Land Use & Regulatory Controls in Allen County

In order to further local development, the Commission assists member political subdivisions in monitoring, reviewing and approving development activities within Allen County while helping to establish regulatory controls to minimize any adverse environmental and/or economic effects of development. The LACRPC assists member governments in the development and administration of subdivision regulations, stormwater regulations, local zoning ordinances and floodplain management regulations. The Commission has a collaborative relationship with other local agencies involved in the development  process including the Allen County Health Department and the Allen Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Floodplain Management

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for administering the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  The LACRPC has been delegated the responsibility to manage any development within the floodplains located in the unincorporated areas of Allen County. 

FEMA is currently undergoing a nationwide effort to modernize and improve the existing flood hazard maps. FEMAs Flood Map Modernization Program is expected to deliver new computer mapping that is more useable, understandable and accessible 24 hours per day on an agency website. FEMA's map modernization process has generated and delivered preliminary findings to the Planning Commission for review.   The map modernization process has resulted in changes to the flood hazard maps which now entail some 15,833.7 acres; the results affecting local businesses and property owners.

The LACRPC supported local municipalities and their constituents in reviewing the results of the Map Modernization process.  If there was an objection to the new or revised base flood elevation (BFE) on the preliminary flood maps, property owners could protest the information presented on the new maps and file a formal appeal.  Justification for appeals included incorrect methodologies, poor data quality, measurement errors as well as physical changes to the floodplain since the recent study. Appeals were required to include technical data that showed why the maps were incorrect and how the maps should be changed. 

The map modernization process is currently on hold.  The timeline has been delayed by FEMA and it is not clear when the process will move forward. But, when it does move forward, a Letter of Final Determination will be issued, stating the maps and BFEs are final and will be effective/available in six months.  

Zoning Regulations

Since its inception, the Commission has provided technical assistance in the preparation, interpretation, and enactment of zoning resolutions to the unincorporated political subdivisions within Allen County as requred under Section 519 of the Ohio Revised Code.  The LACRPC assists member political subdivisions in the review, development, and revision of zoning regulations to ensure that development occurs in an orderly and measurable manner. 

Subdivision Regulations

The LACRPC is the agency responsible for facilitating the major and minor subdivision processes within the unincorporated areas of  Allen County.  The purpose of providing and administering such regulatory processes is to provide for the harmonious development of Allen County by:

• furthering the orderly configuration and use of land according to its capability and suitability; 
• facilitating the adequate provision for transportation, water, sewage, drainage, schools, parks, playgrounds, and other public requirements; and
• accommodating the further subdivision of tracts into smaller parcels of land.

Exterior Property Maintenance Code

Responding to concerns stemming from dilapidated homes, over grown yards, and a lack of general maintenance, Commission members worked with local code enforcement personnel to develop a model Exterior Property Maintenance Code to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare as it pertains to premises and buildings used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. The regulations establish minimum standards for maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial properties to preserve the quality and achieve the presentable appearance of existing structures and premises. The Code works to minimize the blighting effects of substandard maintenance and negative impacts on the value of surrounding properties as well as eliminating hazardous conditions. Adoption of such regulations remains under consideration.