.
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Chapter 5: PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES AND UTILITIES:
A.
UTILITIES:
Water
Many residents have cisterns, wells or other private water supply.
Rural water service is currently available to almost three-quarters of the residents
of Chatham Township provided by Medina County. The order in which water is
made available to residents is street based and determined according to resident
demand. Because of the availability of central water to most of Chatham
Township, the water table is not as significant for human consumption as it has
been in the past. However, Map 12: Ground Water indicates the areas where
the use of wells may be limited.
Sewer
No public sewer service is available in Chatham Township at this
time. All residents of the township have individual on-site systems.
Electric
Electric power is supplied to most areas of the Township by the
Lorain Medina Rural Electric Company. A small portion of the eastern section of
the Township is supplied by Ohio Edison.
Natural Gas
Columbia Gas of Ohio provides natural gas service to a
limited portion of the Township. Currently, natural gas service is available to:
 The western portion of Old Mill Road beginning at 11291 Old
Mill Road and ending at 12700 Old Mill Road.
 Avon Lake Road beginning at 6283 Avon Lake Road and
ending at 7286 Avon Lake Road.
 Chippewa Road beginning at 4800 Chippewa Road and
ending at 6950 Chippewa Road.
Natural gas transmission lines are not available to other portions of the Township
at this time.
Cable Service
Cable service is available to some areas of the Township via
various individual providers.
B.
SCHOOLS:
Students from the Chatham Township attend schools within the Cloverleaf School
District. The school district is rated excellent on the State Local Report Card. The
District has one high school, one middle school and three elementary schools. There
are no facilities within the Township boundaries. Both the High School and Middle
School are located in Westfield Township on Buffham Road.
Cloverleaf School District encompasses most of Lafayette, Westfield, Chatham, and
Harrisville Township and almost ¾ of Guilford Township and has approximately 3500
students.
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C.
TOWNSHIP FACILITIES AND SERVICES:
Fire Protection
Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department provides fire
and emergency service to the Township. The Fire Department is located on
Kohli Drive near the center of Chatham and is staffed by 26 part-time
volunteer firemen.
Chatham Township Fire Department
6429 Kohli Drive
Spencer, Ohio 44275
Phone: (330) 667-2372
Emergency Medical Service is also provided by the Chatham Township
Volunteer Fire Department.
Law Enforcement Law enforcement protection is provided by the Medina
County Sheriff’s Department.
Medina County Sheriff Department
555 Independence Drive
Medina, Ohio
Phone: (330) 725-0028 (Non-Emergency Contact Number)
Library
Library service for Chatham is provided by The Medina County
District Public Library via a bookmobile. The bookmobile is available to residents
every Thursday between 6:15 and 6:45 pm and stops at the Chatham General
Store at the intersection of State Route 83 and State Route 162.
Public Transit
Medina County Transit provides limited services to residents
for a minimal fee. To use this door-to-door service, residents must call the
Medina County Transit Office at (330) 723-9670 two days prior to the need
for transportation. The most common pick-up times are Monday, Wednesday, or
Friday during the morning.
Chatham Township Historical Society The Chatham Township Historical
Society includes two buildings and is staff by volunteers. General memorabilia of
Chatham Township is located at 6332 Avon Lake Road. Memorabilia specific to
the history of the school in Chatham Township is located in the old school library
at 6306½ Avon Lake Road.
Government Facilities:

Chatham Township Community Center
The Chatham Township Community Center is located at the site of the
former Chatham Elementary School on S.R. 83. It was acquired by the
Township in the fall of 2004. The Chatham Township Trustees,
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Chatham Township Zoning Commission, Chatham Township Board of
Zoning Appeals and other official township events are located at the
Community Center. Other community activities such as youth baseball
and cultural events are also conducted at the Center. Chatham residents
may rent the facility for organizational activities and personal events.
Chatham Township Community Center
6306 Avon Lake Road
Spencer, Ohio 44275
(330) 667-6020
Other Institutions within the Township:

Chatham Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Memorial Hall
Located near the intersection of SR 83 and SR 163 (6299 Avon Lake
Road)
This organization is very active in the community; it hosts numerous
events including dances, pancake breakfasts, festivals and other
activities. They also sponsor community baseball and softball.

