Athens County, OH

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

City Council

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Municipal Arts Commission

City Council

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Recreation Advisory Board

City Council

Planning Commission

City Council

Board of Zoning Appeals

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee

Municipal Arts Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

City Council

Planning Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Disabilities Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

City Council

Board of Zoning Appeals

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee

Municipal Arts Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning Commission

Historic Preservation Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee

Municipal Arts Commission

Planning Commission

Shade Tree Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee

Board of Zoning Appeals

Municipal Arts Commission

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee

Municipal Arts Commission

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Municipal Arts Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Municipal Arts Commission

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Municipal Arts Commission

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Municipal Arts Commission

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

Municipal Arts Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

Municipal Arts Commission

Planning Commission

Disabilities Commission

Planning Commission

The Athens Planning Commission will meet to discuss a Planned Unit Development case for Welcome Home Ohio. The body will also review a minor lot split for 52 Lorene.

• Case 26-04: Title 21 / Planned Unit Development – Welcome Home Ohio (Hudson Ave Site)
• Title 21 / Minor Lot Split – 52 Lorene

Shade Tree Commission

The commission will review tree permit and landscape ordinance issues. Members will discuss maintenance at specific city locations and coordinate upcoming tree replacement plantings.

• Maintenance at 156 E State, E side library, and 32 Lorene
• Tree Replacement Plantings scheduled for November 7th
• OU Soccer Field Planting
• Proposed Briarwood Plantings in spring
• Reappointment of Gene

Disabilities Commission

The Commission will meet to handle nominations for new officers and prepare for the Athena Award. Members will also discuss the COMP 2025 plan and review goals for 2027.

• Nominations for new officers
• COMP 2025 plan discussion
• Athena Award preparation
• Review of Sunday Creek event
• Planning for Nov. 5th event at ACBDD

City Council

Athens City Council will hold three public hearings regarding neighborhood corridors, the Welcome Home PUD at Hudson and South May Avenues, and the annexation of property on Stonybrook Drive. The body will also consider ordinances regarding street closures, city fees, and a memorandum of understanding with AFSCME Local 2403(1).

• Public hearing for Welcome Home Planned Unit Development at Hudson and South May Avenues
• Proposed annexation of 29.5342 acres and zoning of Athens County Children Services property on Stonybrook Drive
• Ordinance 0-95-26 and 0-96-26 regarding special event street closures and associated fees
• Ordinance 0-98-26 regarding a memorandum of understanding with AFSCME Local 2403(1)
• Resolution R-07-26 to authorize tax levies based on Budget Commission rates

Rental Inspection Processes Subcommittee (RIPS)

The subcommittee will discuss code inspection reports and updates from the Code Office. Members will also review research progress, focus groups, and individual task progress.

• Code Inspection Reports and Code Office updates
• Research progress review
• Focus group discussion

Recreation Advisory Board

The board will hold a conversation with the City Planner and discuss recruiting new members. The meeting also includes a staff report from APR.

• Conversation with City Planner
• Discussion on new member recruitment
• APR Staff Report

Municipal Arts Commission

The commission is meeting to review previous minutes and receive updates on the 2050 Comp Plan. Members will discuss nominations for the Commissioner Chair and updates to the Athens Arts Catalogue.

• Nominations for AMAC Commissioner Chair
• Athens Arts Catalogue update
• Planning for the 2027 AMAC Conference
• Input session for the 2050 Comp Plan

City Council

The City Council is meeting to consider the 2026 tax year resolution and healthcare and parking enforcement memorandums of understanding. The body will also review several appropriation requests for city infrastructure and services.

• Tax Year 2026 Resolution Accepting the Amounts and Rates
• $65,000 for parking system maintenance contract fees
• $45,000 for Mill Street Village new tap and city-wide concrete replacement
• $30,000 for emergency portable flood walls
• $25,000 for parking garage elevator repairs

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Athens County Board of Zoning Appeals meets October 13, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the Athens Fire Department Conference Room (120 Stimson Avenue). The board will hold one hearing: Case #26-09V, in which The Athens Real Estate Company requests a variance from ACC 23.04.01(B)(6) to allow a non-owner occupied short-term rental at 64 Eden Place, zoned R1. The board will also address disposition of minutes from its September 8, 2026 meeting.

