Danbury Township encompasses an area of 17.76 square miles which includes 32.75 miles of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay and Harbor shoreline. The historic Village of Marblehead is located at the east end of the Township. The permanent population of Danbury is 4,924 with an additional 846 residing in the Village. Seasonal homes, condominiums, marina, campgrounds, cottages and recreational vehicle parks are home to a population of several thousand summer-only residents. Danbury was named for the original settlers who arrived from Danbury, Connecticut and became a township on March 6, 1840. The Village of Marblehead was incorporated in 1891.
MISSION STATEMENT
"The Mission of the Danbury Township Board of Trustees is to provide fair and representative government for all citizens, to foster pride in the community, to ensure fiscal solvency, to preserve and protect natural and historical sites, and to operate within the parameters of the laws of the State of Ohio while making certain that the Township remains an enjoyable place to live for both permanent and seasonal residents."
Current News and Events
Current News & Events
Welcome!
We hope you enjoy our website and find new information that has never been posted before. Please be patient with us as we continue to add new information!
We'll be using this section to post the most current information we need to communicate in a timely manner. As always, if you need to reach any of us just refer to the Contact Information.
Fall Township Newsletter - NEW!
To view the most current Township Newsletter, please click here.
Pumpkin Composting
2024 OSS Upcycled Ornament Contest
To register for the 2024 Upcycle Ornament Contest thru the OSS, please click here. To view a flyer with more information about the contest, please click here.
Property Tax Increase Information
For more information about Danbury Township Trustees reinstating inside millage, please click here.
For more information about the 2025 tax increase due to 20-mill floor for school districts, please click here.
2024 Storage Study
In 2023, the Danbury Township Board of Trustees contracted with Miami University to conduct a Storage Study. The goal of the study was to have an understanding of the current storage capacity within the Township and project a reasonable estimate of storage demand. To view the results of the study, please click here. 
Fall Hiking Challenge
Ottawa County Park District is offering a Hiking Challenge from September 3 - November 30, 2024. Please click here for more information about this program and how to participate. Please see the 2nd page of the link provided for upcoming guided walking events in the Danbury area.
ODOT Updates
Posted 11.13.24:
EDISON BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
November 15 is the last day for the asphalt plants to be open this year. SR 2 (Edison Bridge area) should start to be cleaned up the week of November 17. Expect some shoulder work to continue through the winter. The balance of the work on SR 2 (Edison Bridge area) and the SR 269 on/off ramps will resume in spring 2025. Both have a contract completion date prior to May 31, 2025.
BAYSHORE ROAD (SR 163) CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
This is weather dependent but the closed section should be opened early next week (the week of 11/17/24). Manhole adjustments will begin soon. You will see lane closures and plates on the roadway again. Plates are placed over the manholes to protect them during the curing process. The berm is scheduled for placement before Thanksgiving and there will be flagged lane closures for this work. These flagged work zones will occur Monday through Saturday at least until the week of Thanksgiving or when the workable weather ends. No work will occur on Thanksgiving.
Posted 10.25.24:
After exiting at the SR 269 Lakeside/Marblehead exit, just prior to the curve where you head northbound an SR 269 (Bridge Road), ODOT will install a curve warning sign with a 45 MPH auxiliary plaque. This will be located in the area just prior to the northbound curve. This new speed limit sign will NOT replace the currently posted limit of 55 MPH. The photo is a rendering of what we can expect to see to warn of the curve speed.
Posted 09.25.24:
Below is the latest information regarding lane restrictions on Bayshore Road scheduled to begin October 1, 2024. For those that live east of Bailiwick, you will need to circle the peninsula, at least to Alexander Pike - or further depending on your location, in order to return to your home or business once you have left the area. Bayshore WILL be open to westbound traffic only. Updates will be posted here should anything change. Be safe and allow extra time. Click Here to View a Map of the affected area
Posted 09.16.24:
The big temporary signs recently placed by ODOT are for the resurfacing of SR 163 around the peninsula ending just west of SR 269 South (Bridge Road). The work area is designated by the thick red line on the map (Click Here to View) provided by ODOT. This project will begin on Monday, September 16, 2024. During this work, SR 163 will be open to westbound travel and will be maintained by flaggers and temporary traffic signals. Monday’s work is expected to start in the vicinity of Cedar Ave. and work west toward 269. There is one closure that is necessary with the work and that is where Hartshorn and Bayshore come together near the southernmost boundary of the project (the “triangle” Click Here to View). That will begin October 1, 2024, for only two days. They use the words “road closed” on the signs for the eastbound traffic, as traffic will be directed westbound. This may be a bit confusing so my suggestion is we all pay attention, watch for flaggers and temporary traffic signals and hope this will be a fast project given the good weather! Thanks for your patience
Focus On Danbury Township Year-End Report
To view the Focus on Danbury Township Year-End Review for 2023, please click here.
