Angela T. Koenig
Enquirer contributor

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP - Trustees are seeking citizens' opinions on the adoption of a property maintenance code, and whether to put township zoning on the November ballot.

Trustees say the new codes would give officials more local control and consistency in zoning and property issues.

"There have been a lot of people over the years who have come to our offices and said, 'What can you do about my neighbor?' and we've had to say, 'We have limited jurisdiction,' " said Trustee Joseph Honorlaw.

Property maintenance throughout the township is governed by the Ohio Revised Code, which does not address items such as falling gutters and roof repairs.

Only a small portion of the township, in the area of New Burlington, has township zoning. The largest neighborhoods such as Finneytown, Pleasant Run Farms and Hollydale fall under Hamilton County zoning regulations.

"They actually go hand in glove together; it wouldn't put any teeth into the property maintenance code unless we adopt township zoning," said Trustee Gwen McFarlin.

The property maintenance code can be adopted independently by trustees, but township zoning must go before voters.

On Tuesday, at the first of several public hearings, residents posed questions, including concerns over cost.

Township Administrator Mike Hinnenkamp estimated the costs at $50,000 to $100,000. He said the township already budgets about $400,000 annually for the Development Department, which would oversee the new codes.

"There would not be any levy; it would just come out of the same general fund," said Trustee Tom Bryan.

The codes are the final component of a five-phase Neighborhood Action Plan initiated in 2003. The first components have been approved: a daytime curfew, a vicious dog resolution to control pit bull ownership, and obstructions in rights of way.

The codes will be under discussion again at the next regular trustees meeting on Tuesday. Another public meeting will follow later in the month.