Q. How is my property /neighbors property zoned?
A. Click here to view the Zoning Map.  If you have specific questions, please contact the Centerville Planning Department at (937) 433-7151 ext. 4760 and a representative from our staff will be happy to answer questions relating to the zoning.

Q. I am interested in serving on the Centerville Planning Commission or Board of Architectural Review (BAR). Who do I contact?
A. Please call the City Clerk of Council at (937) 433-7151 ext. 4720 to file an application for any volunteer position to a City Board or Commission.

Q. When does the Planning Commission/BAR meet?
A. The Planning Commission meets in regular session the last Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers.  They reserve the second Tuesday of every month for work sessions and special meetings as necessary.  The BAR meets in regular session, as necessary, the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers. 

Q. I received a Public Hearing Notice in the mail. What does this mean?
A. A notice for a public hearing is a required notice sent by the City to property owners who are in the vicinity of a property where development or changes are proposed. The typical Public Hearing Notice advertises a request for a Variance, Rezoning, Planned Development Master Plan, Conditional Use, or Appeal. Such notice invites public participation in the decision-making process. If you received a public hearing notice in the mail, you may contact call the City Clerk of Council at (937) 433-7151 ext. 4720 or the Planning Department at extension 4760 for additional information.

Q. I am contemplating an expansion to my house. What are my setbacks?
A. Building setbacks vary throughout the City depending upon the zoning district you reside in and, with newer plats, the specific neighborhood. If you have additonal questions, please click here to view the zoning map to determine your current zoning and reference the specific setback standards in the zoning ordinance located in the Land Use Regulations page of this site.   Please contact the Planning Department at (937) 433-7151 ext. 4760 or the Zoning Inspection Office extension 4729 if you have additional questions.

Q. Does the City offer property tax abatement?
A.  The City may abate increased tax that is a result of physical improvements to a property in the historic district. Please contact the Planning Department  at (937) 433-7151 ext. 4760 for additional information.

Q. What is a zoning variance?
A. A variance is a procedure established in the zoning ordinance that giving  the Planning Commission the ability to grant an exception to a specific requirement of this ordinance. A property owner may seek a variance as a means to remedy a hardship resulting from a physical limitation(s) on a property. A physical limitation may include unusually steep slopes, streams, flood plains, utility easements or other constraint where a requirement of the zoning ordinance cannot be adhered to without creating practical difficulties for the property owner. Please call the Planning Department at (937) 433-7151 ext. 4760 for additional information.

Q. I have a conceptual plan to develop a business property in Centerville. Can I have the City review this concept before I file a formal zoning application?
A. YES! The City does require a pre-application meeting to discuss a preliminry plan before any formal application is filed.  Most issues involving building location, setbacks, parking, stormwater drainage and other physical improvements to a property can be resolved with a preliminary review of your proposal. Please contact the Planning Department to schedule an appointment for a pre-application meeting at (937) 433-7151 ext. 4760.