If you are a resident of Ohio, you may find the concept of civic action and participation a little daunting. Municipal laws and organizations are different in nuanced ways across the state. However, when you have a grievance or a project in mind, you suddenly need to know a lot about this legal arena.
It is important to understand the typical roles a township or municipality plays in Ohio. That way, you may know what direction to investigate when you have a municipal law case.
Townships in Ohio
Ohio has 88 counties and most of those counties have 10 or more townships. There are 1,308 townships in total. Each is a subdivision of state authority which is directly responsible for maintaining the lands and servicing the residents.
Common responsibilities
Zoning is one of the major points of authority that a township has. Anyone with a development project needs to meet regulations and apply for permits in line with township requirements.
Townships also handle the regulation of roads, waste disposal and cemeteries. They arrange for police, fire and emergency protection.
While they handle these logistics, a township’s rights inevitably come from their delegates’ consent.
Navigating township law
Whether you are a concerned resident with a grievance or a council member looking to expand municipal ordinance, there is a process to follow. Working in cooperation with the municipal machine is ideal, though there are also risks of conflict in such a complicated system. It may make the process easier to understand your unique project and how it fits into your municipality.