Churches
o Black River Church of the Brethren
10322 Old Mill Road
330-667-6022
o Crosspointe Community Church
8731 Spencer Lake Road
330-723-9009
o Chatham Community Church
6423 Avon Lake Road
330 667-2351
o Mount Zion Baptist Tabernacle
6226 Vandemark Road
330-722-0746
o Pentecostal Church of the Living God
6218 Avon Lake Road
D.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
The Medina County Parks District maintains one park, Letha House, totaling
approximately 166 acres. Map 11: Recreation & Parks identifies this park and also
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Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan 2011
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indicates the existing and proposed trail and bikeway system that will eventually link
the Township and other county parks. There are also two private “sports” clubs, South
Cuyahoga Sportsman Club located in the northeast corner of the Township along Erhart
Road and a Hunt Club on Coon Club Road approximately 1500 feet west of the
Lafayette Township boundary. There are two private campgrounds located within
Chatham; Honey Do Campground on the west side of Avon Lake Road, south of Coon
Club Road and Pier Lon Campground on the west side of Vandemark Road, south of
Spencer Lake Road.
The Medina County Park District Potential Park Plan proposes a trail system that will
connect Spencer Lake Park to the west with Letha House Park and then head north into
Lorain County. The trail is proposed to run along Spencer Lake Road and then head
north through Letha House Park along Richman Road into Litchfield Township and then
further north.
The Buckeye Trail also runs through Chatham Township going from
Spencer Lake and the Spencer Lake Wildlife Area, through Letha House Park and then
follows the Lester Rail Trail for about three miles. It then goes through a suburban built
up area of Brunswick, passing along side Plum Creek Park. It is then along rural roads
until it gets to Hinckley Reservation, very near the Buzzard Roost and up through
Hinckley Ledges. The eastern section is in the Brecksville Reservation of Cleveland
Metroparks and ends at Deer Lick Cave. The Trail is open to all hikers and horseback
riders free of charge and is maintained by the statewide Buckeye Trail Association, a
volunteer, non-profit organization.
The Medina County Bicycle Transportation Route System was adopted by the County
Commissioner on February 11, 2008. It complements the NOACA Bicycle
Transportation Map. The County Bicycle Route System proposed Vandemark Road
and Smith Road as bicycle routes through Chatham Township.
E.
HAZARD MITIGATION:
The Medina County Emergency Management Agency has completed a planning
document entitled All Hazard and Mitigation Plan, adopted by the Township Trustees on
January 13, 2004. The term "hazard mitigation ", as it relates to Medina County,
describes
actions that can help reduce or eliminate long-term risks caused by natural
or manmade disasters, such as floods, droughts, tornadoes, earthquakes, and dam
failures. After disasters, repairs and reconstruction are often completed in such a way
as to simply restore damaged property to pre-disaster conditions. These efforts may
expedite a return to normalcy, but the replication of pre-disaster conditions often results
in a repetitive cycle of damage and reconstruction. Hazard mitigation is needed to
break this repetitive cycle by producing less vulnerable conditions through post-disaster
repairs and reconstruction. The implementation of such hazard mitigation actions now
by state and local governments means building stronger, safer and smarter
communities that will be able to reduce future damage and injuries. The specific goals
adopted by Chatham Township can be found in Appendix E.
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F.
HOSPITALS AND/OR HEALTH FACILITIES:
Although there are no hospitals within the Township, there are three hospitals
within 20 miles of Chatham:
 Medina General Hospital – approximately 10 miles; Medina, Ohio
 Wadsworth/Rittman Hospital – approximately 16 miles; Wadsworth, Ohio.
 Lodi Community Hospital, a Division of Akron General Hospital, –
approximately 4 miles; Lodi, Ohio.
Metro Life Flight is also available to all of Medina County for those in need of
immediate trauma facilities.
Map 13: Public Services, Facilities and Utilities locates the above facilities
within Chatham Township.
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CHAPTER 6: DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
A.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT:
Although one and two-family dwellings are permitted in the R1 and R2 Zoning Districts,
residential development in Chatham Township has taken the form of single-family
homes on traditional 3-plus acre lots along existing roadways. The result is frontage
development that requires driveway access on to high speed roadways and block
interiors that are primarily undeveloped.
The Township does permit rear lot
development, which may alleviate the undeveloped block interiors but results in
additional driveway access to the existing roads.
While there have been seven major subdivisions developed within Chatham Township,
there has not been a major subdivision2 built in Chatham Township within the last
twenty (20) years. Major subdivisions are reviewed in detail by the Medina County
Department of Planning Services and Planning Commission with the coordination of
other County agencies. There are higher standards required of a major subdivision than
a minor (lot split) subdivision. Also, preservation of environmentally sensitive land is
more difficult to achieve through the minor subdivision process.
B.
NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT:
As stated previously, non-residential development is constrained by the lack of central
sewer facilities within the Township. Existing non-residential development includes,
home-based businesses scattered throughout the Township, a flower shop, a trucking
business, a junk yard/car parts business and a storage facility. Consequently, most
Chatham residents must go outside the Township for both employment and shopping.
C.
CHATHAM “Town Center”
Throughout the meetings and discussions of the Chatham Comprehensive Plan
Advisory Committee the center of Chatham Township (Intersection of State Route 83
and State Route 162) has surfaced as an area of significant discussion. This area is
referenced throughout the Plan as the “town center” although it is not an incorporated
area. This area comprises the original development of Chatham Township
approximately 1/4 mile north and south of Chatham Road on both the east and west
sides of Avon Lake Road.
The “Town Center” area includes smaller homes on smaller lots (less than 3 acres) and
a mix of institutional and non-residential uses. It was initially thought that the smaller lot
size was not remaining rural; however, committee members later realized that smaller
2
O.R.C. Section 711.001: A Major Subdivision is the creation of five or more lots any one of which is less than five
acres, or development involving the creation of a street or access of easement.
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Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan 2011
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lot sizes within a controlled area could provide additional housing opportunities for the
community. These smaller homes and lot sizes could provide an opportunity for senior
housing and more affordable housing in the center of the township, rather than forcing
those who are no longer able to, or desire to, care for their three-acre plus lots to leave
the community to find housing. Smaller lots may also provide an affordable opportunity
for younger generations to stay within the community.
When attempting to decide where smaller lot sizes may be appropriate for Chatham
Township, it became evident that the intersection of St. Rt. 83 and St. Rt. 162 was the
most favorable location. Currently this area of the Township has lot sizes ranging from
5,500 square feet to 28,000 square feet, all significantly less than the required three
acres. Significant thought was given to creating either a new zoning district or restricting
the current R-2 zoning district to a smaller defined area around the SR 83/SR 162
intersection.
D.
ZONING
Currently Chatham Township has two zoning districts, R-1 and an R-2. (See Map 14:
Current Zoning) The R-1 district is a residential district including institutional uses
such as churches, schools, governmentally owned parks, libraries, cemeteries,
community facilities etc. Home occupations, campgrounds, and back lot dwellings are
conditional uses. The parking and/or storage of heavy licensed or unlicensed
commercial trailers is also a conditionally permitted use in the R-1 District.
The R-2 district allows all the permitted uses and conditionally permitted uses of the R-1
District. In addition, several non-residential uses including multi-family dwellings, retail
stores, food and food service facilities are conditionally permitted.
The current R-2 district extends east from the SR 162/SR 83 intersection along
Chatham Road (SR 162) approximately 5,650 feet to the intersection of Vandemark
Road. Continuing to the west of the intersection of SR 83 and SR 162 on Chatham
Road (or SR 162) the R-2 District extends approximately 8,050 feet to Richman Road.
Richman Road is offset at Chatham Road. The district extends to the road farthest to
the west.
The R-2 district along Avon Lake Road (S.R. 83) extends north to Spencer Lake Road,
which is approximately 4,800 feet. In the southern direction the R-2 district extends to
Old Mill Road, which is approximately 5,100 feet south of the intersection of SR 83 and
SR. 162. The R-2 district does not end there. Proceeding west on Old Mill Road the
district continues for a distance of 2670 feet, south from the centerline at a constant
depth of 1000 feet.
Some of the conditionally permitted uses within the R-2 District may not be compatible
with adjacent permitted residential uses. Review of the Chatham Township Zoning
Resolution should include a review of the conditionally permitted uses and a review of
the site plan requirements for conditionally permitted uses. Additional controls on
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Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan 2011
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conditional uses through the site planning process can alleviate some of the
incompatibility issues.
E.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT:
1.
Forested areas:
The benefits of wooded areas or canopy cover, as it is often termed, include the
ability to:

