Most of Jackson Township is zoned Agricultural and almost every resident in this township lives within that zoning district.  Many residents have businesses, besides farming (or in addition to) which they operate out of their homes. Perhaps the most important Zoning Article pertaining to this issue is the township’s Zoning Resolution Article 8, “Zoning Resolution Districts” Section 810, “Agricultural Districts.” This article pretty much dictates what is and what is not permitted in most of the residential area of this township.  

In Article 8, Section 812, “Conditional Uses Requiring Appeals Board Authorization,” the resolution reads:  

“The following uses shall be considered conditional uses and will require written approval of the Board of Appeals.  The Board of Appeals may attach such conditions and safeguards as it deems necessary to protect the character of the District.”  

Paragraph C: “Beauty parlor, barber shop, home occupations, music school, dancing school, business school, or school of any kind with organized classes or similar activity.”  

Any activity that is agriculture based or related is exempt from zoning laws.  At this time that includes home based landscaping and yard maintenance businesses.  However, the Zoning Commission does have it on its future “To Do” list to determine if these type of businesses may continue to enjoy exempt status in the district.  

Throwing a sign up on your property opens a different can of worms.  Signage is one of the most tightly controlled activities in the Jackson Township Zoning Resolution.  The only signs you can erect without obtaining permits are: governmental signs, street address signs (not to exceed two (2) square feet) and real estate signs. Political signs are also permitted but they must be removed by the individual (property owner) or organized group posting the sign within five (5) days of the end of the event.  

In the Agricultural District a home based business (after approval of the Appeals Board and with a Sign Permit) “may display one (1) sign which shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area or have any artificial lighting nor any display that indicates from the exterior of the building that it is being utilized for any purpose other than a dwelling. Sign is NOT permitted in the right of way.  

Right-of-way distances, on each side of a roadway, are as followed:  Township road – 15 feet from the center of the road. County road – 20 feet from the center of the road.  State road – 30 feet from the center of the road.  Signs placed within these right-of-ways are deemed to be a public hazard must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by the zoning office.  

The township asks that you contact the zoning administrator before you establish a home based business or erect any type of signage anywhere in the township to avoid future problems regarding these issues.