Danbury Township encompasses are 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 4,264 with an additional 903 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!
Public Records Request Form
2020 Focus on Danbury Twp. - Year End Review
Spring 2021 Newsletter
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.
Open Houses for Rezoning Study
Please join us for an Open House on Saturday, August 21, 2021 between 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. in the Township Hall Meeting Room to hear about the 2021 Rezoning Study to protect Residential neighborhoods from Commercial development. A formal presentation will be provided at 9:30a.m. There are 12 areas under consideration to change the zoning classification from “R-C” Recreational Commercial to “R-3” High Density Residential. These include:
Area 1: Cove-on-the Bay (Whitlock Way & Amherst), Marblehead Estates (Harbor Bay Drive & Waterside Drive) and 2965 & 2981 S. Danbury North Road.
Area 2: Danbury Cove (Bristol & Dorchester) and 2259, 2279, 2289, 2299, 2309, & 2365 Meter Road.
Area 3: Part of Galley’s Landing (S. Side of E. Bayshore Road, east of Church), Bayview Shores (Long Point Circle & Sunview Drive) and 6796, 6814, 6820, 6826, 6860, 7070, & 7072 E. Bayshore Road.
Area 4: North Part of Zeller’s Beach (Willard, Central, & Ellsworth).
Area 5: Willow Cove (Harborview Dr., Willow Cove Dr., & Napama), Lattimore Acres (Lattimore Drive), Emerald Shores (Emerald Shores Drive), South Side of Avalon-on-the-Bay (Arlington Drive, Avalon Park, Bayview Drive), Cottages at Marblehead and 9518, 9822, 9635, 9637, 9679, & 9695 E. Bayshore Road.
Area 6: Part of Saylor & Koontz (Saylor Street, Nan Avenue & Robert Avenue).
Area 7: Part of West Harbor Landings (5465, 5474,5547, 5555 & 5563 Constitution Blvd. and 5540 Windjammer).
Area 8: Harbor’s End Condominiums, Harbor Cove Condominiums & Part of Regatta (Regatta Passage).
Area 9: Part of Channel Grove 1st Addition (west side of Channel Grove).
Area 10: Part of Rockport (waterfront lots).
Area 11: Part of Commodore (2220, 2230, 2240 & 2250 Commodore Court).
Area 12: Part of Perryview Estates VII (Wilderness, Evergreen Drive & 185 Forest Green).
In March 2021, at the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Danbury Township Zoning Commission was asked to begin reviewing neighborhoods of single-family homes that are zoned “R-C” Recreational Commercial (purple/lavender color) and whether they should be more appropriately rezoned to “R-3” High Density Residential (brown color).
The “R-C” Recreational Commercial zoning district has become a ‘catch-all’ zoning district and got away from its probable, intended focus of ‘recreational’ type activities over the years. Much of the land was vacant at one point, especially on the Sandusky Bay side of the Township, but since it allowed housing, whole neighborhoods were developed instead of recreational-type activities. The goal of this study is to protect these residential areas, old & new, and not create a problem for existing commercial uses. This cannot be expressed enough; this study is being done to help protect residential neighborhoods.
If these residential properties have public sewer and water, the basic requirements related to building size, setbacks, lot coverage, etc. already revert to the “R-3” High Density Residential requirements. The concern is that some larger residential lots, and the structures on them, could be converted to a commercial use allowed in the “R-C” Recreational Commercial zoning district with no notice to neighbors. The other concern is that multiple small lots could be consolidated, making a larger parcel for a commercial activity or structure. Examples of this will be shared during the Open House presentation(s). Not all these neighborhoods have active associations or private restrictions in place preventing the commercial activity. Amenity items in these neighborhoods, such as, communal pools, clubhouses, private neighborhood marinas, or shelter houses would not be affected. In most cases, there should be very little nonconformity worries since the lots and structures are following the “R-3” zoning requirements anyway.
In the interest of openness, it is our intention to inform as many property owners as we possibly can regarding these recommendations. Since more than 10 parcels are proposed to be rezoned to “R-3”, the Township is not legally required by the State of Ohio to notify every property owner personally. This is the reasoning for holding open houses & conducting public outreach before any official public hearing process takes place to adopt the proposed changes. Comments, concerns, support or opposition will be accepted at the conclusion of the presentation(s) to ensure the proposed rezoning to “R-3” would not be detrimentally affecting property owners. It is anticipated that the official public hearing process, which takes four (4) months to complete, would begin in September, in order to be effective and in place at the beginning of 2022.
Any questions should be directed to Kathryn A. Dale, AICP, Zoning & Planning Administrator via email; zoning@danburytownship.com or calling her at (419) 734-6120.
Dumpster Days
The last 2021 Clean-up Week will be held:
September 28-October 2
This is for residents only, not contractors.
Hours: 9a.m. to 6p.m. Tuesday - Friday
8a.m. to 12 noon Saturday
Rules & Regulations that remain the same:
- No tires
- No brush
- No oil
- No paint
- No batteries
- No boats or vehicles
- No propane tanks
NEW Rules & Regulations:
- Employees & Cyclone Services Staff will assist with loads up to 80 pounds. You are expected to help unload your vehicle if physically able.
- No loose building materials (shingles, drywall, insulation). These items must be boxed or bagged.
- No metal scrapping - strictly prohibited.
- No commercial loads.
- Maintenance Staff has the right to refuse any load.
