Boards and Commissions

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission shall consist of five members: one member of Council who shall be selected by Council, under Section 4.02 of the Charter, and four electors of the Municipality, not holding other Municipal office, to be appointed by Council. The terms of the citizen members shall be four years. Planning Commission meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.

Powers and Duties. Interpret the provisions of the Planning and Zoning Code in such a way as to carry out the intent and purpose of the Comprehensive Plan. Hear, initiate, review, and make recommendations related to amendments to the Code. Hear, initiate, review, and make recommendations related to amendments to the Zoning Map. Review and make recommendations and decisions related to planned unit developments. Review and make decisions on major subdivision preliminary plats. Review and make recommendations on major subdivision final plats. Hear, review, and make decisions on requests to vary from the subdivision design and improvement standards. Hear, review and make decisions on an appeal of the decision of the Code Enforcement Officer on a minor subdivision. Review and make a decision on site plan review applications. Make recommendations to the Code Enforcement Officer on applications for administrative waivers upon referral by the Code Enforcement Officer. Review and make decisions on alternative equivalence compliance applications as part of the site plan review process.

For additional information contact Kameryn Jones at 513-539-7374 extension 1020.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals consists of five members who shall be electors of the Municipality and hold no compensated position therein. The term of the members is five years. The Board of Zoning Appeals hears appeals from decisions issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer relating to the enforcement of the Planning and Zoning Code and the International Property Maintenance Code. In addition, the Board of Zoning Appeals renders decisions on variance requests. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets on an as needed basis.

Powers and Duties. Any person directly affected by a decision, notice, or order issued by the code official under the International Property Maintenance Code (IMPC), shall have the right to appeal, pursuant to section 111 of the IMPC, to the Board of zoning Appeals, provided that a written application for appeal is filed within 20 days after the day the decision, notice, or order was served. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the IPMC or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the IPMC do not fully apply, or the requirements of the IPMC are adequately satisfied by other means. An aggrieved party may not appeal and IPMC requirement. The Board of Zoning Appeals may modify, reverse, or affirm the decision of the Code Official. The BZA shall hear, review and make decisions on appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is error in any order, requirement decision, grant, or refusal by the Planning Commission in the interpretation or enforcement of the provisions of this code related to a major site plan review or conditional use permit. Hear and decide on any questions related to interpretation of the code text or the zoning map and zoning district boundaries. Interpret the provisions of this code in such a way as to carry out the intent and purpose of the Comprehensive Plan. Hear, review and make decisions on applications to vary the terms of this code, unless otherwise specified, and excepting requests to vary subdivision design and improvement standards, when such variances from the provisions or requirements of this code will not be contrary to the public interest so that the spirit of the code shall be observed and substantial justice done. Hear, review and make decisions on appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is error in any order, requirement decision, grant, or refusal made by the Code Enforcement Officer or other development applications where it is the established role of the BZA to hear such appeals. Review and make a decision on a request for the reconstruction of a nonconforming building compliance with Chapter 1207: Nonconformities.

For additional information contact Kameryn Jones at 513-539-7374 extension 1020.

Park and Recreation Board

The Park and Recreation Board consists of five members who shall be electors of the Municipality and hold no compensated position therein for a term of five years. This Board studies the recreational needs of the City and develops plans for the operation, maintenance, and use of recreational facilities within the City. The Park and Recreation Board meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Powers and Duties. To study the recreational needs of the municipality, to develop a plan and, with the approval of council, to implement such plan to serve the best interests of the community. To equip, operate, supervise and maintain the public playgrounds, playfields, gymnasiums, swimming pools, indoor and outdoor recreation centers and facilities owned and/or controlled by the municipality or by the board of education, which facilities may be designated by such board of education, if the board of education joins with the Municipality in a recreation program as provided in Ohio R.C. 755.16.

To conduct any form of recreation or cultural activity for the benefit of the residents of the municipality. With the approval of council, to employ a director of recreation, play leaders, supervisors and such other employees as it may deem appropriate.