Brush Drop-Off Site
The brush drop-off site is open for the 2024 season. The site is located at 310 S. Bridge Road (SR 269 South) behind the dog park. For your safety, the brush area is not to be used after dusk.
Rule Reminders:
No Grass Clippings
No Rootballs or Stumps
No Plastic Bags (paper yard bags are okay to leave behind)
No Contractors
No Dumping after Dusk
This is for residents of the Township. Please only bring leaves and tree limbs. Hay bales are acceptable, but please make sure they are broken apart and take the twine string with you. Plastic and string get tied up in the machinery when it's time to mulch it. The brush drop-off site is typically open from April 1 - December 1.
Mulch
Available at the the brush drop off site is free mulch for residents. Residents are welcome to come fill their trucks or trailers on their own during daylight hours. A listing of dates that the Service & Maintenance Department crew will be available to assist residents to help load up is provided below. Contractors are not permitted to use this service.
Mulch 2024 distribution dates will be as follows: We can load your vehicle for you, while supplies last, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Mondays (but not on any legal holidays) starting April 1-September 30. We also load vehicles by appointment. Call (419) 734-4091
Tornado & Severe Weather Shelters
For Immediate Release: Mar. 16, 2024
For additional information, contact:
Sandy Mackey, Ohio Emergency Management Agency
[email protected]
Tornado Watch - Be Prepared: When conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Be ready to move to a place of safety if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches.
Tornado Warning - Take Action: When a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. Warnings indicate impending danger to life and property. Seek safe shelter immediately.
Prepare for Severe Weather and Home Emergencies: Build a kit and make a plan. This includes having a severe weather kit for home and vehicle and creating an emergency plan/or updating your existing plan.
Be Aware of Hazards in Your Area: Ohio’s weather hazards from early spring into summer include snowmelt and flooding, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Visit the OCSWA website to learn more about severe weather safety and preparedness.
Prepare for a Flood: Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
Flooded Roadways: Never attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in a vehicle. It only takes six inches of water to knock an adult off their feet, one foot of moving water can float a vehicle, and two feet of water can carry away most vehicles including pickup trucks and SUVs. Don’t chance it, find an alternative route!
Outdoor Warning Sirens: Many Ohio counties have outdoor warning sirens that sound when severe weather is imminent. Outdoor warning sirens are designed to be heard outdoors.
Alerts and Notifications: Getting weather and emergency information from reliable sources is important. Always have multiple means of receiving communications such as a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and local television media weather apps. Other great sources for communications are Emergency Alert System (EAS) sent over television and radio channels. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are free notifications delivered to mobile devices as part of a public safety system.
Cable Problems?
Information from the Ohio Department of Commerce who regulates Ohio's Cable TV Industry. Please click here for more information if you are having problems with your cable service provider.
Electric Aggregation Program
Danbury Township residents are included in the Ottawa County Electric Aggregation Program.
Marblehead Village residents are not included in the Ottawa County Electric Aggregation at this time, because they signed under a separate program with a different rate and terms.
If you are a Toledo Edison Customer, please click here for flyer with more information.
If you are an Ohio Edison Customer, please click here for flyer with more information.
2024 Special Recycling Events
The Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca County Solid Waste District holds special recycling and collection events, typically at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds every year. The events to be held in 2024 are for electronics, tires, appliances and household hazardous waste. Information on what will be accepted can be found by clicking here for their annual flyer. Pre-registration is required by going to recycleoss.org or by calling (419) 334-7222. Danbury Township is not involved with these events, so please contact the number provided.
Mazurik Fish Cleaning Station
In July 2023, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division along with Gov. Mike DeWine officially dedicated the opening of a state-of-the-art fish cleaning facility at the Mazurik boat launch located at 8957 Northshore Blvd., Marblehead, Ohio 43440. ODNR is hopeful to have the fish cleaning facility open each season in early April and close late November. Due to the plumbing system, the facility cannot be open in below freezing temperatures. The facility is open to the public at no cost. For more information on how to properly use the facility, please click here for a short video.
GRANDLove
When parents are absent or unable to raise their children due to struggles with substance abuse, domestic violence, health concerns, financial instability, incarceration, etc., grandparents (and other adults) serve a critical and under-recognized role in our community by providing stable, loving environments for these children in need. Please CLICK HERE to view information from the Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center for services & assistance available.
