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Deerfield Twp. is still tinkering with some topics in proposed residential zoning amendments.

During a public hearing last week, about 50 residents showed up and asked for many changes. One woman asked that they change the setback requirements for transitional housing that might be built off a stub, or dead-end, street.

"I don't want my street vision to narrow down to a 'V' with the setbacks going from fifty to thirty-five feet," said Heather Harwood.

The township listened, and changed the transitional setbacks to match existing single-family home requirements.

Others asked that some active uses, such as playground equipment, be required in the green space areas. The township consultants added a provision that requires 25 percent of the required green space be devoted to active recreation. The trustees haven't quite hammered that one out yet — they made arguments for and against requiring active recreation.

George Pitstick, a resident who has been vocal throughout this process, said he is pleased with the due diligence Deerfield is giving this process,. He would still like to make sure there are places for children to play and he would like to see a wider than 10 feet of expanse between buildings, for fire safety reasons.

"That's the state minimum requirement," he said. "I'd like to see that increased or have them require fire retardant materials."

Regarding another concern that was voiced, under the Ohio Revised Code, townships are not allowed to require builders to use certain materials. However, the consultants added a stipulation that "strongly encourages" that 75 percent of the front facade and 50 percent of the other sides be outfitted with brick, stone, wood or other natural materials.

The trustees gave the amendments a first read this week and they will read it again and vote on it July 24. It will take a unanimous vote, since the amendments were denied by the township zoning commission.

Township Administrator Dan Evers said the trustees by law must vote on zoning measures of this type within 20 days of the public hearing.

The township instituted a year-long building moratorium — and then extended it until August — last May, so studies and now the zoning amendments could be undertaken. Evers said as far as he knows they don't have any building plans waiting to come in that would be subject to the zoning laws — if they pass.

So will they pass?

"I really don't know," Evers said. "The board is really reserving its judgment, as it reviews the changes that have been made since the public hearing."

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.