Economic Development and Planning

Bob Murray

The Department of Economic Development and Planning is responsible for improving the economic well-being and quality of live for the residents of Riverside. Economic Development focuses on the recruitment of businesses, the assisting in the expansion or retention of existing business operations and aiding in the start-up of new businesses in the City of Riverside. The Planning function of the Department involves the administration of the physical development of the City as directed by Planning Commission and the City Council as these two boards have defined in the Codified Ordinances, Official Zoning Map and the Comprehensive Plan.

Together the focus of the Department functions to maintain a healthy and sustainable community and a strong environment for businesses to operate and develop.


Economic Development:        

 

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is comprised of five uncompensated electors appointed by City Council and the Mayor as the ex officio nonvoting member. The duty of the Commission is to act as the platting authority of the Municipality. As such the Commission provides regulation covering platting, make recommendations to Council regarding the physical limitations of structure and their uses, and maintain the “Official Map" of the Municipality of Riverside.

 

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)

The Board of Zoning Appeals hears and determines applications for variances from the provisions of the zoning ordinance and requests from the Zoning Administrator. The Board consists of five members appointed by City Council that serve without compensation for four years.

 

ZoningPermitting

Zoning is a function of  Economic Development and Planning.  The purpose of zoning is to serve the residents of Riverside by protecting their general health and welfare while allowing for the orderly physical growth of the city through the directions of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Zoning Ordinance and Property Maintenance Ordinance. These important responsibilities include issuing Zoning permits, performing field inspections for Zoning compliance, and Exterior Property Maintenance. The staff works with the Riverside Planning Commission in making recommendations to the City Council for changes in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and the Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance.


Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a permit?

Zoning permits are required for all construction or reconstruction involving exterior expansion or accessory buildings, garages, porches, decks, fencing, swimming pools, driveway expansion, and patio enclosures.

Garage sales require a permits to be filed with the zoning office. No payment is required.

Portable on Demand Storage units (PODS) require a permit. PODS may only be placed on property and loaded and unloaded for three (3) days.

Sign permits are required for new permenant signs or modification to existing signs. Banners, flags, signs in the right-of-way, and temporary portable signs have been banned from Riverside.

How do I get my zoning permit?

The appropriate application is available by clicking permits or by visiting the City Building at 1791 Harshman Road.  The completed application along with a drawing or site plan for the project and the appropriate fee can be submitted at the City Building.

How long does it take to process an application?

The processing time varies due to work load, but should not take longer than ten (10) days.

Well Field Protection

To protect the source of our drinking water and our groundwater, Dayton initiated a Well Field Protection program in 1988. A key element in the program's success has been the availability of money in the Well Field Protection Fund to address concerns of pollution near the well fields.  Starting in 1988, the Well Field Protection charge was collected at $1 per 1000 cubic feet for all water users. In 1994, the Fund reached its financial limit ($10 million) and collection was placed in abeyance.

After years of inactivity, the Well Field Protection charge will resume this summer at $.05 every 1000 cubic feet to continue to provide funds for protection activities. The Well Field Protection Fund has spent $18 million on protection activities, with $10 million of it being used for grants and loans for risk reduction activities at business sites, including the permanent removal of 16 million pounds of chemicals from the Well Field Protection area. Other pollution prevention activities that have been funded include: installation of monitoring wells to test water quality; clean up of contaminated groundwater at several sites; contracts for assistance from agencies such as Montgomery County Combined Health District; and educational activities like the Children’s Water Festival.

At just $.05 per 1000 cubic feet, the Well Field Protection charge is a good investment to protect both our health and our valuable drinking water source.

Well Field Protection Fund Loan Program

The Well Field Protection Fund Loan Program provides funds for groundwater-friendly projects within designated well field areas. Funds are made available to public or private entities and provide low and 0% interest loan programs for up to 100% of total eligible project costs for real estate, equipment, new construction, renovation, and working capital. For more information on this opportunity contact, Bob Murray, Economic Development & Planning Director, at 937-233-1801 or call 937-333-3634.


 

Flood Plain Management

Floodplain management is the operation of a community program of corrective and preventative measures for reducing flood damage. These measures take a variety of forms and generally include requirements for zoning, subdivision or building, and special-purpose floodplain ordinances.

A community's agreement to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances, particularly with respect to new construction, is an important element in making flood insurance available to home and business owners.

FEMA Elevation Certificate
Floodplain Application Form


 

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