Reduce air pollution by ingesting carbon monoxide and producing oxygen

Reduce noise pollution by providing natural buffers

Provide wildlife habitat

Reduce water run-off and soil erosion

Enhance aesthetic and visual qualities of the community

Reduce energy consumption by providing shade.
Forested corridors between developments can provide connected open space
areas and buffers in addition to providing ecological benefits to the area.
Preservation of significant wooded areas can be effectively implemented at the
site plan review.
2.
Steep Slopes:
Construction on or near slopes has caused increased runoff and erosion. To
prevent such erosion and runoff, it is recommended that steep slopes along
streambeds be maintained with vegetative cover to prevent soil loss. Existing
patterns of vegetation should be retained on all slopes over 12 %.
Preservation of steep slopes should be a consideration for site plan review.
3.
Conservation Development:
Alternatives to the traditional single-family home on an individual lot fill a housing
need and also can be used to preserve natural amenities, protect sensitive
environmental conditions and protect historic buildings and sites. Conservation
Development is one such alternative. It permits residential development to be
clustered to preserve natural amenities and/or open space and farmland while
retaining the same overall density that is permitted currently. A sketch
comparing a conservation development subdivision with a conventional
subdivision for the same property can be found in Appendix G.
F.
FARMLAND PRESERVATION:
Agriculture has long been an important industry in Chatham Township, and a dominant
part of the Township’s landscape. However, current trends in the development of
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housing and other non-agriculture uses threaten the agricultural industry and the rural
way of life.
Chatham Township is rich in prime farmland as stated earlier in Chapter 2, Section G
and shown on Map 8: Prime Farmland Soils, Chatham Soils, Rocky River Project.
This map also indicates the major farms in the Township. As shown, the major farms
are scattered throughout the Township excluding the floodplain areas adjacent to the
predominant streams and along SR 83 in the “Town Center” area.
Information from the Medina County Auditors Office reveals that approximately
two/thirds of the Township have CAUV status:
CAUV Enrollment - Chatham Township
tax year 2007,
tax year 2003
tax year 2001,
Table 6-1
pay 2008
pay 2004
pay 2002
349 parcels
343 parcels
328 parcels
10,997.47 ac
11,382.53 ac
11,236.65 ac3
The chart above further indicates that there was a 146 acre increase between 2001 and
2003; and there was a loss of 385 acres between 2003 and 2007. While this represents
only a 3.4% loss in farmland over four years, it indicates a direction that is reflected
statewide and nationally – a loss in prime farmland. The various tools that can be used
to encourage farmland preservation are elaborated upon in Chapter 8:
Recommendations.
3
Medina County Auditors Office, May 15, 2008
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CHAPTER 7: GOALS OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
A.
INTRODUCTION:
The Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan is intended to serve as a guide for
decisions affecting the Township over the next two decades. In order to be effective,
the plan needs to reflect the vision of those whom it is intended to benefit – the
residents of Chatham Township; those who live in Chatham Township today and those
who will make the Township their home in the future. Accordingly, the process used to
prepare this plan included a wide variety of community involvement opportunities.
The Advisory Committee, discussed previously in the Introduction, prepared draft goals
and objectives that were presented to the community at an Open House in October of
2007. The participants of the Open House were given the opportunity to provide input
into the draft goals and objectives and to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, threats
and opportunities for the Township.
Throughout the comprehensive planning process, the following prevailing themes
emerged and became the basis for the more general goals and specific policies that
followed:
B.

Preserve the rural atmosphere of the township.

Maintain the historical, rural and agricultural charm of the Township

Establish guidelines that minimize the conversion of agricultural land,
support farm operations and allow for agricultural-related businesses.

Encourage development styles that are in harmony with the existing
character of the Township.

