By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - Warren County leaders are moving closer to requiring larger lots and more open space for new subdivisions built in five of the county's townships.

County commissioners agreed Tuesday to pass a resolution soon to initiate a zoning change, then send the issue onto the planning and zoning commissions, who would each make recommendations. After public hearings, the county commission would make a final decision.

The proposal stems from a series of planning summits last spring in which officials from across the county asked for tools to slow runaway residential growth. Warren has about 171,000 residents, up from 113,927 in 1990.

But Robert Craig, Warren County Regional Planning Commission executive director, twice cautioned commissioners Tuesday that there likely would be opposition from homebuilders.

Commissioner Mike Kilburn contends tougher rules are needed. He has led criticism of a 390-home subdivision recently proposed by Robert C. Rhein Interests Inc. in Turtlecreek Township. That subdivision is up for rezoning at the commission's 6 p.m. meeting Thursday.

"Be advised that the homebuilders don't run this county. We do," Mr. Kilburn told Mr. Craig.

"We are running this railroad. They are just riding the caboose. We will have public hearings on it, and if they want to come, they can come, but I am going to do what I want to do."

Changes proposed include requiring 25 percent of planned developments to be set aside as open space. Also, minimum lot sizes in R-1 residential zones - the most common zone - would grow from 14,000 square feet to half an acre (21,780 square feet) for areas with sewer access. Areas without sewers would require 1-acre lots or perhaps 2-acre lots, up from three-fourths of an acre.

A newly created zone, R-1A, would allow the same minimum lot sizes as the former R-1 zone, 14,000 square feet with sewers and three-fourths of an acre without.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com