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
Fall 2021 Newsletter - NEW!
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.
Trustee Meeting Change
Danbury Township Board of Trustees have changed their regular meeting date for Wednesday, November 24 to Monday, November 22, 2021 at 6:00p.m. due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. The meeting will take place at the Township Hall.
Upcoming Zoning Office Hour Changes
The Zoning Department Zoning Office will be CLOSED for the following:
Friday, 10.22.21 - Opening late morning due to a court hearing at 9:30a.m.
Thursday, 11.11.21 - Veteran's Day
Thursday, 11.25 & Friday, 11.26.21 - Thanksgiving & Day after Thanksgiving
12.24.21-01.02.22 - Week between Christmas & New Years. Return 01.03.22
Public Hearing Process for Rezoning Study
Danbury Township is proposing a major rezoning of over 700 residential parcels in 12 general areas. The Township over the spring and summer studied multiple neighborhoods that are zoned “R-C” Recreational Commercial and whether they should be more appropriately rezoned to “R-3” High Density Residential.
The areas involve properties in or near Marblehead Estates Subdivision, Cove-on-the-Bay, Danbury Cove, Part of Galley’s Landing Subdivision, Bayview Shores, north part of Zeller’s Beach, Willow Cove, Lattimore Acres, Emerald Shores, south side of Avalon-on-the-Bay, Cottages at Marblehead, part of Saylor & Koontz Subdivisions, five addresses in West Harbor Landings, Harbor’s End & Harbor’s Cove Condominiums, part of Regatta Subdivision, west side of Channel Grove, part of Rockport Subdivision, part of Commodore Subdivision and Phase 7 of Perryview Estates. Maps of the areas are available by clicking here. Areas proposed for change are outlined in black showing the boundaries and striped. The first map shows the current zoning (lavender) and the second map shows the proposed (brown).
The State statute requires essentially a 3-step hearing process. The first hearing was held September 21, 2021 before the Ottawa County Regional Planning Commission. Their decision was a recommendation to the Township for approval. The second hearing was held for on October 6, 2021 before the Township Zoning Commission at the Township Hall. Their decision was also a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, who have final say in the changes and whether they should be adopted. The Trustee hearing date will be held November 10, 2021 at 5:30p.m. at the Township Hall prior to the start of their regular meeting time. Thirty days after the Trustee’s decision, if approved, the changes would become effective.
Brush Drop-Off Site.
The brush drop-off site is 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.
NW Ohio American Red Cross SOS!
The Northwest Ohio, Toledo office is in dire need of volunteers within their 14 County Region. They are in need of volunteer blood donor ambassadors, disaster team members, multi-speaking language volunteers, shelter support, community volunteer leaders, people to transport blood, among many other volunteer positions. They also need blood donors as there is a severe shortage.
Some specific needs they have:
- Disaster Action Team Members respond to local disasters and provide immediate assistance, including shelter, food and comfort following a home fire or other emergency. Click here to view video of the opportunity
- Volunteer Drivers/Transportation Specialists who transport and deliver lifesaving donated blood. Click here to view video of the opportunity
- Blood Donor Ambassadors greet, check in and thank blood donors at blood drives. Click here to view video of the opportunity
For more information visit www.redcross.org/volunteer or contact Kevin Brooks at Kevin.Brooks3@redcross.org or 419-261-6277.
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 on the Danbury Township Fire Department's Facebook Page 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.
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
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84970445854?pwd=OWxIOVM1c29OV2JhbHBNRHd1eHJLZz09
Meeting ID: 849 7044 5854
Passcode: 558682
If you need to call-in for the meeting, please contact zoning at 419-734-6120.
The Danbury Township Board of Zoning Appeals will hold adjudication hearings on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the following applications (Please continue to read below - last 2 paragraphs):
5:30p.m.
BZA-2021-205 169 Vine. Request for an Area Variance from Section 3.5 to allow for a second-story addition to encroach into the required west, front-yard setback (5' required/1' proposed) and north, side-yard setback (3' required/1' proposed); Section 7.12.3.A. to allow more square footage than permitted onto a nonconforming structure [20% (235s.f.) allowed/ 100% (1,175s.f.) proposed)]; Section 5.10.1.B. to not provide the two required on-site parking spaces when 50% of the structure is being enlarged. David & Nancy Douglass, Owner/Applicant; Zimmerman Remodeling & Construction, Agent.
6:30p.m.
BZA-2021-211 1625 Jeannie Drive. Request for an Area Variance from Section 5.2.1.C.i. to allow for an accessory structure to exceed the maximum 20’ building height (24’ proposed). Mark & Jana Meisler, Owner/ Applicant.
7:00p.m.
BZA-2021-214 1851 Fernwood. Request for an Area Variance from Section 7.12.3.A. to allow more square footage than permitted onto a nonconforming structure [20% (250s.f.) allowed/ 83.2% (1,040s.f.) proposed)]. Anthony & Nancy Pinzone, Owner/Applicant.
Due to Covid-19 and per the State of Ohio public meeting guidelines, these hearings will take place thru the video conferencing platform, Zoom. This can be loaded onto a computer, smartphone or iPad. Sign-up for a free account if you don't already have one and follow the prompts. Once you have this complete, please email zoning@danburytownship.com to verify your interest in the application and receive the meeting invite link. Check your spam or junk mail in case it ends up in there. The link will also be posted here, but closer to the date of the meeting to prevent any hacking.
If you do not have electronic resources to participate in the meeting, a copy of the application may be viewed by clicking on the case information above. While we typically do not accept written statements unless they are made in person at the hearing, for this hearing due to the circumstances, we will accept your comments via handwritten letter or email zoning@danburytownship.com to share your support or opposition of the request with the Board during the hearing. Letters can also be sent to the Township Hall located at:
Danbury Township Zoning Department
5972 E. Port Clinton Eastern Road
Marblehead, Ohio 43440
Please call (419) 734-6120 or email if you have any questions.
Zoning Commission
None at this time.
Board of Trustees
The Danbury Township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at the Danbury Township Hall, 5972 E. Port Clinton Eastern Rd., Marblehead, Ohio for the following application:
A copy of the proposed amendment may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Inspector at Danbury Township Hall by appointment, 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 the Danbury Township Board of Trustees will take action.
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