Ensure that new development/redevelopment is compatible with existing
development within the “Town Center”/Township in terms of style and
scale and in locations suitable for the type of development.

The following set of Goals, Objectives and Policies were drafted using the
information from the community survey (See Appendix A), committee
evaluations and the October open house:
TRANSPORTATION: Maintain and Enhance the Existing Transportation
System

Promote safe roads for automobile travel.

Restrict commercial truck traffic to state roads.

Ensure proper roadway maintenance.
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C.

Improve all township roads to uniform standard of base, pavement,
crowning and drainage.

Require that subdivision and PUD development roads be built to County
Engineering Code standards and conform to a reasoned thoroughfare
plan.

Require that senior housing developments provide transportation for
residents.

Preserve current prohibitions of private roads and shared driveways.

Oppose access management plans by the county or state that would
compromise Chatham zoning requirements.

Stay informed on transportation improvements outside the Township that
may affect the Township.
HOUSING: Ensure an Appropriate and Quality Housing Stock.

Promote and maintain the quality of the existing and future housing stock.

Encourage the provision of a greater variety of housing styles and types to
accommodate a wider range of housing preferences, income levels and
household types (singles, seniors and empty-nesters).
o
Two-family homes in the “town center” area
o
Keep the township primarily single-family development.
o
Smaller lots in the “town center” area
o
Retain minimum lot size of 3 acres within the R-1 and R-2 Districts.
o
Retain, or increase, minimum dwelling size (currently 1200 sq. ft.)
o
Encourage housing development to occur in a manner that enables
residents to use existing infrastructure and services efficiently.
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D.
E.
F.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS: Encourage cooperation
and coordination with surrounding townships and villages.

Encourage cooperation and coordination of recreational facilities and
programming among the townships, villages, park districts and school
districts in the region.

Coordinate efforts in future planning including infrastructure improvements
and land use.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Ensure that new non-residential development is compatible with existing
adjacent uses.

Promote the re-use of vacant facilities for new and/or expanding
commercial and other non-residential establishments.

Provide for home-based businesses, which is any business where the
primary office is located in the owner’s home or in an accessory building
on the same parcel as the home.

Allow for the provision of adequate infrastructure that addresses resident
needs.
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES: Protect and Preserve Natural
and Cultural Resources

Promote protection of the quality of surface and groundwater resources,
particularly through the employment of watershed management measures.

Preserve and enhance existing parks and recreational facilities that serve
the Township.

Preserve natural habitats and open space corridors for wildlife
preservation.

Encourage cooperation and coordination of recreational facilities
and programming among the townships, villages, park districts and
school districts in the region.

Properly plan development to preserve areas identified as
important open space, stream corridors, wildlife habitat and scenic view
corridors.
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o
G.
H.
I.
Recognize potential wetland areas

Continue to promote cultural unity in Chatham Township through
Township facilities.

Continue to identify buildings, structures and sites that preserve the
historic heritage of Chatham Township for current and future residents.
UTILITIES:

Encourage extension of water lines where possible.

Encourage state of the art telecommunication service within the
Township.
PUBLIC FACILITIES:

Maintain efficient and responsive fire and emergency services.

Limit burden on existing residents by requiring new development to
provide any additional infrastructure required.
LAND USE:

Ensure that new non-residential development is compatible with existing
adjacent uses.

Continue, and expand, Site Plan Review

Establish minimum landscaping and buffering requirements

Preserve the rural character of the Township by discouraging rural
subdivisions that utilize agricultural land, forestland and open space.
o
Encourage the use of conservation easements and land trust to
facilitate open space preservation and protection of agricultural
lands, forestlands, natural areas and environmentally sensitive
areas.
o
Actively pursue funding sources for farmland preservation activities.

Coordinate land use development with transportation improvements.