Property Fraud Alert
The Ottawa County Recorder's Office is introducing GovOS Property Alert, a free property fraud alert system. Property fraud is where a party fraudulently records documents against your property for financial gain or to attempt to take ownership without your knowledge. Property fraud is a fast-growing crime, as damaging as identity theft, with the added risk of losing your property. With this new fraud alert system, you can create an alert record in which you will receive an email notification anytime a document is recorded against your property or name. To view the flyer below, please click on the flyer or here. To sign up, go to ottawa.oh.publicsearch.us/property-alert. Should you have trouble signing up, please contact the Ottawa County Recorder's Office at (419) 734-6730.
Recycling at Police Station
Our recycle area at 419 Bridge Road continues to be a source of frustration and concern for both Danbury Township and the Solid Waste District. We sadly found it necessary to have video surveillance due to the abuse of the area with non-recyclables (including a vacuum cleaner, table and chairs, dishwasher, mattress and numerous other trash items). It’s a great service for residents when it is used properly – and it is for residential use only. Unfortunately we have also found that a primary reason the dumpsters are overflowing so quickly is due to heavy use by businesses. This was never meant to be a service for businesses or contractors. Now it is interfering with residents being able to utilize the service. The Solid Waste District advised that if a business wishes to recycle they can make arrangements with Waste Management by calling or emailing Matthew Leis (248) 285-0330 [email protected] or Republic Services by calling (800) 234-3429.
We are asking that businesses voluntarily STOP using the residential recycling area. If you know of a business that does not utilize Facebook, please help make them aware of this information. We don’t want to eliminate recycling or brush drop-off but the abuse at both areas has become overwhelming for our employees. Please help us to help you keep these services and do not ever hesitate to contact the police at (419) 732-2549 to report abuse of our services.
Concerns & Complaints
It is the policy of the Danbury Trustees to not accept anonymous complaints regarding tall grass, junk vehicles or other nuisance concerns. A written complaint regarding issues within 500 feet of your property will be accepted and reviewed to determine what action may be taken. In the blue band above, please go to Departments, then Zoning and the tab about "Violations" for more information and to print out a complaint form.
Document Shredding & Prescription Rx Drop-off
The Danbury Township Police Department will resume accepting documents for secure shredding and and prescription drop-off services at the Police Station on SR 269. This is by appointment only to ensure an officer is present to place the items in the proper secure location. The direct number for the station is (419) 732-2549.
Home Repair Information
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) & Community Housing & Impact Preservation Program (CHIP) helps provide home repairs for eligible homeowners. For more information please Click Here for their flyer. You can also contact Sherry Evens, Program Clerk at [email protected] or (419) 333-6049
Rainbow Ridge
For more information regarding Rainbow Ridge at Meadowbrook Marsh in memory of the 10 animals that perished in a barn fire Thanksgiving evening 2019 at African Safari Wildlife Park, please click on the "Community" link above in the blue band and then select the "Rainbow Ridge" button.
Now Accepting Reservations for Lake Point/ Lions Park Shelter House!
The Township has began accepting reservations for Lake Point/ Lions Park shelter house, but for a fee. It will continue to be open to the public daily unless otherwise posted as reserved. The cost to reserve the shelter house is $300. All reservations must be received by the first of the month of the month prior to the event (i.e. July events, reservations must be made by June 1st). Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis and the date is not officially reserved until a complete reservation form and payment has been turned in. Once a reservation has been made, the party will have the shelter house reserved for them the entire day. We do not reserve more than one event per day. Attendees are asked to clean up after themselves and wrap up all activities by dusk. Reservation forms are available under the Service & Maintenance Departments web page or at the zoning office during their office hours.
"No Surprise Act"
The Township is required to have this placed on our website per our insurance carrier.
The Transparency in Coverage mandate requires insurers and group health plans to make rate information publicly accessible to members and non-members starting July 2022. Medical Mutual will share rate information for Medical Mutual-contracted providers as well as historical allowed amounts and billed charges for out-of-network providers in a machine-readable file (MRF) format. The information will be posted on a dedicated MRF landing page, accessible through MedMutual.com. To be considered compliant under the mandate, the regulations specify that ASO groups must include a link on their own website that directs users to the location of the publicly available MRFs.