Subject to the approval of the manager, to request any other municipal department to assist the park and recreation board in performing its duties. Such department shall comply with a proper request of the board, and any question as to the validity of a board request shall be decided by the manager. With the approval of council, to establish reasonable charges for amusement, entertainment, refreshments and transportation of the public. To establish rules and regulations for the operation, maintenance and use of the parks and recreation areas and centers of the municipality. Such rules and regulations shall be enforced by the board and the police department. To make purchases with the approval of the manager. To make an annual report to council showing its operation and expenditures and to make such other reports as may be requested by council or the manager. All such other powers as do not conflict with this section and as are provided by the laws of the state. The chairperson of the Park and Recreation Board shall, on or before May 1 of each year, submit to the Manager a budget approved by the Board for the ensuing year, which budget shall be submitted to Council for review and inclusion in the Municipal budget. The School Board may contribute such funds to the Park and Recreation Board as it deems appropriate, and the Park and Recreation Board may solicit and receive gifts for use in meeting the recreational needs of the community.

For additional information contact Donna Campbell at 513-727-8953.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of five (5) members. All members should have, to the highest extent possible, a recognized knowledge and/or a known interest in Historic Preservation together with a determination to work for the overall improvement of the Commission. The City shall make every effort to assure that at least two members shall be preservation related professional members from the fields of architecture, architectural history, history, archaeology, planning or a related discipline. In the event that fewer than two (2) members of the Commission meet the above professional standing, up to two (2) residents or non-residents may be appointed as ad-hoc, non-voting members to advise the Commission as needed. In addition, one member of the Commission shall be a member of the Monroe Historical Society.

Each member of the Commission shall have been a resident of the City for not less one (1) year prior to their appointment to the Commission and shall continue to reside in the City during their term in office.

Powers and Duties. Permit, by approval of the application of any property owner(s), the appropriateness of the demolition, construction, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation of any home, commercial establishment or other structure, or new construction within the designated Historic District, or any other areas, places, buildings, structures, works of art or similar objects in the City having historical significance.

Conduct a continuing survey of all areas, places, buildings, structures, works of art or similar objects in the City which the Commission, on the basis of information available or presented to it, has reason to believe are, or will be eligible for designation as a historic structure. All surveys shall be in conformance with the Ohio History Connection (OHC) standards.

Make recommendations for designation and historic districts to the appropriate local governing body.

Establish and use written guidelines for the conservation of designated local landmark(s) and historic districts in decisions on requests for permits for alterations, demolition, or additions to listed landmark(s), buildings, and sites within historic districts.

Act in an advisory role to other officials and departments of local government regarding the protection of local cultural resources.

Act as a liaison on behalf of the local government to individuals and organizations concerned with historic preservation.

Work for, the continuing education of the citizens of the City with respect to the historic and architectural heritage of the City, and the historic preservations designated under the provisions of this Chapter.

Seek expertise when the Commission considers a National Register nomination and other actions (e.g., an archaeological site) which are normally evaluated by a professional in a specific discipline (e.g., archaeologist), and that discipline is not represented on the Commission, before rendering its decision.

Conduct or encourage members to attend training/educational sessions at least once a year, or in-depth consultation with the OHC, pertaining to work and functions of the Commission or on specific historic preservation issues.

Additional responsibilities may be undertaken by the Commission upon mutual written agreement between the OHC and the City.

For additional information contact Michelle Layman at 513-539-7374 extension 1019.

Personnel Board

The Personnel Board consists of five members who shall be electors of the Municipality and hold no compensated position therein. This Board is responsible for the determination of merit and fitness for the basis for appointment and promotion of employees in the classified service of the City. The Personnel Board meets on an as needed basis.

Powers and Duties. The Council shall, by ordinance, establish procedures for appeals to the Personnel Board by employees in the classified service of the Municipality from action by the Manager resulting in their demotion, suspension or dismissal from the Municipality’s service. The Personnel Board shall provide for promotion to all positions in the classified service based on a competitive examination and records of merit, efficiency, character, conduct and seniority. Promotional examinations shall be restricted to employees of the Municipality, provided that promotional examinations may be opened to qualified candidates from outside the Municipal service upon recommendation of the Manager.

For additional information contact Deana Johnson at 513-539-7374 extension 1006.

Local Board of Tax Review

The Local Board of Tax Review shall consist of three members. The three members of the Local Board of Tax Review may be domiciled in the municipality, but the appointing authority may consider membership from individuals who are not domiciled within the municipality. Two members shall be appointed by the legislative authority of the municipality, and may not be employees, elected officials, or contractors with the municipality at any time during their term or in the five years immediately preceding the date of appointment. One member shall be appointed by the top administrative official of the municipality. This member may be an employee of the municipality, but may not be the Director of Finance or equivalent officer, or the Tax Administrator or other similar official or an employee directly involved in municipal tax matters, or any direct subordinate thereof.

For additional information contact Melinda Moran at 513-539-7374 extension 1004.