Review and update zoning enforcement procedures.
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CHAPTER 8: RECOMMENDATIONS:
A.
ESTABLISH DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES TO PRESERVE FARMLAND,
OPENSPACE AND SCENIC VIEWS TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF OPEN
COUNTRYSIDE AND RURAL CHARACTER.
The Zoning Resolution should be amended to incorporate provisions specifically
designed and intended to protect and preserve open spaces and scenic vistas, to
protect significant natural and environmentally sensitive areas, and to encourage and
require features which are consistent with the Township’s established rural character.
B.
MAINTAIN 3-ACRE MINIMUM LOT SIZE
The Township should retain the current residential zoning requirements of 3-acre
minimum lot size with 200 feet of frontage. By maintaining the large lot size, Chatham
will protect and preserve its rural character and will control density throughout the
Township. While it is recognized that residential development will continue and that
natural areas and resources will be affected by that development, the residents of
Chatham should encourage and expect high quality development. Chatham will
continue to be a low-density residential community with predominantly single-family
dwellings.
C.
CONSIDER THE USE OF CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
TECHNIQUES
To retain Chatham’s rural character, it is necessary to preserve significant amounts of
open space and to maintain natural and rural views presently encountered when
traveling on roads throughout the Township. Preservation of open spaces and natural
views can best be accomplished by encouraging the use of conservation development
techniques.
The Township should explore conservation development, which could provide an
effective alternative to back lot development and the traditional 3-acre lot subdivision
and would result in a land use pattern more consistent with the stated goals of this plan.
Educating the Board of Township Trustees, Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning
Appeals, and residents as to the benefits of conservation development is
recommended.
Additional information about what conservation development is,
why it is important, and how it should be utilized in Chatham Township should be made
available. A sketch comparing a conventional subdivision with a conservation
subdivision can be found at Appendix G.
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D.
DISCOURAGE THE EXTENSION OF SANITARY SEWERS
Since it is intended that Chatham Township remain rural and agricultural in nature and
that future residential development be at very low densities, it is recommended that
central sanitary sewer service not be provided within the Township. Extension of
sanitary sewers throughout the Township would not be cost effective, compatible with
the proposed development and land use patterns, or consistent with reducing
development pressures on prime agricultural lands. The Township’s utility extension
policy should be consistent with its long-range land use planning and development
policies.
It is the recommendation of this Plan that the Township adopts a policy requiring use of
individual on-site waste disposal systems and opposing the creation or extension of
central collection systems and/or public and private wastewater treatment plants. The
only exception to this would be a privately owned septic system in the “Town Center”
area where individual septic systems may be prohibitive due to the size of the lots and
the existing failing systems.
E.
PERMIT AND REGULATE HOME-BASED BUSINESSES
The Township should continue to permit home-based businesses. The nature of the
business and the type of use should be carefully examined so that it does not cause
problems for adjacent properties. Home-based businesses in Chatham should be
carefully regulated in order to protect adjacent neighbors from noise, truck traffic and
deliveries, and exterior appearance.
Home-based business regulations can be classified into 4 or 5 categories:
1.
Limitations on the types of businesses or activities that may be conducted
within the home.
2.
Restrictions on employees (number and relationship)
3.
Regulation of the exterior appearance of the home, including signage and
outside storage
4.
Operation restrictions, including hours of operation, traffic and parking
5.
Regulation of adverse impact on neighboring properties.
Any combination of the above should be considered in assuring that home-based
businesses have no adverse impact on the residential character of the area.
F.
PROVIDE FOR “TOWN CENTER” ZONING CONCENTRATED
AROUND THE INTERSECTION OF S.R.162 AND S.R. 83.
Create an Overlay District for the “Town Center” for the following
purposes:
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





