Zoning & Development

When planning an exterior improvement to your property, start by contacting our Zoning and Development Department at 937-433-0152. Many outdoor projects require a zoning certificate. Our staff can tell you if a certificate is necessary for your project and provide the information you need to get started.

A zoning certificate is required for a shed or other type of accessory structure.

The most important consideration is making sure that the proposed structure meets setback requirements. Depending on the zoning district in which you live, required setbacks could be as little as five feet from the back property line or as large as 40 feet from the side property line. Square footage and height requirements also apply.

In addition, structures 200 square feet and larger require a building permit. Residents should contact Montgomery County at 937-225-4622 to see if a building permit is required for their structure.  

A zoning certificate is required for a fence and an application request must be submitted to the Development Services Department prior to installation. Also, Montgomery County requires a building permit if you are planning to construct a concrete wall.

Fences should be no higher than four (4) feet in height if located in the front yard nor six (6) feet in height if located in the side or rear yards. Height requirements vary for a corner or double frontage lot. It is recommended that you contact us for additional information.

While fences may be placed directly on your property line, residents are encouraged to speak first with their neighbor to make sure maintenance of the other side of the fence is not going to be a problem. It is recommended that you have your property surveyed prior to installing your fence. There are several qualified licensed surveyors listed online.

Recreational vehicles and equipment must be screened from adjacent properties by a solid evergreen hedge row or a solid fence at least five feet longer than the object being screened. Residential properties are limited to one recreational vehicle.

Height requirements for the two types of screening:

• Evergreen - Equal in height to the items being screened or at least eight feet tall
• Solid Fence - Six-feet tall if the RV or equipment is eight feet or less in height 

RVs and recreational equipment also:

• Must be parked behind the front line of the house
• Cannot be stored in the required side and rear yard setbacks
• Must be parked on an impervious surface, not grass 

RVs and recreational equipment may be stored on a driveway for routine maintenance for seven days at a time and for no more than 45 days per calendar year. The maximum allowable length is 35 feet for recreational vehicles.

Residential properties are limited to one utility trailer. These must be screened from adjacent properties by a solid evergreen hedge row or a solid fence that is:

• At least six-feet high
• At least five feet longer than the object being screened 

Utility trailers also:

• Must be parked behind the front line of the house
• Cannot be stored in the required side and rear yard setbacks
• Must be parked on an impervious surface, not grass 

Utility trailers may be temporarily stored for 48 consecutive hours within a seven-day period, but no more than 45 days per calendar year. The maximum allowable length is 30 feet for utility trailers.

If a neighbor's property becomes overgrown (weeds and grasses higher than 8 inches) or if debris is strewn about the yard, Development Services can probably help resolve the situation.

Call us to report a violation and you can remain anonymous. Our department will ask the property owner to mow the lawn and/or pick up the trash. For those unwilling to comply, the township hires a contractor to do the work and assesses the property tax.

Although state law prohibits townships from working on private property, we will be glad to meet with you and discuss possible solutions to your drainage problems. Sump pump drains are allowed to be connected to the storm sewer, but NOT to the sanitary sewer. The township prohibits sump pump or downspout lines from discharging directly onto the sidewalk or into the street. Discharge points must be at least ten feet from the property line.

Montgomery County has authority concerning flood plains. However, Washington Township can provide you with copies of the FEMA flood maps. The maps are used by most mortgage companies to determine if a particular lot lies within the flood plain.

If you do not see your question answered here, please contact the Zoning & Development Department at 937-433-0152. We’re happy to speak with you about your project!