Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Burton Township, Ohio

Burton Township’s own rules

• Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

  Land inside Burton Township, Geauga County, Ohio.

  • The township zoning inspector enforces the zoning resolution.
  • Geauga County states that all townships in the county except Middlefield Township require zoning approval.

  “The zoning inspector is appointed by the board of trustees for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the zoning resolution.”

Rules another office applies inside Burton Township

Burton Township does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

• Building permitRequired

  Construction of a new home inside Burton Township, which is within the townships of Geauga County.

  • The county information sheet applies to townships only.
  • The property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring all required approvals are obtained before construction begins.
  • The township will not issue a zoning certificate until the sewage permit and, when applicable, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District approval are obtained.
  • The guidance states that other projects may require fewer or different approvals; check with each office whether a project approval is required.

  “Four (4) local county and township government offices are primarily involved in the review and approval to construct a new home. Each office is a piece of a puzzle, as depicted below, having a specific purpose in the review process and all four pieces are required for construction.*”

• Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

  Private household sewage treatment systems serving homes inside Burton Township, which is within the townships of Geauga County.

  • The county information sheet says township homes are primarily served by household sewage treatment systems and private wells.
  • Private septic systems require review and approval by Geauga Public Health based on Ohio Department of Health regulations.
  • A lot evaluation is required before a permit may be obtained.
  • Where public sanitary sewer is provided, the county owns the system and the Geauga County Department of Water Resources operates and maintains it; construction plans must be submitted to the County Sanitary Engineer before issuance of a sewer permit.

  “Homes located within the townships of Geauga County are primarily served by household sewage treatment systems, AKA a "septic system" and private water wells, both of which require review and approval by Geauga Public Health ("GPH") based upon regulations adopted by the Ohio Department of Health.”

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.