Sylvania Twp. approves composting amendment

The Sylvania Township Zoning Department recently added an amendment to the Sylvania Township Zoning Resolution regarding composting practices in the community.

The amendment establishes a few standards that residents must abide by, including having the materials be composted on the same property, be used for non-commercial practices only, and also includes maintenance policies.

Daryl Graus, planning and zoning manager for the township, said the new recommendation addresses an over-regulation concern that the trustees were against when a more detailed amendment was proposed last year. The trustees did not approve of last year’s proposed amendment, because they felt it was too restrictive.

The Lucas County Plan Commission recommended approval of the newest amendment, with a few minor changes, last month.

Te new amendment states, “composting is permitted as an accessory use in agricultural and residential zoning districts provided the use is non-commercial ...”

After receiving a complaint earlier in the year that reported a compost pile was constructed too close to property lines, the township zoning department made sure to also include rules about that in the amendment.

“The compost pile and/or structure shall be located in the rear yard, twenty-five (25) feet from any dwelling and shall be a minimum of three (3) feet from any lot line,” the new amended document states.

The proposed text amendment was approved at a trustees’ meeting on Aug. 7.