G.
Permitting smaller lots for residential uses.
Permitting up to 4 units (attached) for senior housing
Encouraging pedestrian scale for development
Providing design guidelines for development along SR 83:
o
Landscaping
o
Scale
o
Building materials
o
Parking behind the building
Permitting multi-use development, including village-scale commercial
Pedestrian friendly
STRENGTHEN ZONING ENFORCEMENT
New residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational developments, additions, and/or
structures should be reviewed to ensure their compatibility and consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Resolution, and Zoning Map. In order to protect property
rights, the enforcement of the Zoning Resolution should be consistent, fair, and equally
enforced for every individual and property in Chatham Township.
H.
I.
J.
AMEND AND UPDATE ZONING RESOLUTION
1.
See Chapter 10: Implementation Strategies for specific recommendations.
2.
Provide for a consistent depth for the R-2 District.
LOCATE APPROPRIATE AREAS FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL USES
1.
Town Center Overlay
2.
R-2 District Location
ESTABLISH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL AND
OTHER NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
Performance standards should be established for commercial and other non-residential
uses, which could create dangerous, injurious, noxious, or otherwise objectionable
elements or conditions, which may adversely affect the surrounding area or adjoining
properties. Acceptable measures and safeguards
to
limit
dangerous
and
objectionable elements could include noise, fire hazards, vibration, smoke, glare,
erosion and other similar elements.
Performance standards could be located within the general regulations for conditional
uses and include, as an example, the following:
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K.
1.
There shall be no storage or handling of hazardous, explosive, or
highly flammable materials, which would
cause fire,
explosion or safety hazards.
2.
There shall be no production of noise beyond the property
boundary of any use in excess of the average intensity of street
and traffic noise found in the adjacent area.
3.
There shall be no emission of dust, dirt, odors, smoke or toxic
gases and fumes.
4.
There shall be no production of heat, glare or vibration perceptible
beyond the property boundary of the conditional use.
5.
There shall be no outdoor storage.
6.
There shall be no off-site release to soil or surface drainage ways
of water borne or liquid pollutants.
ENCOURAGE FARMLAND PRESERVATION.
There are various tools in addition to the Comprehensive Plan itself, some of which are
discussed below that can be initiated by the Township to encourage farmland
preservation within Chatham:
1.
Establish Agricultural Districts.
Agricultural Districts are a valuable means of encouraging and protecting
commercial agriculture.
2.
Enact Right to Farm Resolutions.
Right to farm laws provide a clear message to those moving into a rural
area that agriculture is valued and supported by the community.
3.
Agricultural Use Notice.
An Agricultural Use Notice clearly states the message of the Right to Farm
Resolution. The Notice can be a part of the Zoning Resolution and/or be
given to all new and current residents on any property in or adjacent to an
agricultural zone warning them that noise, dust, odors and sprays are
generated by neighboring agricultural operations. (An example can be
found in Appendix D).
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4.
Utilize Agricultural Supportive Zoning.
Zoning based on a Comprehensive Plan is the best tool available for the
preservation of farmland. The purpose of zoning is to prevent land use
conflicts. Agriculture is exempt from zoning in Ohio, but using zoning
districts such as conservation development allows development to occur
while large tracts of land are still preserved for agriculture.
5.
Agricultural Conservation Easements:
Purchase of Development Rights
Transfer of Development Rights
Donation of Development Rights
The sale, transfer, or donation of development rights is one way to place
an agricultural conservation easement on a piece of land. An agricultural
easement protects farmland by allowing landowners to retain title to their
property and transfer or sell it however they wish. However, the easement
ensures that the land will be used for farming and protects it from
development in perpetuity.
Purchase of Development Rights is currently funded in Ohio through the
Clean Ohio Fund. Chatham Township Trustees and Medina County
officials should encourage continued funding for this program. Local
(County and Township) funds should be made available to serve as the
required 25% local match.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) allows landowners to transfer
development rights from one piece of property to another. This enables
communities to shift development away from agricultural areas and direct
it to areas targeted for growth under the comprehensive plan. TDR is
not currently permitted in Ohio but it is being considered in the legislature.
Donation of development Rights should also be encouraged. Under this
program, landowners may donate all or a percentage of the development
rights value of their land. A strong informational program to educate
landowners about the potential tax and other benefits of the donation of
development rights should be pursued.
L.
PROMOTE TOWNSHIP IDENTITY AND PRIDE
The Township should consider investment in some type of announcement at its
entries. Signage and/or landscaping would be beneficial. The Township will
have to secure funding for plantings and maintenance. The Township should
pursue sponsors to help alleviate the cost. Public donations could be contributed
by civic organizations or private residents. Chatham should encourage support
and maintenance from civic organizations including churches. These groups
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could adopt street trees and planting islands and assist with care of the
landscaped areas once installed. It would be helpful to establish a regular
planting program of trees and flowers and solicit resident participation,
school
participation, and other volunteer organizations.
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CHAPTER 9:
FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
The Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan includes a Future Land Use Map (see
Map 15: Future Land Use) that will be used to guide where specific land uses are to be
developed and redeveloped over the next ten to twenty years. The Future Land Use
Plan in conjunction with this entire Comprehensive Plan is intended to be used as a
guide in the decision-making process for future modifications to the Township’s zoning
ordinance, consideration of development proposals, rezoning requests, variance
requests or any other planning and development concerns that may arise in the
Township. The Future Land Use Map and the following narrative make up the Future
Land Use Plan.
A.
PURPOSE:
Decisions that are in direct conflict with the Future Land Use Map that could undermine
the long-term objectives of the community if approved should be avoided. A deviation
from the future land use map and the Comprehensive Plan may be appropriate when it
can be justified by more detailed information, changed conditions or where the decision
is consistent with the broader intent and purposes of the Plan. The Future Land Use
Map and/or the Comprehensive Plan may require updating in cases where proposed
deviations would significantly alter the direction set by the Plan. An amendment to the
Future Land Use Map and/or to the policies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan will be
required in the case of developments that, because of scale or intensity, have the
potential to create significant impact on services, traffic, surrounding uses, or the goals
and policies of this Plan.
B.
INFLUENTIAL FACTORS:
The Future Land Use Plan was prepared to reflect input received during the 24 month
