Timeframe for beginning construction projects to be extended

​​​By Tim Schneider, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

Toledo City Council is expected today to approve an ordinance that would extend the timeframe by which construction must begin on a proposed development. Currently, site plan approvals for projects in Toledo expire after one year. The ordinance would extend this timeframe to two years, and allow for additional extensions to be requested if more time is needed to start a project.

Site plans include the proposed layout of improvements and are required to be approved by the city before construction can begin. Currently, applicants that experience an unexpected delay and are not able to begin construction before the approval expires must resubmit their application. Site plan reviews in other large cities in Ohio are good for two years or allow applicants to request an extension on their approval, giving applicants more time to begin projects.

Extending the expiration timeframe for Toledo’s site plan approvals will save applicants time and money and avoid undue hardships often caused by changing conditions outside of their control. Those interested in watching the City Council meeting can do so in-person at Council Chambers on the first floor of One Government Center on Jackson Boulevard in downtown Toledo or via video at https://toledo.legistar.com. 

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​Tim Schneider
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​As Manager for Local Government Advocacy, Tim Schneider advocates for local policies and laws that safeguard and foster a pro-business environment in the Toledo Region. Tim has more than 10 years of legislative and public policy experience with the local, state and federal levels of government.