Planning And Urban Development

Long Range Planning performs a variety of functions related to preserving and improving the quality of life for Akron residents. The Long-Range Planning Division may be reached by calling 330-375-2090. Responsibilities overseen by Long Range Planning include:

• Formulation of long-range strategies and master plans for land use in the city, for example the city’s Land Use and Development Guide Plan, neighborhood renewal plans, and neighborhood business districts.
• Development of an Annual Capital Investment Program and a Five-Year Capital Investment Program that details capital improvements planned for the city including streets, sidewalks, sewers, water lines, parks, public facilities and economic development projects.
• Provision of design guidance to improve the visual and physical quality of Akron’s downtown, neighborhoods, business districts, urban renewal areas, and corridors (major roadway arterials, waterways, and open spaces). Architecture, site layout, signage, and landscaping are reviewed. Plans are developed to establish appropriate aesthetic treatment to set standards for design and to promote and encourage private sector improvement.
• Assembling the City's Consolidated Strategy and Plan and Continuum of Care for the homeless which details the programming of federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Home Investment Partnership (HOME) program, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) to address local housing, quality of living environment and economic needs. A summary of Akron’s latest Consolidated Plan can be viewed here.
• Preparation of Geographic Information System (GIS) data and informational maps to support planning documents or to report to Akron City Council.
• The City of Akron wants to create and sustain healthy, equitable, walkable, and safe neighborhoods. The City has created Housing Standards to ensure the physical characteristics of buildings that are constructed on city-owned land and/or receive city funding achieve this goal. The Single Family Housing Standards can be found here. The Standards for Townhouses and Multi-Family Apartments can be found here.

• City of Akron Zoning Code: Chapter 153, from the City of Akron Municipal Code (Codified Ordinances)
• City of Akron Municipal Code
• Subdivision Regulations

Call or email the Akron Zoning Division if you have questions regarding zoning or the potential use of a property at (330) 375-2350 or at Zoning@AkronOhio.gov. Please include the address, parcel number, or location of the property in question, and your name and an email address or phone number where you can be reached.

Zoning maintains the integrity and character of the city’s neighborhoods. The Akron Zoning Code contains regulations concerning the size of front, side and rear yards, the height of structures, any necessary parking, and other development regulations.

The Zoning Division administers the Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations; answers questions from citizens, developers, contractors, and businesses regarding land use permitted in an area and the development conditions set forth for such uses. The division reviews all site plans before permits are issued by the Plans and Permits Center. The Zoning Division also serves as the offices of the Akron Board of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission.

• BZA 2024 schedule
• PC 2024 schedule
• UDHPC 2024 calendar

• BZA 8-28-2024 program
• PC 9-20-2024 program
• UDHPC 7-16-2024 program

AMATS
Planning an efficient transportation system for the future is an incredible challenge. This challenge is the task of the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS), which is responsible for transportation planning in Summit and Portage counties and Northeastern Wayne county.

AMATS is one of 23 regional transportation planning agencies in Ohio, and one of 17 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). For over 60 years, AMATS has been committed to ensuring that transportation improvements meet the needs of the region and that federal transportation funds are used in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner.

AMATS agency website is an excellent source of information regarding transportation policies and improvements in the Greater Akron, Ohio area.