Welcome to the Newtown Planning and Zoning Office
The Newtown Planning and Zoning Office serves as the central resource for residents, property owners, and developers seeking guidance on land use, zoning, and development within the Village. Our mission is to ensure that growth and development align with the vision established in Plan Newtown – The Village Comprehensive Plan, while maintaining safety, sustainability, and the character of our community.
Plan Newtown – The Village Comprehensive Plan
Plan Newtown, adopted in 2021, provides the long-term vision for the growth, development, and character of the Village. It serves as a guide for:
- Land use decisions
- Zoning updates
- Transportation planning
- Public facilities and infrastructure
Through the comprehensive planning process and input from residents, Plan Newtown identifies goals and priorities for the Village’s future. The Planning Commission and Village Council use this plan as a guide when considering zoning regulations and policy decisions, ensuring that development aligns with the community vision. Simply put, Plan Newtown establishes the “what and why” of growth and vision, while zoning provides the “how” by outlining enforceable rules for land use, development, and design.
What is Zoning?
Zoning is the primary tool Newtown uses to implement the goals and vision identified in Plan Newtown. It turns broad objectives into actionable rules for land use and development.
Zoning regulates:
- Property uses: residential, commercial, institutional, or mixed-use
- Structure standards: size, height, and placement on lots
- Design and development standards: setbacks, lot coverage, and compatibility with surrounding areas
By aligning zoning regulations with Plan Newtown, the Village ensures that growth occurs in a safe, orderly, and planned manner, supporting the community’s long-term goals for character, livability, and sustainability.
- Newtown Zoning Map (PDF)
Zoning Code Overview
The Zoning Code is the legal framework that enforces the land use goals identified in Plan Newtown. It defines:
- Zoning districts and permitted uses
- Dimensional standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage)
- Rules for accessory structures and site development
- Procedures for permitting, variances, and appeals
By codifying the comprehensive plan’s goals, the Zoning Code ensures that every development decision supports the long-term vision of the Village.
- Newtown Zoning Code (PDF)
When is a Zoning Permit Required?
A zoning permit is required before:
- Constructing a new building or addition
- Changing the use of a property
- Installing fences, sheds, or accessory structures
- Making exterior modifications to existing buildings
- Installation of signage
Please contact the Village of Newtown regarding any questions on whether a zoning permit is required for the improvements proposed to take place on the property. All zoning permits must be obtained before applying for a building permit.
Completed forms should be submitted to the Village of Newtown Zoning Office for review and processing.
Building Permits and Relationship to Zoning
While zoning governs what can be built and where, building permits ensure that construction meets Ohio’s building codes and safety standards. In Newtown:
- Zoning approvals are required to be obtained from the Village prior to any building permit application submittal
- Building permits are issued by the Hamilton County Building Department after zoning approvals are complete
This two-step process ensures that development is both compliant with safety standards and consistent with the Village’s vision.
- Hamilton County Building Department (website)
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
The BZA provides a formal process for property owners to request relief from specific zoning requirements when strict application of the code would create hardship. The BZA is responsible for considering:
What the BZA Considers:
- Variances Requests (Dimensional – e.g. setbacks, height limits)
- Administrative Appeals of Zoning Decisions
By reviewing variances and appeals, the BZA ensures that exceptions are carefully considered without undermining the Village’s overall vision and zoning objectives.
Completed forms should be submitted to the Village of Newtown Zoning Office for review and processing.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission oversees land use and development proposals to ensure they are consistent with Plan Newtown and the Zoning Code. The Planning Commission is responsible for:
- Zoning Map Amendments (Zone Changes)
- Planned Unit Developments
- Conditional Use Permit Requests
- Site Plan Reviews
- Subdivisions
- Recommendations for Zoning Code Text Amendments
The Commission ensures that new developments help implement the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan, from growth patterns to community character and sustainability.
Agendas and meeting minutes are posted on the Village website.
Completed forms should be submitted to the Village of Newtown Zoning Office for review and processing.
Contact Us
Email: Andy Juengling, AICP
Phone: (513) 561-7097
Location: 3537 Church Street, Newtown, Ohio 45244
Fax: (513) 561-7555