Zoning Inspector
Ric Machnics

Assistant Zoning Inspector
Diana Steffen

Administrative Building
8501 Kinsman Road
P.O. Box 522
Novelty, Ohio 44072
(Use west side door entrance
to lower level)

Telephone: (440) 338-5811
Fax: (440) 338-7782

The Russell Township
Zoning Resolution 
and Zoning Map can be viewed on-line.

Click here to view the resolution.

Click here to view the map.

*Requires Adobe Reader Software to View or Print This File. This Software is Available for FREE at the link above.

The objective of the Zoning Department is to keep the semi-rural character and ambiance that the residents value and enjoy.

Zoning History - Zoning was first implemented in the Township in 1949. Ninety-eight percent of Russell Township is zoned for residential use. There are two districts for commercial/office use. The first district is at the intersections of State Route 306 and State Route 87. The second is at State Route 306 and Music Street. Zoning for park purposes consist of active park use and passive park use. The remainder of Russell Township is currently zoned for large lot residential use for three and five acre minimum lot sizes.

Comprehensive Land Use Guide Plan:

The Township bases its Zoning Resolution on the "Comprehensive Land Use Guide Plan" originally adopted by the residents in 1975, updated in 1995 to guide land use through 2015. The Guide Plan is updated every 20 years.

Click here to view the current Land Use Guide Plan: 2015.

Click here to view the Report on the 1994 Land Use Survey.

Click here to view Appendix A: the 1994 cover letter & survey mailing and Appendix B: 1990 Census data.

Click here to view Appendix C: the verbatim comments submitted by Russell residents in the 1994 Land Use Survey.

The Zoning Department is comprised of two boards:

Zoning Commission

Chairman Richard Snyder, Vice-Chairman Bruce Murphy - This group consists of five Trustee appointed volunteers who serve five year terms and study land use, considering the natural environment and the desire of the Township residents as expressed through the "Comprehensive Land Use Guide Plan: 2015". The plan may be viewed or purchased at the Zoning Office. The Commission initiates or reviews new and proposed zoning regulations.

Meetings - Meetings are open to the public, on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Fire-Rescue Station, 14810 Chillicothe Road. Regular meeting dates and special meetings are posted at the Administration Building. A complete list of Zoning Commission meeting dates can be found on the Meeting Schedules Page.

Board of Zoning Appeals

Chairman Steve Gokorsch, Vice-Chairman Fred Cuffari - This group consists of five Trustee appointed volunteers who serve five year terms and hear appeals concerning variances to the Russell Township zoning regulations, and rule on conditions being set up for conditional use projects proposed for the Township. Hearings are announced in the local newspapers.

Meetings - Meetings are open to the public, on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire-Rescue Station, 14810 Chillicothe Road. Regular meeting dates and special meetings are posted at the Administration Building.

Zoning Department

Zoning Inspector - Ric Machnics
Assistant Zoning Inspector - Diana Steffen
Administrative Building
8501 Kinsman Road
P.O. Box 522
Novelty, Ohio 44072
(Use west side door entrance to lower level)

Telephone: (440) 338-5811
Fax: (440) 338-7782

The Zoning Resolution and Zoning Map may be viewed online by clicking the link to the left.  They may also be viewed or copies purchased at the Zoning office.

The following information is provided as a guide, but it is highly recommended that you call the Zoning Office at 440-338-5811 when in the planning stage of any construction project.

Zoning Permits – The following require a zoning permit:

Please note this list is not inclusive – if your project is not listed please call to verify what is required.

New Residences
Accessory buildings, including tool sheds whether or not on a foundation
Additions
Alterations
Interior alterations that include any structural change
In-ground swimming pools
Above-ground swimming pools with a depth of 36 inches or more
Wood decks
Geothermal heating systems
Signs
All commercial buildings – new, addition, alteration
Activities with a riparian setback (this means within a specified distance of a stream or river)