For 2021 Countywide Recycling Events, please click here. Additional information can also be found at recycleoss.org/danbury
Brush Drop-Off Site Open!
The brush drop-off site is now open and 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. Until the end of May we will accept loose leaves or leaves in biodegradable bags.
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.
FEMA New Flood Map Information
FEMA is preparing new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Ottawa and the surrounding Counties. Ottawa County adopted the current FIRM maps in 2015. These proposed new maps would replace the 2015 maps. FEMA anticipates that the new maps will be effective by the Winter of 2022/2023.
FEMA does have a Flood Map Change Viewer available. In the top left hand corner of the map, you can enter your address and it will zoom into the property and general area. There is a 'Geoprocessing' box that will also be on the screen. In this box, there is a white box with a black pin point tool. Click on that tool and then click on your property. Once you have done this, back in the 'Geoprocessing' box there is a 'Run' button. This will run a report which will then bring up a web link. Click on the weblink and it will then show a side-by-side, single page, printable report and summary on how the property is currently classified (Effective) and what the new proposed changes (Preliminary) are for the property.
The full Preliminary Panels that cover Danbury Township area are available below to view:
Index
Panel 0155D Panel 0186D
Panel 0160D Panel 0188D
Panel 0165D Panel 0305D
Panel 0170D
For flood insurance questions, please contact your current agent or click here for additional resources.
For more information, please contact Ottawa County Regional Planning Commission at (419) 734-6780.
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.
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 mleis@wm.com 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.
Central Fire Station
Located at 7870 E. Harbor Road near Dollar General will be the location of a new Centralized Fire & EMS Station and Training Facility. The property consists of nearly 7 acres. More information will be updated here on the Township Website as it becomes available. To see some preliminary and conceptual plans for the new building, please click here.
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office Mobile App
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office has launched a mobile app. It is a free app available for both Android and Apple users. Their hope is to improve communication with the public. Thru the app, users can receive notifications of snow levels, major traffic accidents or detours, missing people or other warnings of potential danger. Features on the app, include the jail roster, sex offender registry, contact information for sheriff’s divisions, submitting tips, links to other law enforcement websites and more.
Ottawa County Emergency Alerts WENS system
We encourage you to sign up to the Ottawa County Emergency Alerts WENS system. In the event of an emergency or severe weather condition, a text message will be sent to the mobile number and/or your email address that you specify. This is a free service provided by Ottawa County, Ohio.
To receive alerts, please click here to sign-up.
50th Anniversary of Danbury Township Police Department
In 2019, the Danbury Township Police Department will celebrate 50 years of dedicated service to our community. Each member of the department was issued a 50th Anniversary badge to wear proudly on their uniform. The members of our department are committed to making sure that Danbury Township continues to be a safe place to live and enjoy.
Now Accepting Reservations for Lake Point Park Shelter House!
The Township has began accepting reservations for Lake Point 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 bases 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. Attendee's 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.
Appointed Positions Available
If you have interest in serving on the Danbury Township Zoning Commission (ZC) or Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) please submit an Appointed Position Application as well as your resume to Kathryn A. Dale the Danbury Township Zoning & Planning Administrator. She can be reached at (419) 734-6120 for more questions.
The Zoning Commission meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30p.m. and is responsible for amendments to the zoning resolution and map. The Commission is comprised of 5 regular members and 2 alternates. An appointment is for 5 years, unless fulfilling a vacated seat.
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30p.m. and is responsible for hearing requests on Appeals, Area Variances, Conditional Uses and Special Exceptions. The Board is comprised of 5 regular members and 2 alternates. An appointment is for 5 years, unless fulfilling a vacated seat.
To be considered for either position, your permanent residence of record must be Danbury Township. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
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.
Hearing Notices
Hearing Notices
Board of Zoning Appeals
None at this time.
Zoning Commission
The Danbury Township Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at the Danbury Township Hall, 5972 E. Port Clinton Eastern Rd., Marblehead, Ohio for the following application:
A copy of the application may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Inspector at Danbury Township Hall during normal business hours. The amendment may also be viewed at the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission office at the Ottawa County Courthouse or by clicking on the case information above. At the conclusion of said hearing and upon a decision made, the amendment will be submitted to the Danbury Township Board of Trustees for action.
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
johnpaul@danburytownship.com
Trustee David Hirt:
(419) 732-2703
dave@danburytownship.com
Trustee Dianne Rozak:
(419) 340-9359
dianne@danburytownship.com
Fiscal Officer - Carolyn Adams:
(419) 732-3039
fiscalofficer@danburytownship.com
Administrative Assistant to Trustees & Fiscal Officer
Susan Dress
(419) 732-3039
assistant@danburytownship.com
Fire: Chief Keith Kahler
firechief@danburytownship.com
Station 1 - Headquarters
9551 E. Harbor Road
Marblehead, OH 43440
Phone: (419) 798-5219
Fax: (419) 798-9122
Station 2
150 S. Bridge Road
Marblehead, OH 43440
Phone: (419) 734-9700
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: dtpd@danburytownship.com or
policechief@danburytownship.com
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: roads@danburytownship.com
Zoning:
Zoning & Planning Administrator
Kathryn A. Dale, AICP
Phone: (419) 734-6120
Fax: (419) 734-3137
Hours: M, T, TH, F: 9:00a to 3:00p
W.: 9:00-11:00a & 4:00p-6:30p
Email: zoning@danburytownship.com