• Public hearing on Case #26-09V: variance request for a non-owner occupied short-term rental at 64 Eden Place (Zone R1)
• Applicant: The Athens Real Estate Company, seeking relief from ACC 23.04.01(B)(6)
• Disposition of minutes from the September 8, 2026 meeting
• Meeting location: Athens Fire Department Conference Room, 120 Stimson Avenue
• Meeting scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm

The Board approved a variance for a property at 123 Morris Avenue to allow additional structures, reduced parking, and increased occupancy. A request for a non-owner-occupied short-term rental at 2 North May Avenue was denied.

• Approved variance for 123 Morris Avenue to allow 2 primary structures, 2 parking spots, and 4 adult renters plus related children (4-0)
• Denied conditional use for non-owner-occupied short-term rental at 2 North May Avenue (0-5)
• Approved July 14, 2026 meeting minutes

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will conduct an initial review of a mural proposed by Passion Works. The body will also discuss input for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update.

• Initial review of Passion Works’ proposed mural at 65 N Court Street
• Discussion on 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update
• 2027 Member Vacancy

Disabilities Commission Accessibility & Advocacy Committee

The Accessibility and Advocacy Committee will meet to establish annual goals and a corresponding timeline. Members will also discuss the Court St and State St Intersection Project and review a matrix regarding previous discussions with Gillian.

• Discussion of annual goals and first action item
• Court St and State St Intersection Project brainstorming
• Review of matrix and maintenance plan
• Sunday Creek ADA Transition Plan attendee determination
• Regional Disability Commission Access Summit on October 23rd

Planning Commission

City Council

Athens City Council meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM to work through ordinances on appropriations, city property, housing rules, and water and parks funding. Two competing second-reading ordinances address the former fire department headquarters on Columbus Road: one would repeal the existing lease and instead authorize advertising for sealed bids to sell the property, and another would convey it to the Athens Community Improvement Corporation (ACIC). Council will also take up a third reading amending the 2026 appropriation ordinance, several first-reading ordinances, and appointments to city commissions.

• Ordinance 0-87-26 (second reading): repeal Ordinance 90-25 leasing the former fire department headquarters on Columbus Road and instead let the Service-Safety Director advertise and accept sealed bids to sell it
• Ordinance 0-88-26 (second reading): convey the former fire department headquarters on Columbus Road to the Athens Community Improvement Corporation (ACIC)
• Ordinance 0-90-26 (first reading): increase the appropriation and authorized expenditure for design and construction of the North Hill Water Project #393, Phase I
• Ordinance 0-89-26 (second reading): amend Title 29 Housing Regulations, Section 29.34.04, citations for failure to properly dispose of solid waste
• Ordinance 0-91-26 (first reading): change allocation of the Arts, Parks, and Recreation (APR) levy between the APR Debt Fund, 450, and the APR Income Tax Fund, 273, with an emergency declaration

Community Relations Commission

The City of Athens Community Relations Commission meets Sept. 30, 2026, 2-3 p.m. in the Berry Conference Room at the City Building. The agenda covers old business including a draft review of an Athens Code CRC amendment, two open membership spots, and planning for an October 28 workshop, plus new business on a bias and discrimination report review, a food-for-thought notes compilation, and a RECA event co-sponsorship invitation for October 14. The agenda states there is no bias and discrimination report as of 9/24/26. Upcoming meetings are set for October 28 at the Athens Community Center and December 2 at a venue to be determined.

• Draft review of an Athens Code CRC amendment
• Two open commission membership spots; onboarding date discussed for guest Mady Shiplett
• Bias and Discrimination Report Review: no report as of 9/24/26
• RECA event co-sponsorship invitation for October 14
• CRC October 28 workshop program details; next meeting Oct. 28 at Athens Community Center Room B, and Dec. 2 at a venue TBD

City Council

Athens City Council meets Monday, September 28, 2026, with committee reports before the full agenda. Committees will discuss flooding mitigation strategies, a special-event street closure fee, and an amendment to the North Hill Water Project #393 to reflect higher costs. Planning items include the Welcome Home Ohio Planned Unit Development and appointments to the Comprehensive Plan Review Advisory Commission and Rental Inspection Committee. Finance items include appropriations, a $611,283 interfund transfer, and a $22,000 Then & Now certificate for Stimson Sewer Repair.

