Ohio Local Government
Structure and Finance

Bulletin 835-98

M. Citizen Boards

Citizen boards are important to the operation of many phases of government. The following are some of those boards, their composition, and their duties.

1. County or Regional Planning Commission - A county planning commission consists of three county commissioners plus eight citizens of the county appointed by the county commission. The membership of a regional planning commission is determined by the by-laws of the commission. Planning commissions may make recommendations on a wide variety of subjects and they must make recommendations on amendments or changes to a township or county zoning resolution (ORC 713.21-.23)

2. Rural Zoning Commission - Before a county enacts rural zoning, the county commission must establish a rural zoning commission consisting of five members residing in the unincorporated area of the county. The zoning commission shall draft a zoning resolution and map for submission to the county commission. They must also make recommendations to the county commission on all amendments to the zoning resolution. A unanimous vote of the county commission is required to reverse the recommendation of the zoning commission. Municipalities and townships may have similar commissions (ORC 303.04, .05).

3. Board of Zoning Appeals - In a county that adopts rural zoning, the county commission must appoint a board of zoning appeals, consisting of five residents of the unincorporated territory of the county. The board has authority to approve variances to the resolution and conditional use permits. They also decide upon appeals from the decisions of the zoning inspector. Municipalities and townships may have similar boards (ORC 303.13-.15).

4. Children Services Board - A children services board consisting of five to 15 members must be established to provide a wide variety of custodial, remedial, protective and foster care for persons under 18 years of age. They shall also operate the county children's home where one exists. The probate judge or his/her designee fills one position on the board and the county commission appoints the remainder. A county department of human services may perform those duties in lieu of the appointment of a children services board (ORC 5153).

5. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Board - Each county must have a board of mental retardation and developmental disabilities consisting of seven citizens of the county. The county commission appoints five of the members and the probate judge appoints two. The board establishes and operates such services as residential centers, sheltered workshops, and schools (ORC 5126).

6. For some other boards, see Section D, Special Districts.