FAQs

Zoning in Bethel Township: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of issuing Zoning Certificates?

Miami County issues all building permits upon presentation of a zoning certificate from Bethel Township. A zoning certificate verifies that the proposed building meets township setback requirements and land use plans.

What are the requirements for fences?

Fences and walls are permitted in all zoning districts. A Zoning Certificate is not required by the township, subject to the following conditions:

• No fence, wall or hedge shall be closer to any public street than the right-of way.
• While fences may be placed directly on the property line, residents are encouraged to speak first with their neighbor to make sure that maintenance of the other side of the fence is not going to be a problem. Please keep in mind that if you place your fence directly on the property line, you as the property owner assume responsibility for determining the legal proper placement of the fence, wall or hedge upon your property.
• Fences shall only be erected in the side or rear yard.
• Side and rear yard fences, walls and hedges shall not exceed six (6) feet in height for residential uses.
• Side and rear yard fences, walls and hedges shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height for non-residential uses.
• No fence shall contain an electric charge

Agricultural fences shall be exempt from township fence regulations, but shall comply with the standards and regulations in the Ohio Revised Code for agricultural fencing.

Please consult with the Miami County Building Regulations Department at 937-440-8075 concerning any requirements they may have concerning building permits for fences.

What are the requirements for having a pool?

In order to assure that pools meet proper setbacks and fencing requirements, the township required a zoning certificate for all swimming pools.

• Please be advised that a swimming pool is defined as: “any permanent above and in ground structure, as well as any temporary or portable pool with a diameter or width of eight (8) feet or greater and a depth of at least twenty four (24) inches. This includes the popular inflatable pools that can be purchased at many of the local discount stores and warehouse clubs.
• A zoning certificate application must be completed along with a site plan that clearly shows the distance between the pool and all property lines, as well as distance from all structures on the property.
• To prevent uncontrolled access to the pool, all pools must be fenced. Pool fencing must be a minimum of five (5) feet in height.

A building permit is also required from the Miami County Building Regulations Department.

What do I need to do to build a shed?

• A zoning certificate application must be completed along with a site plan that clearly shows the distance between the accessory building and all property lines, as well as distance from all structures on the property.
• Any shed under 200 sq ft does not require a zoning certificate.

Please consult with the Miami County Building Regulations Department at 937-440-8075 concerning any requirements they may have concerning building permits for accessory buildings.

What do I need to do build a driveway?

• Anyone wishing to install an access onto a county or township road must complete a Driveway / Access Permit.
• All driveway permits for County or Township maintained roads are issued by the Miami County Engineer’s Office in Troy. Please contact them at 937-440-5656 or download a driveway permit application.
• All driveway permits for State or US Routes are issued by the Ohio Department of Transportation District 7 Office in Sidney, Ohio.  Please contact them at 937-497-6745.
• Please remember that when you install your driveway, the last three (3) feet of the driveway (the apron) must be asphalt and level with the road it is tying into. The asphalt apron does not damage snow plowing equipment as they plow your street during the winter season.

Is my property located in a flood plain area?

Miami County has authority over flood plain areas in the county. Please contact the Miami County Planning and Zoning Department at 937-440-8111 to speak with the County Flood Plain Administrator concerning flood plain questions.