• North Hill Water Project #393: amend ordinance 0-09-26 to reflect increased cost
• Welcome Home Ohio Planned Unit Development: recommendation from Planning Commission
• Appropriations: $40,000 to APR Income Tax Fund for duct and HVAC cleaning at Community Center
• $611,283 interfund transfer from General Fund, Departments, to General Fund, Other Administrative for insurance transactions
• Then & Now Certificate: Prokos Rentals, $22,000.00 for Stimson Sewer Repair

Rental Inspection Processes Subcommittee (RIPS)

The Rental Inspections Processes Subcommittee (RIPS) is holding its 10th meeting to review progress on Matt Hull's proposal, code inspection reports, research by members, and focus group work. The agenda is largely procedural, covering timeline, minutes, task updates, and next steps, with no specific decisions or votes listed.

• Review of Matt Hull's proposal progress
• Code Inspection Reports and Code Office updates from Tom Pyle and/or Katie
• Research progress by Charlie, Ani, and Erica
• Focus Groups discussion
• Task progress by RIPS members

The Rental Inspection Processes Subcommittee (RIPS) reviewed 2023-2025 violation data and discussed the status of a fire department proposal and ongoing survey work. No formal votes were taken during this meeting. The committee continues to move forward with its report despite a complaint filed with the university's legal department regarding the project's use of university resources.

• Tasked Matt to draft report sections on fire department proposal
• Tasked Solveig to draft report background section
• Tasked committee members to submit appendix documents to Katie
• Tasked Katie to analyze violation rates by landlord

City Council

At this meeting, Athens City Council will take final votes on ordinances amending traffic penalties and the 2026 appropriation, including interfund transfers for the employee retirement incentive program. Council will also introduce ordinances to either sell or convey the former fire department headquarters on Columbus Road, and to amend housing regulations on solid waste citations. Several appointments to city boards and commissions are scheduled for approval.

• Third reading: O-82-26 amending traffic penalty sections 7.09.99 (P), (Q), (R)
• Third reading: O-85-26 amending 2026 appropriations and authorizing interfund transfers to the Medical Fund for insurance costs
• First reading: O-87-26 to repeal lease of former fire headquarters on Columbus Road and authorize sealed-bid sale
• First reading: O-88-26 to convey former fire headquarters on Columbus Road to Athens Community Improvement Corporation
• First reading: O-89-26 amending housing regulations on citations for failure to dispose of solid waste

Pedestrian Accessibility and Bicycle Task Force

The Pedestrian Accessibility and Bicycle Task Force will spend most of the meeting developing goals and action items for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and will also hear updates on city and developer projects. Construction is underway on several projects, including the Columbus Rd shared-use path and affordable housing developments. The task force will also call for nominations to fill an open seat.

• 2040 Comprehensive Plan Goals and Action Items Development (60 minutes)
• Columbus Rd Shared-use Path construction underway
• Carpenter St/State St Uptown Utility Undergrounding construction underway
• S.R. 682 Shared-use Path connection to Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
• Construction underway on 2 affordable housing projects in Athens and 2 in The Plains

Recreation Advisory Board

The Athens Recreation Advisory Board is meeting for routine business: approving minutes, receiving a staff report, and discussing an upcoming visit from a strategic planning representative in October. The board is also recruiting to fill its last vacancy. No major decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Approval of August 20, 2026 minutes
• Visit from strategic planning representative in October
• Recruiting to fill last board vacancy
• APR Staff Report

Planning Commission

The Athens Planning Commission is meeting to review a Planned Unit Development case (26-04) under Title 21 for the Welcome Home Ohio project on Hudson Ave. The agenda also includes approval of the September 2 meeting minutes, communications, reports, and public comment on non-agenda items.

• Case 26-04: Title 21 / Planned Unit Development – Welcome Home Ohio (Hudson Ave Site)
• Approval of September 2, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comment opportunity on non-agenda items

Shade Tree Commission

The Athens Shade Tree Commission is meeting to review minutes, discuss tree permit and landscape ordinance issues, and address specific tree maintenance items including removals and a planting request. They will also consider new business related to the 2050 comprehensive plan and old business including replacement plantings and volunteer efforts.

