The Planning & Zoning Commission is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on development proposals, variances, rezoning, site plans, and subdivision requests within the Village of Galena.
The commission also oversees long-term land use planning and updates to the zoning code and master plan.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Galena Village Hall. The public is welcome to attend and participate.
Each meeting’s agenda is posted at these public locations around the Village:
Matt Shock serves as the Zoning Officer for the Village of Galena.
He is responsible for reviewing zoning certificate applications, ensuring code compliance, and helping residents and developers navigate local land use regulations.
Matthew works closely with the Planning & Zoning Commission to coordinate applications and answer zoning-related questions.
Code compliance is the prevention, detection, and investigation of violations of regulations that affect public health, safety, the general welfare of the community, business activities, building standards, land-use, or municipal affairs. The regulations include various federal and state statutes plus village ordinances, all of which are in place to protect our health, safety, and quality of life.
Many projects require both zoning approval and a permit. Be sure to contact the Village code compliance office as early as possible in your project planning, to find out what approvals and fees will be involved. This way, you can avoid unanticipated delays or costs to comply with the regulations.
Contact the Zoning Inspector to find out what permits and fees will be needed for your project.
The Village government has enacted ordinances to ensure that the community remains in a safe, sanitary and attractive condition. These regulations pertain to properties where structures have been allowed to decay; have accumulations of rubbish, garbage or abandoned vehicles; have uncontrolled weed or plant growth; or have otherwise become a nuisance to the occupants or neighboring property owners by being a safety issue, health hazard, or are creating a blighting effect on the neighborhood.
The most common nuisance complaints are about:
The Village’s Code Compliance Officer will investigate complaints from residents and, if warranted, will notify the property owner or other responsible persons that the nuisance condition exists and request that they remedy the situation. The Village is authorized by ordinance to proceed with further action is necessary.
If you have a concern to report be sure to complete the Property Maintenance Zoning Complaint Form.
Download and complete the appropriate application before submitting for review. All documents must be submitted to the Village Zoning Officer before they can be scheduled for Planning & Zoning Commission consideration.
The Village of Galena follows a structured development review process to ensure that all zoning applications, land use changes, and construction plans align with community goals and zoning requirements.
Most projects begin with a pre-application meeting with the Zoning Officer. From there, proposals may go through additional steps such as public hearings, technical review, and Planning & Zoning Commission evaluation — depending on project scope.
Here’s a closer look at how the Village reviews development proposals:
The steps involved in the development process vary depending on the type of proposal. You may need to follow this process if your project involves:
Each of these triggers different review steps and documentation requirements.
After receiving a complete application, Village staff reviews the materials to determine whether the proposal complies with zoning regulations and other requirements. If additional information is needed, staff will notify the applicant.
Depending on the outcome, the application may be approved, denied, or forwarded to the Planning & Zoning Commission or Village Council for further consideration.
This high-level summary is meant to help residents and developers understand the process. For more detailed assistance, contact the Village Zoning Officer to schedule a consultation.
This was an extremely broad overview of the Village’s development process which is also illustrated on the Village’s process flowchart. The exact steps and timeline vary with a project’s complexity. Contact the Village zoning inspector to schedule a consultation.
Members serve 3-year terms. Vacancies can occur mid-term. Interested residents are encouraged to apply and take part in local decision-making.
Show up, speak up, stay involved Planning & Zoning meets the 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Village Council meets the 4th Monday at 7:00 p.m. Questions? Call 740-965-2484
Designate 2–3 reps to speak for your group. to avoid repetition - have others stand in support. Respectful, organized presentations always carry more weight.
achillyer@galenaohio.gov
kkrupa@galenaohio.gov
mparsons@galenaohio.gov
severitt@galenaohio.gov
mayor@galenaohio.gov
