Zoning Process Overview
Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio
Zoning regulations help ensure that development in Jefferson Township is safe, orderly, and compatible with surrounding properties. Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, contractor, or developer, every zoning and permit request begins with the Township.
Starting with the Township helps prevent delays, additional costs, and denied permits.
IMPORTANT: START WITH THE TOWNSHIP FIRST
All zoning, permit, and development requests must begin by contacting Jefferson Township.
Residents and businesses should not:
- Go directly to Montgomery County
- Submit applications without speaking to Township staff
- Begin construction or site work before approvals
- Hire contractors, assuming zoning approval is automatic
⚠️
County permits cannot be issued without Township zoning approval.
⚠️
Starting with the County will delay your project.
Step 1: Contact the Township (Required First Step)
Before submitting any application or beginning work, contact the Zoning Office:
Karen Kayler
Zoning and Development Coordinator
1 Business Park
Dayton, Ohio 45417
📞
937-262-3591 ext. 107
🕗
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
🏢
Walk-ins and appointments are welcome
During this initial conversation, Township staff will:
- Review your proposed project
- Confirm zoning requirements
- Identify which permits or approvals are required
- Explain the process, timelines, and next steps
Many requests are resolved at this stage without the need for formal hearings or additional applications.
Step 2: Township Staff Review
After the initial discussion, Township staff will:
- Review zoning compliance
- Determine whether your request can be approved administratively
- Identify whether review by a board or commission is required
Step 3: Application Submission (If Required)
If an application is necessary, staff will direct you to the correct application type, which may include:
- Zoning Permit
- Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) application
- Zoning Map or Text Amendment
- Development Plan (Preliminary or Final)
- Property Maintenance or Administrative Appeal
Applications submitted without prior contact with staff may be delayed or returned.
Step 4: Boards, Commissions & Hearings
Some requests require formal review and action by one or more of the following bodies:
These reviews may include:
- Staff processing
- Public notice and hearings
- Board or commission action
Timelines vary depending on the type of request.
Step 5: Approval & Next Steps
Once a zoning decision is issued:
- Conditions of approval (if any) are explained
- You are notified of the next steps
- If applicable, you may proceed to Montgomery County for building permits
Building permits may only be obtained after the Township zoning approval is complete.
Common Zoning & Permit Requests
All of the following begin with the Township:
- Residential and commercial zoning permits
- New construction and additions
- Home remodels, sheds, decks, fences, gazebos, pools
- Home occupations
- Agricultural and non-agricultural pole barns
- Accessory structures
- Signs, billboards, and cell towers
- Change in occupancy
- Vacant property compliance
- Trash, grass, and weeds abatement
- Temporary structures and tents
- Zoning certificate extensions
Fees, Appeals & Boards
Jefferson Township zoning fees are established by resolution and include:
- Residential, commercial, and miscellaneous permits
- Zoning Commission reviews
- Property Maintenance Appeals
- Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) cases
- Copies, maps, and administrative services
👉 Please refer to the Zoning Fee Structure (Res. 23-034) for a complete list of current fees.
Why Starting With the Township Matters
Starting with Jefferson Township:
- Saves time and money
- Prevents denied or delayed permits
- Ensures compliance with local zoning regulations
- Provides clear guidance before work begins
Start Local. Get Clear. Build Right.
