City of Steubenville,Ohio

    City planning, community development and property maintenance initiatives are under the direction of the Steubenville Planning and Zoning Commission, a five (5) member group of citizens who serve without compensation. Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. The Planning and Community Development Office provides staff support for the Commission’s activities. Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Steubenville City Council Chambers.

     Christopher J. Petrossi is the Urban Projects Director for the City of Steubenville. Mr. Petrossi received a Bachelor’s degree in Regional Planning from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning from Shippensburg University.   He worked in urban and regional planning in both the public and private sectors before being employed by the City of Steubenville in 1989. Mr. Petrossi is a member of the American Planning Association (APA), the Ohio Planning Conference (OPC) and the International Code Council (ICC). He is responsible for planning and zoning, community/neighborhood development and property maintenance code enforcement activities within Steubenville. He oversees a small staff consisting of two (2) inspectors and one (1) secretary. Mr. Petrossi is also responsible for providing staff support for numerous City boards and commissions.

     Planning and Zoning

The Planning and Community Development Office processes applications for certificate if zoning approval, amendments to the zoning map (rezoning), conditional use approval, home occupation permits, temporary construction trailer permits, portable sign permits and floodplain development permits. The processing of applications for subdivision approval, both within the city limits and within the city’s three (3) mile jurisdictional area, is also a function of the Planning and Community Development Office. A certificate of zoning approval is required anytime the use of land or buildings is changed, or when a building is constructed. This includes:

Building a new building
Building a garage, shed or other accessory building or use
Temporary or seasonal buildings and uses
Adding, expanding or enclosing a patio, porch or deck
Installing or widening driveways or parking areas
Erecting a fence, wall or sign
Constructing an addition to any building
Any change in the use of land or buildings

A certificate of zoning approval is not required for:

• Interior renovations not involving a change in use
• Roof , gutter and downspout replacement
• Window or door replacement
• Installing or repairing siding, soffit and fascia
• Repairs (not widening or enlarging) to existing driveways or parking areas
• Landscaping
• Sidewalk repairs

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Planning and Community Development Office as early as possible when planning a project so that zoning and/or subdivision regulations, or other issues affecting a proposed project can be identified. For larger or more complex projects, pre-application meetings are often held with the applicant and other relevant public officials or agencies to review proposed project plans and provide the applicant with direction prior to preparing detailed plans.

An applicant for a certificate of zoning approval must be capable of showing proof of the accurate location of property lines. If the applicant cannot, a property survey will be required. All applications must be accompanied by a plot plan, required fees and any other necessary documentation. See the City’s codified ordinances available in the City Council section of this website for a copy of the Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations. Special zoning permits are also required for home occupations, temporary construction/office trailers, portable signs, and boarding and rooming houses.

If you would like to report a Zoning Code violation, please provide us with the name of the owner of the property (if known), street address of the property, and a description of the violation. Please also provide us with your name, address and telephone number so that we may contact you if necessary, a violation will not be investigated unless you provide this information. You can report a code violation by using the Online Contact Form or by calling the telephone number listed below.

Online Forms and Documents:

Application for Certificate of Zoning Approval & Sample Plot Plan
Application for Certificate of Zoning Approval for Signs
Application for Home Occupation Permit
Application for Temporary Construction/Office Trailer Permit
Application for Portable Sign Permit
Application for Boarding House Permit
Application for Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning)
Application for Conditional Use Approval

Planning and zoning related fees are established by ordinance as follows:

Subdivisions/Lot Splits

• Preliminary Subdivision Plats (where applicable): $25.00, plus $2.50 per lot or parcel
• Final Subdivision Plats (where preceded by a required preliminary plat): $15.00, plus $1.00 per lot or parcel
• Final Subdivision Plats (where preliminary plats are not required): $25.00, plus $2.50 per lot or parcel
• Request for Alteration of Requirements or Appeal of Staff Decisions: $50.00
• Recording Fees: Established by the Office of the Jefferson County Recorder

Certificate of Zoning Approval

New construction, remodeling or additions - existing residential buildings with three (3) or fewer dwelling, boarding or rooming units under the same roof; including fences, walls, driveways and accessory buildings or uses:

• $10.00 when a certificate of zoning approval is applied for prior to the commencement of remodeling or construction;
• $20.00 when a certificate of zoning approval is applied for after the commencement of remodeling or construction.