• Discussion of Title 33 tree permits and right-of-way issues
• Review of Title 37 landscape ordinance issues
• Tree removal at 4 Wallace and 111 Franklin Oak
• Planting request from 68 Briarwood
• Tree replacement plantings scheduled for Nov 7th

Disabilities Commission

The Athens City Commission on Disabilities is holding its regular monthly meeting. Members will discuss a free parking update, prepare goals for a Comprehensive Plan meeting, review the upcoming ADA Transition Plan event, and receive committee reports on the Athena Award, accessibility advocacy, and bylaws.

• Free parking update discussion
• Prepare Comprehensive Plan goals/questions for October meeting with Meghan Jennings
• ADA Transition Plan review event on Sept. 23rd
• Athena Award nominations update and event budget
• Discussion of Josh Hilliard's Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities presentation

General

The commission will discuss draft goals and action items for the Comprehensive Plan. Members will also review various area housing development and construction projects, including the Welcome Home Project and senior housing.

• Discussion of AHC goals and action items for the Comprehensive Plan
• Review of Welcome Home Project Letter of Support
• Discussion of Ridges, Senior Housing, and Intergenerational Housing
• Athens Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) update
• Vote on Katie Buschle as RIPS tenant representative

City Council

The Athens City Council will hold a special session with second readings of two ordinances amending the 2026 appropriation ordinance, including interfund transfers to the medical fund for the employee retirement incentive program. The agenda also includes committee discussions on a neighborhood corridor overlay zone, an annexation agreement, a TIF project, the sale of the fire department building, and a sanitary condition code chapter.

• Second reading of Ordinance 0-85-26: amends 2026 appropriations, authorizes interfund transfers to medical fund for retirement incentive program
• Second reading of Ordinance 0-86-26: amends 2026 appropriations, authorizes interfund transfers
• Planning & Development: Neighborhood Corridor Overlay Zone (Planning Commission recommendation)
• Planning & Development: Annexation Agreement & Zoning Designation (Athens County Children Services)
• Finance & Personnel: Sale of Fire Department Building on Columbus Road

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will receive updates on the Lasher Hall city landmark proposal and conduct a preliminary review of proposed modifications to 65 N. Court Street. The commission will also discuss an upcoming vacancy caused by a term expiration in December.

• Updates on Lasher Hall city landmark proposal
• Preliminary review of proposed Passion Works modifications to 65 N. Court Street
• Discussion regarding a Commission opening due to December term expiration

Disabilities Commission Accessibility & Advocacy Committee

The Accessibility and Advocacy Committee is meeting to discuss accessibility improvements at Casa and State Street, including a storefront and business ramps, and to review its accessibility matrix and annual goals. The committee will also handle routine items like approving minutes and a letter to WTR.

• Discussion of Casa storefront and business ramps on State Street
• Review of accessibility matrix and plan for its maintenance
• Establishment of first annual goal action item and timeline
• Approval of minutes and WTR letter
• Next meeting scheduled for October 9th

Municipal Arts Commission

The commission will review minutes from the previous meeting and receive legislative updates regarding the 2050 Comp Plan. Members will also discuss several ongoing arts projects and community engagement reports.

• Athens Arts Catalogue update
• Athens Photographic Project installation at Athens Sculpture Park
• Review process for temporary installations at Athens Sculpture Park
• Athens Poet Laureate Community Engagement Report
• 2027 AMAC Conference planning

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold hearings regarding property variances and a conditional use request. The items include requests for additional structures, reduced parking, and occupancy changes at specific addresses.

• Case #26-06V: Variance request for 123 Morris Ave regarding structures, parking, and occupancy
• Case #26-07C: Conditional use request for non-owner-occupied short-term rental at 2 N May Ave
• Case #26-08V: Variance request for 26 N Congress St regarding structures and dwelling unit square footage
• Disposition of minutes from July 14, 2026

The Board of Zoning Appeals granted a substitution allowing a non-owner-occupied duplex at 116 Central Avenue (3-2) and approved a side setback variance at 71 Morris Avenue (4-0, one abstention). Both decisions were made after public hearings and discussion.

• Granted substitution for 116 Central Ave to allow non-owner-occupied duplex (3-2)
• Granted 2 ft side setback variance at 71 Morris Ave (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved minutes from April 14, 2026

Disabilities Commission Outreach & Communications Committee