planning process that included monthly meetings of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee and two Open Houses, discussions with local decision makers and
agencies, existing land use patterns, and the consideration of proper planning
principles. This input and other factors affecting land use patterns were taken into
consideration in preparing the future land use map and the Plan. These factors include:
1.
Existing Land Use. Extensive changes to the existing land use pattern
are not proposed as the Township has expressed a desire to remain rural and
there is very little development pressure.
Vacant properties were generally
assigned the prevalent land use of the surrounding occupied properties. The
community land use patterns have evolved in a relatively orderly manner and are
built upon, with slight modification, rather than altered in a significant manner.
2.
Existing Zoning. Existing zoning designations were a factor considered
in preparing the Plan. However, there is no “vested interest” that guarantees
existing zoning will remain unchanged. In fact, several changes are suggested
based on recommendation of the Comprehensive Plan. All changes were
carefully considered to ensure the general arrangement remains consistent and
landowners will retail a reasonable use of their land.
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3.
Relationship of Incompatible Uses. The future land use plan strives to
reduce or eliminate incompatible land use relationships existing in the Township.
Providing a transition and/or buffer between land uses, especially those with
certain conflicting characteristics, is essential. The Plan designates areas for
uses that are considered most appropriate for the community’s long-term
objectives, with the intention of eventually eliminating some existing uses that do
not meet these objectives.
4.
Infrastructure and Public Facilities/Services. The intensity of uses
depends on the availability and capability in the Township of the community’s
infrastructure. The potential for public water and sewer service or dependence
on well and septic affects future development intensities. The road network limits
the types and intensity of uses that may be effectively served in an area of the
Township without adversely impacting traffic operations. The availability of
community facilities such as schools or police and fire protection must be
considered when determining future land uses.
5.
Existing Market Conditions.
Existing market conditions and
opportunities were evaluated, although though they will likely change during the
time frame of this Plan. Future updated plans should reevaluate market
opportunities to ensure that the Township’s near term economic development
goals adjust to its successes and external influences.
6.
Land Use Patterns in the Area and Other Communities. Land use
patterns for neighboring communities and similar townships in Medina County
were considered to ensure that the new Plan would be compatible with those
patterns.
7.
Desires of the Township. The land use pattern desired by Township
decision makers has been expressed through numerous public forums, public
meetings, two open houses and a survey.
C.
PLAN OVERVIEW:
Depicted on the Plan are the following three (3) land use categories: Single-family
Residential, One and Two-family residential, and non-residential development; and
three overlay areas: one for the “Town Center” area, one for prime farmland protection
areas and one for stream corridor protection areas.
1.
Single-family residential
a.
General Location: Single-family residential is the predominant
land use within the Township, occupying all areas of the township.
b.
Intended Land Uses: The Single-family residential land use
designation is intended to accommodate strictly single-family residential
development. Schools, churches, parks, home occupations, institutional
and civic facilities are conditionally permitted.
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c.
Key Changes: Suggest that two-family development require a
conditional use permit.
2.
One and two-family residential
a.
General Location: Along S.R. 83 between Spencer Lake Road
and Old mill Road; and along 162 between Richman Road and
Vandemark Road.
b.
Intended Land Uses: Single-family and two-family residential
and low intensity non-residential uses as a conditional use.
3.
Non-residential development
a.
General Location: Along S.R. 83 between Spencer Lake Road
and the southern Township boundary; and along 162 between Richman
Road and Vandemark Road. Along State Routes allowing for truck traffic
b.
Intended Land Uses: Residential and non-residential uses that
are compatible with residences in a semi-rural setting.
c.
Key changes: Prohibit expansion of non-residential development
from Smith Road and Old Mill Road immediately west of S.R. 83, and
extend the area for future non-residential development south along S.R.
83.
4.
“Town Center” Overlay District
a.
General Location: This area comprises the original development
of Chatham Township approximately 1/4 mile north and south of Chatham
Road on both the east and west sides of Avon Lake Road.
b
Intended Land Uses: Permit smaller lots for residential use;
Permit up to 4 units (attached) for senior housing and multi-use
development, including village-scale commercial
c.
Key Changes: Provide town center for Chatham with more
intense uses and allow existing smaller lots to be conforming
5.
Prime Farmland Preservation areas
a.
General Location: Scattered throughout the Township including
areas that current provide for active farming
b.
Intent: Preserve and protect farmland and active farms
c.
Key changes: New land use protection area
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CHAPTER 10: IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
This portion of the Comprehensive Plan identifies specific recommendations to
implement the Goals and Objectives contained in Chapter 7.
These
implementation measures fall into the following categories:
Zoning Text Amendments
Zoning Map Amendments
Future Studies
Administrative Measures
Capital Improvements
A.
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
Zoning is the Township’s fundamental tool to be used to bring about many
of the land use policies stated in this Plan. The following text amendments
should be included in any update of the Township’s Zoning Resolution:
1.
Clarify the distinctions between the R-1 and R-2 DISTRICTS.
a.
b.
Through reorganization of the Resolution itself, making it
more user-friendly.
Specify permitted uses, accessory uses and conditional uses
under each district.
2.
Specifically state that a site plan is required for all conditional
uses.
3.
Expand the scope of the existing site plan review procedures.
a.
Provide detailed procedural steps for site plan review;
(1)
Application form
(2)
Comments from Engineer and other agencies
(3)
Use of outside consultants, if necessary, (paid by the
applicant).
(4)
Require additional studies, if necessary, (paid by the
applicant).
b.
Strengthen Landscaping requirements.
c.
Signage – detail and locate on Site Plan or Landscape Plan.
d.
Elevations including building façade materials to be part of
the submittal.
e.
Provide design criteria for parking areas, driveways etc.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Amend Sign Regulations to make them content neutral.
a.
Real Estate signs, Directional signs, and Political signs
must be treated similarly.
b.
Temporary signs (political) – courts have not upheld time
limits.
Amend Oil and Gas Regulations
a.
Location of Oil and Gas Wells now regulated by the State.
b.
Townships may establish minimum distances for new
construction from existing oil and gas wells, storage tanks
and/or separator units.
Consider changes in the 3-acre Lot Area requirement.
a.
Two-family home requires 6 acres
b.
Provision for smaller lots in the “Town Center”.
Driveways
a.
Over 250’ in length – requires a hard surface4, all-weather
road with turnaround.
b.
All driveways, less than 250’ or greater, are to:
 Be ten (10) feet in width;
 Have a height clearance of at least fourteen (14) feet;
 Accommodate emergency vehicles in accordance with Fire
