Aiming for a new approach to zoning, County Planning is developing an opt-in zoning ordinance that modernizes regulations and unlocks development opportunities, while maintaining local administrative authority.
The Cuyahoga County Unified Zoning Code (UZC) is a comprehensive zoning ordinance and map that will be held and maintained by County Planning, yet adopted and administered by individual communities. This approach modernizes zoning regulations and unlocks development opportunities through a shared platform that is updated by County Planning, while preserving local administrative authority and approvals so communities can shape their own growth.
The UZC addresses longstanding zoning issues—outdated codes and maps, challenges with updating language, and a fragmented regulatory environment—and establishes an innovative approach that can repopulate our communities and grow our region.
Changes made to the UZC would automatically apply to those communities that have adopted the code. This unique approach goes beyond a model code or best practice guide by uniting participants and County Planning in a partnership that maintains alignment over time. While the UZC is comprehensive, each community can still integrate local elements unique to their community and apply only the zoning districts that make sense for them. This built-in flexibility allows communities to benefit from the UZC, while maintaining a tailored solution.
Project Purpose
Many communities of Cuyahoga County have outdated regulations that slow development, and they have few options to easily update those regulations. High costs, limited staff capacity, and a lack of professional expertise all hinder progress and innovation.
County Planning has highlighted the impacts of these long-standing zoning problems in recent regional analyses. In the First Suburbs, 41% of existing single-family zoned lots do not meet minimum lot size requirements. Along our most frequent transit corridors, only 5.5% of parcels meet basic requirements to support TOD. These structural barriers to investment limit our ability to grow our region.
Even if all 59 Cuyahoga County communities update their codes to address these barriers, the lack of coordinated efforts means codes vary, creating a patchwork of regulations that reduce effectiveness and increase confusion. This further slows development as residents, builders, and investors must navigate inconsistent regulations and processes that create delays and uncertainty.
Many communities seek assistance for full zoning code updates or only have the resources to undertake small pieces at a time. The UZC process allows multiple community zoning codes to be updated at once and adds the benefit of regional collaboration and ongoing maintenance support.
Benefits of the UZC
Modern & Flexible Regulations
The UZC will encourage modern development patterns and practices that align with local character and preferences.
Increased Efficiency & Predictability
The UZC will eliminate conflicting language, streamline approval processes, and increase certainty for residents and developers.
Ongoing Support & Updates
The UZC will create a consortium of communities that maintains the code and online map over time.
Sustainable Guidelines
The UZC will be a user-friendly and transparent ordinance that will protect sensitive areas and encourage sustainable development practices.
Enhanced Quality of Life
The UZC will promote high-quality development that builds vibrancy and provides high-quality amenities for residents.
Collaborative & Customizable
The UZC will create a platform for sharing zoning across jurisdictions that can be further customized to best meet the needs of each participating community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are communities required to adopt the UZC?
- No, the UZC is an opt-in initiative available to Cuyahoga County’s communities.
- Will communities lose their local zoning authority?
- No, while code language is held and maintained by the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, zoning approvals and administration are done locally. This retains local self-governance through municipal home rule.
- Will there be a zoning map of participating communities?
- Yes, an online, interactive zoning map will be created in coordination with the UZC text—County Planning will make continuous updates as needed with participating communities.
- How will the UZC be updated?
- The UZC will be updated regularly by the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission in collaboration with participating communities and based on current best practices and changing federal and/or state statutes.
- How do communities join the UZC Consortium?
- Any Cuyahoga County community can opt-in to the UZC by entering into a contract with County Planning.
- Which communities are part of the UZC Consortium?
- The initial round of participating communities will be announced once contracts are finalized. Communities can opt-in at any time by contacting the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission; however, a limited number of communities are being accepted to participate in the initial round.
- What are the benefits, and why would a community be interested in adopting the UZC?
- The UZC integrates modern best practices that will create streamlined administrative processes, as well as a shared and customizable platform for idea sharing to meet both regional and local needs. Because the code is shared, the cost is significantly cheaper than if communities undertake zoning updates alone.
- Can communities customize the UZC?
- Yes, while the UZC is a comprehensive ordinance, each community can still integrate local elements and apply only the zoning districts that make sense for that specific community.
- Are there any local examples of communities adopting other codes held by an outside agency?
- Yes, communities often adopt the codes of other organizations. For instance, the City of Euclid adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as continuously amended in 2022. The IPMC works in tandem with the city’s existing Building & Housing Code, under which the stricter regulation shall apply to rulings by the appropriate governing bodies.
- How much does a typical zoning code update cost, and would there be a fee for a community to join the UZC Consortium?
- A comprehensive zoning code update can cost upwards of $200,000; however, by joining the UZC Consortium with a one-time membership fee and yearly maintenance fee, communities can immediately see the benefits of a continuously updated ordinance, an easily accessible online zoning map, and ongoing support for a fraction of the cost.
Partners
This project is made possible by the following partners:
Contact Us
Patrick Hewitt, AICP
Manager, Strategy & Development
phewitt@cuyahogacounty.gov
Photos courtesy of Cuyahoga County