By Erica Solvig
Enquirer staff writer

HAMILTON TWP. - Trustees delayed voting Wednesday on zoning changes that would require future subdivisions to have larger lots and more open space.

The decision was delayed until July 21.

One proposal would increase lot sizes so single-family homes would have to be built on half-acre lots with sewers, and on 2-acre lots without. Other suggestions include changing setbacks and cluster zoning, which allows for developments with smaller yards because the common green space is pooled into a larger area.

"I know everybody's been very pleased with this cluster development, cluster housing, but I still think I need to convince myself and look at it and see if that's the best thing," Trustee Becky Ehling said.

Trustees initiated the idea of boosting lot sizes for new subdivisions, a move made by Warren County commissioners last year as a way to slow growth in the five townships under the county's zoning control. Hamilton is the fastest-growing.

Hamilton Township trustees' original proposal was modified by the township zoning commission before being approved by county planners. Now, homes can be built on 1/3-acre lots in areas with sewers, and 1-acre lots in areas without sewers.

The township also created a committee of residents to look at the idea of cluster zoning.

Representatives from the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati said at Wednesday's trustees meeting that they were content with many of the proposed changes, though they suggested trustees adjust the percentage of open space required in cluster-zoned developments. The committee had recommended a sliding percentage scale, ranging from 30 to 42 percent depending on the number of homes per acre, but builders said lower percentages would give them more flexibility in designing subdivisions.

Developers also argued for a 10-foot setback instead of the proposed 30-foot setback from the rear property line for homes that back onto the open space.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com