Dept. specifications.
Conditionally Permitted Uses:
a.
4
The conditional uses that are permitted in both the R-1 and
R-2 Districts are for the most part uses that are commonly
conditionally permitted in residential districts.
1.)
Parking or storage of heavy commercial vehicles is an
exception. (3-year permit)
2.)
Suggest a limit on the number of heavy commercial
vehicles permitted on one lot.
Gravel or rock base
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b.
Many of the conditional uses permitted only in the R-2
District could be incompatible with adjacent residential
uses.
1.)
2.)
B.
ZONING MAP AMENDMENT:
1.
C.
D.
Review of Zoning Resolution should include a review
of the heavier uses permitted conditionally within the
R-2 District.
Uses could be eliminated or stricter conditions placed
on them to assure compatibility with adjacent
residences.
Create an Overlay zone for the “Town Center” Area of the
Township. (See Map 16: Proposed Zoning.)
FUTURE STUDIES:
1.
Area around the S.R.162/S.R. 83 intersection
2.
Corridor study for S.R. 83
RESOLUTION:
Farmland Preservation - Enact a Right to Farm Resolution
(See Appendix D for an example.)
E.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS:
1.
Incorporate Improvements, Facilities and Studies provided
by outside agencies such as park improvements to Letha
Park provided by the Medina County Park District.
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APPENDIX A
SURVEY FORM AND RESULTS
BEING EMAILED SEPARATELY
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APPENDIX B
LAND USE DETAILS
FEATURE
BARREN
COMMERCIAL
CROPLAND
DECIDUOUS_FOREST
EVERGREEN_FOREST
FARMSTEAD
INSTITUTION
ISLAND
LAKE
MIXED_FOREST
ORCHARD
OTHER_URBAN
PASTURE
POND_2004
RAILROAD
RECREATION
RESIDENTIAL_SINGLE
RIVER
SHRUB_BRUSH_RANGELAND
TRANSPORTATION
WETLAND_2004
# of FEATURES
2
3
274
82
11
72
2
18
469
29
5
6
85
23
5
2
290
6
70
2
3
Summary of
Acreage
8.23
14.24
6083.00
5500.50
40.85
260.75
8.88
0.79
213.85
716.69
88.86
137.95
753.65
20.95
1.46
14.92
2265.84
24.01
602.36
118.15
1.14
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APPENDIX C
AGRICULTURAL USE NOTICE (EXAMPLE)
REQUIRED
As a condition of and at the time any zoning permit is applied for on non-agricultural land
abutting or within 1,000 feet of agricultural land, permit applicants shall be provided by the
Zoning Inspector with an “Agricultural Use Notice and Waiver.” Prior to action on the issuance of
a zoning permit on property abutting or within 1,000 feet of agricultural land, the applicant for
said permit shall be required to sign a waiver on a form prepared by the Zoning Inspector which
will indicate that the applicant understands that agricultural land exists near the subject property
and an agricultural operation is ongoing adjacent to his existing or proposed use which may
produce odors, noise, dust, and other effects which may not be compatible with the applicant’s
development. Nevertheless, understanding the effects of adjacent agricultural operations and
uses on adjacent agricultural lands, the applicant agrees by executing the form to waive any
objection to those effects and understands that his or her permit is issued and processed in
reliance on his or her agreement not to bring any action against adjacent landowners whose
property is agricultural land or an agricultural operation, or any local government, asserting that
the adjacent agricultural operations or uses of agricultural land constitutes a nuisance. Any such
notice or acknowledgment provided to or executed by a landowner adjoining agricultural land or
agricultural operation shall be a public record.
CONTENT
The Agricultural Use Notice and Waiver shall include the following information in substantially
the same or similar format and content:
“You are hereby notified that the property you are proposing to use or build upon is located
within 1,000 feet of agricultural land with one or more agricultural operations. You may be
subject to inconvenience or discomfort from lawful agricultural operations. Discomfort and
inconvenience may include, but are not limited to, noise, odors, fumes, dust, smoke, burning,
vibrations, insects, rodents, and/or the operation of machinery (including aircraft) during any 24hour period. One or more inconveniences may occur as a result of agricultural operations that
are in compliance with existing laws and regulations and accepted customs and standards. If
you live or operate a use near an agricultural area, you should be prepared to accept such
inconveniences or discomfort as a normal and necessary aspect of living in an area with a
strong rural character and an active agricultural sector. Your signature constitutes an agreement
not to bring any action against adjacent landowners whose property is agricultural land or in
agricultural operation, or against local government, asserting that the adjacent agricultural
operation or uses of agricultural lands constitutes a nuisance.
Signature of Applicant: ___________________________________”
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APPENDIX D
CHATHAM TOWNSHIP MITIGATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Adopted by the Chatham Township Trustees 1/13/2004
Goal # 1
To reduce loss of life and personal injury from natural hazards.
Update the existing early warning system, which utilizes cable television and
weather alert radio in public buildings and places of assembly by adding sirens
and lightning protection for parks.
Goal # 2
To reduce damages to existing development from natural hazards.
Utilize current engineering standards to alleviate existing flooding problems in the
township by improvement of drainage capabilities.
Goal # 3
To reduce damages to future development from natural hazards.
Utilization and development of local zoning and engineering standards for new
development that would make it less vulnerable to natural hazards with
assistance from Medina County Planning Services.
Goal # 4
To reduce damages to present and future development financed by public funds.
Public roads and infrastructure will be located outside the floodplain, above the
floodplain, or designed to reduce the effects of flooding on the infrastructure.
Goal # 5
To reduce public expense for emergency and recovery services following
disasters.
Development within the flood prone areas will be discouraged through use of
appropriate planning and zoning to reduce or eliminate emergency response and
recovery expenses assumed by the community.
Goal # 6
To protect and advance the long term economic prosperity.
Involvement of the private sector, and public-at-large in the hazard mitigation
planning process is needed to protect short and long-term economic interests.
Goal # 7
To reduce vulnerability of existing development.
Encourage utilization of NFIP, enforcement of local zoning, and seek federal and
state/local grants to buy out those high repetitive loss properties.
Goal # 8
To reduce vulnerability of new development.
Preventing and regulating the new construction in flood prone areas and
enforcement of building code regulations.
Goal # 9
To protect the natural environment as a mitigation measure.
Explore the possibilities of adopting a resolution that intends to protect our
existing natural wetlands, riparian corridors, and streams through land use
planning and local zoning techniques.
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APPENDIX E
TRAFFIC COUNTS and ACCIDENT DATA

2007 TRAFFIC VOLUMES FOR STATE ROADS 83 AND 162
2007 ADT on SR 83 was 4010 vpd (vehicles per day)
2007 ADT on SR 162 was 2190 vpd.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - CRASH INFORMATION 2002-2007
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY - CRASH INFORMATION
CHATHAM TOWNSHIP
2002-2007
Fatal
Crashes
Injury
Crashes
PDO
Crashes
Total
Crashes
Deaths
2002
3
22
52
77
3
2003
0
18
36
54
0
2004
0
13
53
68
0
2005
1
28
35
64
1
2006
0
11
42
53
0
2007
1
33
26
60
1
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APPENDIX F
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT SKETCH
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Chatham Township Comprehensive Plan 2011