New construction, remodeling or additions - existing residential buildings with four (4) or more dwelling, boarding or rooming units under the same roof, commercial and other uses; including fences, walls, signs, parking lots, driveways and accessory buildings or uses:

• $20.00 when a certificate of zoning approval is applied for prior to the commencement of remodeling or construction;
• $40.00 when a certificate of zoning approval is applied for after the commencement of remodeling or construction.

Existing buildings or uses - Fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for issuance of certificate of zoning approval when requested by property owner.

Home Occupation Permits

• Home Occupation Permits: $10.00 annually

Temporary Construction/Office Trailer Permit

• Temporary Construction Trailer Permit on active construction sites only: $25.00 per trailer for 6 months

Portable Sign Permit

• Portable Sign Permits: $25.00 annually for each sign

Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning)

Rezoning Fee:

From Current Zoning District to                                                               Fee
P ………………………………………………….……………….. $100.00
C-1 or C-2 ……………………………………………………….... $100.00
R-1 or R-1A ………………………………………………………   $100.00
R-2 or R-2A …………………………………………………………$125.00
R-3 or R-3A …………………………………………………………$150.00
R-4 …………………………………………………………………..$175.00
B-1 …………………………………………………………………..$275.00
B-2 or B-2A …………………………………………………………$275.00
B-3 …………………………………………………………………..$250.00
B-4 …………………………………………………………………..$225.00
B-5 …………………………………………………………………..$200.00
I-1 or I-1A …………………………………………………..……….$300.00
I-2 ……………………………………………………………..……..$325.00
I-3 ……………………………………………………………..……..$350.00

Plus deposit of $500.00 to cover City costs made payable to Clerk of City Council

Conditional Use Approval

No fee, deposit only of $500.00 to cover City costs made payable to Clerk of City Council

Copy of Subdivision and Zoning Code: $25.00 plus postage if mailed, or may be downloaded free from City Council section of this website as a part of the Codified Ordinances of Steubenville.

     Copy of Zoning Map

Zoning Maps must be obtained from the Engineering Department. Map sizes available are as follows:

Small Map (22” x 34”)
Large Map (40” x 64”)

Check with the Engineering Department for the fees charged. A copy of the map is not yet available here however we are currently working on making it available on the website. This map is intended to provide general guidance only, you should check with the Planning and Community Development Office to verify the zoning classification of any property.

Floodplain Development Permits and Determinations

Floodplain development permits are required prior to construction or development in floodplain areas. In Steubenville, floodplain areas are found along the Ohio River and along Permar’s Run. Floodplain determinations are available by contacting the Planning and Community Development Office. These determinations are made using existing available floodplain mapping resources. No fee is charged for floodplain development permits or floodplain determinations. More information about developing in floodplains can be found by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website, www.fema.gov , or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website, www.dnr.state.oh.us

Online Forms and Documents:

Application for Floodplain development Permit
Request for Floodplain Determination

Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) consists of five (5) citizens who serve without compensation. Members of the BZA are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of City Council. The BZA meets on an as needed basis, when there is business to come before it, and may: grant variances from the Zoning Code for front, side or rear yard requirements; decide, when in question, the exact location of a zoning district boundary line or an interpretation or application of the Zoning Code; grant variances to those denied zoning approval where such denial is alleged to be unreasonable or unjust, and grant variances from floodplain regulations.

Zoning appeals fees are established by ordinance as follows:

Appeals Fee:

Land Use Type                                                                               Fee
Single-family detached dwellings,
single-family semi-detached, two-family
dwellings and governmental uses ……………………………..$35.00
All other types of residential dwellings ……………………….$75.00
Commercial, industrial and other ……………………………..$150.00

Plus deposit of $500.00 to cover City costs made payable to Planning and Zoning Commission.

Online Forms and Documents:

Application for Zoning Variance

     Community Development

The Planning and Community Development Office administers Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) funds received from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), Office of Housing and Community Partnerships (OHCP); and grant funds from a variety of other sources. Some projects funded in the past from these sources include:

• Owner-occupied housing rehabilitation
• First time home buyer down payment assistance
• Project based rental housing rehabilitation
• Tenant based rental assistance
• Rehabilitation of homeless and domestic violence shelters
• Park and recreation improvements
• Historic façade rehabilitation
• Street and sidewalk improvements
• Water and sewer system improvements
• Revolving business loans
• Brownfield remediation and redevelopment
• Clearance and demolition of dilapidated structures
• Land banking

There are also three (3) active private non-profit neighborhood based organizations working to improve specific areas of the community. The Steubenville Hilltop Community Development Corporation is an organization that is working to enhance the physical condition of buildings and reduce crime in the La Belle View and Pleasant Heights neighborhoods. They administer a paint program, neighborhood clean-ups and block watch programs. The La Belle Neighbors Who Care are working with young people in the La Belle neighborhood by providing youth mentoring and recreational programs. Finally, the Downtown Revitalization Committee is working to retain and attract new investment in the Central Business District and encourage physical improvements to the downtown area.

