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...
Municipal Law
Identify your zoning basics before pursuing a municipal project
No matter what your municipal objective is, whether that means drafting ordinances, managing property issues or negotiating certain contracts, you will need to know as much detail about the case as possible. Failing to do so may lead to avoidable hurdles mid-project....
Transparency can mitigate discord when property taxes rise
The nuances of municipal law can negatively impact the public when handled carelessly. The public has a right to know when taxes will increase, what triggered the increase and which steps their city plans to take next. While city officials may always encounter some...
What is home rule?
Municipal governments have some freedom to govern without being under the thumb of the state or federal government. Home rule is the concept that the city has a right to operate under its own rules as a separate entity from the other levels of government. This power...
Ohio’s Open Meetings Act and compliance issues
Officials holding local or municipal board meetings must allow the public to attend and observe. Under the Open Meetings Act, Ohio residents may watch and listen to public officials during business or decision-making discussions. The Act applies to all individuals of...
What makes a municipal contract meaningful?
Citizens in Ohio rely on elected officials to act on their behalf when creating and enforcing municipal contracts. This creates a lot of pressure for you and your cohorts to think wisely about which relationships to pursue. Knowing which practices will elevate the...
What are solar easements?
Solar power represents one of the many ways homeowners have access to renewable energy. Once you have a solar system it makes sense to want to catch as much of the sun's rays as possible. There exist protections at the state and municipal level that help with this. It...
How should I pursue a zoning permit?
As a property owner in Westerville, you have to deal with the city if you wish to develop a home or a commercial building. The city’s zoning laws will be of special concern. Zoning organizes the community into specific districts based upon the intensity and use of...
What are the guidelines for a municipal credit card use agreement?
When a municipality has a credit card, monitoring and managing its use is imperative. The money spent on a card belongs to the people, so spending cannot happen without strict guidelines and rules. The Legislative Service Commission explains any Ohio municipality with...
How can you improve municipal contracts?
Given that municipalities in Ohio involve a community's well-being, municipal contracts play a considerable role in community development. Making sure that your municipal agreements meet the expectations of everyone involved is an ongoing process. Knowing some...