The No Surprises Act (NSA), signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), establishes federal standards to protect patients with health benefits coverage from “surprise” medical bills that may arise when receiving care from certain out-of-network providers and ancillary providers.
https://www.medmutual.com/For-Employers/Employer-Resources/No-Surprises-Act-Legislation.aspx
Hearing Notices
Hearing Notices
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Danbury Township Board of Zoning Appeals will hold adjudication hearings at the Danbury Township Hall, 5972 E. Port Clinton Eastern Road, Marblehead, Ohio 43440 on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the following applications:
BZA-2024-266 399 Hidden Beach. Request for Area Variances from Section 5.1.7 to allow for an addition to encroach into the north, side-yard setback (4.14’ proposed/ 5’ required) and to Section 7.12.3.A to allow more square footage onto a nonconforming structure than permitted (20%; 194.8s.f allowed/ 60.4%; 589s.f. proposed). Scott Ziembowicz, Owner/ Applicants; Lee Short, Architect/Agent.
BZA-2024-274 2498 Knobhill. Request for Area Variances to Section 5.2.D.iii to allow for a detached accessory building to encroach into the north, side-yard setback (5' required/ 1' proposed), into the west, rear-yard setback (5' required/ 1' proposed) and to be separated from the existing house deck by 1.5' (5' required). Sonja Toma, Owner/ Applicant.
BZA-2024-280 9608 E. Bayshore Road. Request for Area Variances from Section 5.2.D.iii to allow for a garage addition onto an existing garage to encroach into the east, rear/side-yard setback (2.5' proposed/ 5' required), Section 5.2.1.A.i.b. to allow more cumulative accessory bldg. square footage than allowed (1,200s.f. permitted/ 1,680s.f. proposed) and to Section 7.12.3.A to allow more square footage to be added onto a nonconforming structure than permitted (20%; 120s.f. allowed/ 180%; 1,080s.f. proposed). Brad Hutcherson, Owner/ Applicant.
BZA-2024-281 525 Hillcrest. Request for Area Variances from Section 5.1.7 to allow for an addition to encroach into the west, front-yard setback (16.4’ proposed/ 20’ required) and to Section 7.12.3.A to allow more square footage onto a nonconforming structure than permitted (20%; 599.2s.f allowed/ 78.6%; 2,198s.f. proposed). David & Wendy Stahanczyk, Owner/ Applicant; Evan Jones, Architect/Agent.
Parties wishing to give testimony may appear in person or by attorney. Said hearing(s) may be continued from time to time as necessary. A copy of the aforementioned application may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Inspector at Danbury Township Zoning Department during normal business hours or by clicking on the case information above.
Zoning Commission
None at this time.
Board of Trustees
None at this time.
Contact
Contact Information
Danbury Township Hall
5972 E. Port Clinton Eastern Rd.
Marblehead, OH 43440
Phone: (419) 732-3039
Fax: (419) 734-3137
Hours for the Trustees & Fiscal Officer are by appointment.
Trustee John Paul Dress:
(419) 341-0404
[email protected]
Trustee David Hirt:
(419) 732-2703
[email protected]
Trustee Dianne Rozak:
(419) 340-9359
[email protected]
Fiscal Officer - Brinkley Paul:
(419) 732-3039
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant to Trustees & Fiscal Officer
Lynne James
(419) 732-3039
[email protected]
Hours: M, Tu, Th: 8a - 4p
Wednesday: 12p - 8p
Friday: 7a - 3p
Fire: Chief Shawn Hunsicker
[email protected]
Station 1 - Headquarters
7870 E. Harbor Road
Marblehead, OH 43440
Phone: (419) 798-5219
Fax: (419) 798-9122
Police: Chief Michael Meisler
419 S. Bridge Road
Marblehead, Ohio 43440
Phone: (419) 732-2549
Fax: (419) 732-1516
Hours: 24 hours. If an officer
does not answer, you may leave
a message for a non-emergency
situation. Non-emergency calls
may also be placed at the Ottawa
County Sheriff’s Office
(419) 734-4404.
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]
Emergency calls: please dial 911
Maintenance Garage:
Road Supervisor, Brett Waldron
Phone: (419) 734-4091
Fax: (419) 734-3137
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday thru Friday
Email: [email protected]
Zoning:
Zoning & Planning Administrator
Kathryn A. Dale, AICP
Email: [email protected]
Zoning Assistant
Michelle Teresi (April 1-October 1)
Email: [email protected]
Assistant Zoning Inspector
Marcel Sorgi (April 1 - October 1)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (419) 734-6120
Fax: (419) 734-3137
Hours: T, TH, F: 9:00a to 3:00p
W.: 9:00-11:00a & 4:00p-6:30p
The Zoning Office is CLOSED on Mondays