There are additionally two (2) other organizations working in the downtown area, these being the Steubenville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Old Fort Steuben Project, Inc.   The Steubenville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau markets the greater Steubenville area for the travel and tourism and promotes area attractions, facilities and events. The Old Fort Steuben Project, Inc. has reconstructed historic Fort Steuben and operates the Visitor’s Center and Amphitheater; and tours and other events are held on a regular basis at the site. Their websites can be visited at www.visitsteubenville.com and www.oldfortsteuben.com for more information.

Those in need of census data for Steubenville or other communities may visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s website, www.census.gov and select American Factfinder, and then follow the instructions.

More information about housing and community development programs can be found at HUD’s websites, www.hud.gov or www.huduser.org; and at ODOD’s website, www.odod.state.oh.us. Information about homebuyer assistance programs can be found at www.hud.gov or www.ohiohome.org

     Property Maintenance

The Planning and Community Development Office administers and enforces the Property Maintenance Code for the City of Steubenville. The adopted property maintenance standards are the International Code Council (ICC) Property Maintenance Code. The Property Maintenance Code contains requirements regulating the safety, sanitation and appearance of the interior and exterior of structures and exterior property areas; provides minimum light, ventilation and space requirements; establishes minimum criteria for the maintenance and location of plumbing systems and facilities; establishes minimum performance and safety requirements for electrical and mechanical facilities; and establishes minimum requirements for fire safety and protection facilities.   A copy of the Property Maintenance Code is available for review in the Planning and Community Development Office, or may be purchased directly from the ICC at their website, www.iccsafe.org . See the City’s codified ordinances available in the City Council section of this website for any amendments that have been made to the Property Maintenance Code. If you would like to report a Property Maintenance Code violation, please provide us with the name of the owner of the property (if known), street address of the property, and a description of the violation. Please also provide us with your name, address and telephone number so that we may contact you if necessary, a violation will not be investigated unless you provide this information. You can report a code violation by using the Online Contact Form or by calling the telephone number listed below.

Online Forms and Documents:

The Guide for Good Neighbors

Building Inspection

The Building Inspection Division reviews plans, issues permits and enforces the Ohio Building Code, the Ohio Residential Code, and related codes.   The Building Inspection Division maintains Ohio Board of Building Standards certified personnel to complete all phases of permitting and inspection.   Appeals of staff decisions for commercial and other uses must be made to the Ohio Board of Building Appeals in Columbus, Ohio. Appeals regarding a building issue dealing with one, two or three family residential dwellings are handled locally by the Board of Engineering and Building Appeals.

Board of Engineering and Building Appeals/Board of Property Maintenance Appeals

The Board of Engineering and Building Appeals, which also serves as the Board of Property Maintenance Appeals, is comprised of five (5) citizens who serve without compensation. Members are appointed by the Mayor with the approval of City Council. This Board meets on an as needed basis when there is business to come before it. The Board hears appeals of staff decisions regarding Steubenville’s Property Maintenance Code, the Ohio Residential Code and other locally adopted codes.

Rental Housing Code

All owners of residential rental property are required to register their property with the Planning and Community Development Office. Registration may be completed by mail or in person by completing the registration form and paying the required fee. Registration fees are as follows:
·Owners of one (1) rental unit…………………………………………..$15.00
·Owners of two (2) to five (5) rental units………………………………$25.00
·Owners of six (6) to twenty-five (25) rental units……………………...$50.00
·Owners of twenty-six (26) to one hundred (100) rental units………….$75.00
·Owners of one hundred and one (101) or more rental units…………..$100.00
·Late registration fee, additional………..……………………………….$10.00
·If an owner acquires additional rental units between registration periods, a
             minimum fee of ten dollars ($10.00) with a maximum fee as established above.

Registration is valid for a four (4) year period. See the City’s codified ordinances available in the City Council section of this website for a full copy of the Rental Housing Code. Owners of residential rental property are also required by State Law to register with
the County Auditor’s Office. Registering with the City does not satisfy the County’s requirements and vice versa, property owners must register with both agencies. Information about the County’s rental registration requirements can be found at www.jeffersoncountyoh.com by visiting the County Auditor’s section of the website.

