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Lot-split loopholes get more scrutiny
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - October 01, 2009)
Lot-split loopholes get more scrutiny
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
The Geauga County Auditor's Office is working on a revision of the process for lot splits to aid homeowners and zoning officials.
The new process will add a township zoning inspector.
Geauga County Auditor Frank Gliha said the current process involves only his office and the Geauga County planning commission. With the zoning inspector included, he said, another set of eyes will provide an added safeguard for residents looking to split their lots.
Mr. Gliha said, although the law calls for lot splits to begin with affidavits given by the property owner to his office, it is a process that leaves a lot of holes.
"We don't know anything about the lot, whether it's buildable or what the zoning is," Mr. Gliha said.
Bringing the zoning inspector into the mix is intended to provide the local knowledge that eases the process for property owners and eliminates surprises.
Too often, residents may get approval for a lot split only to learn later from local zoning officials that they simply created a lot which cannot be built on, Mr. Gliha said. "We're just trying, at the end of the day, to help the resident."
He said it also might eliminate headaches for zoning inspectors who only learn of lot splits after they are approved.
Donald Mohney, zoning inspector for Chardon Township, said he welcomes the new process as another way to help residents.
Last year, lot splits created problems in the township. One lot was split with a home built on the newly created lot. After the second home was built the two lots were reconsolidated and the township had a problem with two homes on one lot, a violation of the local Chardon Township ordinances.
He said the new process is not expected to prolong the process as all three parties involved are expected to receive e-mail messages from each other and complete the review within a three-day period.
Richard Machnics, Russell Township zoning inspector, said he believes the new process will be an improvement over the existing one.
He said it will allow zoning inspectors to be made aware that a lot split is occurring. "It's a step toward making it more open and available to the zoning inspector," he said.
However, Mr. Machnics said, further details will have to be worked out before the process is a meaningful one for zoning inspectors.
He said that zoning inspectors need to receive a formal survey of the property to truly judge whether a lot split is proper. Without it, he said, people could propose lot splits that go through a building or setback areas.
"A survey would be the next step," Mr. Machnics said.
While Mr. Machnics said he has not had problems with lot splits, he has heard of them.
One property owner split his property and sold off the new lot where a home was built. When that property owner went to sell his home he learned that the lot split had portioned off his driveway to the new lot and he had no driveway to his home.
Mr. Gliha said no additional charge would be added to the fee with the inclusion of the zoning inspector.
He said the county is considering input from zoning inspectors and will consult with the Geauga County Prosecutor's Office on the matter.
But he said the county is "moving great guns" to get the new process in place.
He said he anticipates that, by next year, the new process will be in place.
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