The City itself does not own any rental housing, however if you are looking for housing you may contact the Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority at (740) 282-0994 for information about public housing options; check the telephone directory under “Apartments”; check the classified section of the local newspaper, The Herald Star; or contact an area realtor.

Online Forms and Documents:
Rental Housing Registration Form

     Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation activities are overseen by the Steubenville Historic Landmarks Commission. The Historic Landmarks Commission consists of seven (7) citizens who serve without compensation. The City has two (2) existing historic districts, these being the Steubenville Commercial Historic District located in the Central Business District (CBD) and the North End Neighborhood Historic District, both of which are found in the downtown area and have been listed by the U.S. Department of the Interior on the National Register of Historic Places. All exterior alterations or changes in the historic districts must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the design guidelines adopted by the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Planning and Community Development Office processes applications for certificate of appropriateness for work in historic districts. Historic Landmarks Commission meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Steubenville City Council Chambers. More information about historic preservation can be found at www.ohiohistory.org , www.nps.gov and www.nationaltrust.org

If you are interested in doing research on your property, there are a few local sources of information available: (1) the property and other records at the Jefferson County Courthouse; (2) the resource library at the Jefferson County Historical Association; and (3) the Ohio Room at the Schiappa Branch of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, the website is www.steubenville.lib.oh.us.   You may also contact the Jefferson County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society at www.jeffcochapter.com for information.

Online Forms and Documents:

Application for Certificate of Appropriateness

     Economic Development

The City has two (2) programs which offer development incentives. The first program provides property owners with an incentive for rehabilitation of existing buildings or for construction of new facilities within a specified geographic target area. Property owners within the designated community reinvestment area (CRA) may be granted real property tax abatements on any increase in property valuation which results from new construction or remodeling of existing structures. The City has a second program which is available city-wide that provides eligible businesses with reimbursement for certain public infrastructure improvements necessitated by a development project. The total business investment must be at least $250,000 and the project must meet other eligibility criteria. This infrastructure reimbursement program is intended only for businesses that do not have the financial resources to complete the work without such assistance. Applications for CRA abatements are reviewed and acted upon by the Community Reinvestment (CR) Council. Applications for infrastructure reimbursement are reviewed by the CR Council then forwarded to City Council for final approval and legislative action. The CR Council consists of seven (7) members who serve without compensation. Applications for CRA abatements and infrastructure reimbursement are processed by the Planning and Community Development Office. The CR Council meets on an as-needed basis, however no less than annually.

More information about economic development programs can be found at the website of Progress Alliance, the area economic development agency, www.progressalliance.com, at ODOD’s website, www.odod.state.oh.us, and at the Small Business Administration’s website, www.sba.gov . Information about minority business development can be found at www.odod.state.oh.us/dmba and www.mbda.gov

Online forms and Documents:

CRA Property Improvement Tax Abatement Information
CRA Tax Abatement Application
Infrastructure Reimbursement Program Information
Application for Infrastructure Reimbursement

    Fair Housing

Fair housing activities are under the direction of the Steubenville Fair Housing Practices Commission. The Fair Housing Commission assists those who have been victimized by housing discrimination with the filing of complaints with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). The Fair Housing Commission also provides educational seminars and workshops for the public concerning equal housing opportunity and housing discrimination; and encourages area banks to invest in low income and predominantly minority neighborhoods. The Fair Housing Commission consists of five (5) members who serve without compensation. The fair housing program is administered by the Planning and Community Development Office. Fair Housing Commission meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Steubenville City Council Chambers.

A fair housing complaint can be filed with in person with the City’s Fair Housing Practices Commission or may be filed on-line by visiting HUD’s website, www.hud.gov and selecting “fair housing”, and by visiting the OCRC’s website, www.crc.ohio.gov and selecting “charge forms”.

Online Forms and Documents:

How to Get Your Landlord to Make Repairs - Rent Escrow
Ohio Landlord - Tenant Law
Security Deposits
What is Rent Escrow?
Don’t Be A Victim of Loan Fraud
Homeowner and Renter Insurance Inventory Guide
Complete Homeowners Insurance Guide
Fair Housing Equal Opportunity for All

    Forms and Publications

Additional documents can be obtained by visiting the download section and selecting the appropriate item.

The Steubenville Planning and Community Development Office may be contacted at:

Steubenville Planning and Community Development Office
308 Market Street, Room 205
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: (740) 283-6000 Ext. 1700
Fax: (740) 283-6082
E-Mail: cdp@cityofsteubenville.us