Community Profile and Growth Analysis

Burton Township Land Use Plan

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Community Profile & Growth Analysis
3. Public Finance & Economic Development
4. Development Trends
5. Public Infrastructure & Services
6. Agriculture
7. Existing Land Use & Zoning
8. Natural Resources
9. Survey Results
   • Survey Questions
   • Response Frequency Distribution Totals
   • Burton Twp. Precinct Map
10. Recommendations

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CHAPTER II

COMMUNITY PROFILE AND GROWTH ANALYSIS

Location

Burton Township is comprised of about 14,951.27 acres covering 23.3 square miles. It is located in the easterly half of townships in Geauga County. Claridon Township borders it to the north, Newbury Township to the west, Middlefield Township to the east, and Troy Township to the south (see Map 1).

Despite its semi-rural setting, Burton is relatively close to some large urban centers in the region. Cleveland is approximately 40 miles to the northwest, Akron is about 45 miles to the southwest and the Warren-Youngstown area is located roughly 45 miles to the southeast.

Map 1
Burton Township
Location Map

History

Burton Township was originally a part of the area known as the "Connecticut Western Reserve." The Colony of Connecticut, between the period of 1630 to 1662, claimed title to the land. On September 2, 1795, Connecticut sold 3,000,000 acres off of the easterly end of the Western Reserve to Joseph Howland, Oliver Phelps, Moses Cleveland and 45 other members of the Connecticut Land Company for $1,200,000. Joseph Howland and associates joined in a deed of trust on September 5, 1795, to John Caldwell, John Morgan, Jonathan Brace, and their heirs and assigns as trustees conveying to them the 3,000,000 acres with the power to survey, plat and sell the land. The officers of the land company decided on a method of subdividing their property in April of 1796. The adopted plan was to divide the region east of the Cuyahoga River into townships five miles square. Many of these townships were subsequently split into sections one mile square, while others were divided into tracts and each tract carved up into lots.

For many years agriculture was the primary activity in the township. The first town hall was built in 1871 at the northeast corner of the square. In 1856, Colonel Henry A. Ford sold the southern part of his farm to the Geauga Agricultural Society and it became the home of the fairgrounds. The "Domestic Arts Building" and the "Flower Hall" situated on the fairgrounds are historic landmarks, designated on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Population

During the time frame of 1970 to 2000 the population of Burton Township increased from 2,366 persons to 2,908, representing a change of 23% (see Table 1 and Figure 1). Since 1970 the county's population increased by 44% (see Table 2 and Figure 1). From 1970 to 1980, the township experienced a 17% increase in population. However, during the last twenty years the township has averaged around a 2% rate of growth per decade (see Figure 2). By comparison, the county's population increased 18% from 1970 to 1980 and has continued to grow at an average rate of about 10.5% from 1980 to 2000 (see Figure 3).

Figure 1
Population: 1970 to 2000
Burton Township and Geauga County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Figure 2
Population Growth: 1970 to 2000
Burton Township
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Figure 3
Population Growth: 1970 to 2000
Geauga County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Figure 3
Population Growth: 1970 to 2000
Geauga County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Population density in the township has increased from 100.5 persons per square mile in 1970 to 125.3 persons per square mile in 2000. By comparison, the population density in the county has increased from 155.8 (1970) to 224.9 persons per square mile in 2000 (see Table 3).

Growth pressure is not as prevalent in Burton when compared to the other townships in the county. Map 2 depicts 1970 to 2000 population figures and percentage change by township. Burton ranks second to last in the county in terms of township population growth over the last 30 years.

Map 2
Township Population Change From 1970 to 2000

Population Projections

Burton Township's population is projected to increase over the next 20 years based on expected development activity. The increase may also be influenced by various factors at the county and regional level. Such variables may include

• Demographic trends
• Development patterns
• Economic factors
• Changing technologies
• Land use and zoning decisions
• Installation of infrastructure

It is clearly not feasible to predict the degree of impact that the foregoing areas may have on population growth. However, projections regarding a range of population increase, based (in part) on historical growth and reasonable assumptions, are appropriate. Three projections have been prepared as follows.

The results of the three projection methods are reflected in Table 4 and Figure 4. The projections are critical indicators for township officials to examine. Population growth has consequences related to, for instance, demand on public services, traffic, infrastructure, and the environment. This typically results in the need for raising tax revenue to cover the public services related to the development impacts (see discussion regarding cost of community services beginning at page VI-14).

Figure 4
Population Projections Percent Change: 2000 to 2020
Burton Township
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The Geauga County Planning Commission

Growth Simulation

Generalized growth simulations were performed to project potential single-family homes that may exist by the year 2020 in the township and the resultant growth patterns. A software model was prepared in conjunction with Kent State University, Department of Geography to analyze and map future development possibilities. At the township level, such simulations reflect an estimate of growth, recognizing that actual development yields may change due to a number of variables. The existing land use map (see Map 26) was used to determine the amount and location of developed and undeveloped areas in the township.

The following assumptions were applied in the performance of the simulations.

• Historic county building department permit data for single family homes were utilized for the time frame 1970 to 2001 to determine the expected number of new homes to be built.
• Only one, single family home may be built per undeveloped lot in the residential zoning districts.
• A lot size of 4 acres was employed (assuming the average lot size currently allowed). In the initial simulation prevailing zoning districts (see Map 27) were utilized. In the second, the zoning district boundaries shown on the proposed land use plan map (see Map 51) were employed. It must be noted that the real properties held by the City of Akron, the Geauga Park District, the State of Ohio, and other public utilities were included in areas subject to development in the initial simulation because they are, under existing zoning, generally classified within residential districts.
• An even distribution was determined between projected "frontage" residential development along existing roads and development within platted subdivisions.
• Parcels already built upon were excluded for purposes of future development.

Map 4, Avoid Critical Natural Areas

• Critical Natural Areas (CNA's) may not be developed. Such areas (rated very severe as shown on the Composite Capability Map 50) include floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes (>18%), and shallow bedrock (<5 feet from the surface) and are classified "very severe" on the composite land capability map (see Map 50).

Map 5, Avoid Critical Natural Areas and Agricultural Security Areas

• Agricultural Security Areas (ASA's) per Map 25 were excluded from development as well as CNA's.

Consequently, the following data were generated with respect to anticipated development activity to the year 2020.

• The township may have 246 new single-family dwelling units.
• Assuming a lot size of 4 acres, the acreage needed for future residential growth totals is 984 acres.

An examination of the existing land use map (as of 2002) reveals that there are 3,335 acres of vacant land and 3,280 acres of agricultural land for potential future development in the township. Nevertheless, a majority of the available land base is in critical natural areas and may be undeveloped. Such areas account for 4,735 acres or 32% of the township's land mass. If the Agricultural Security Areas are factored in (3,110.87 acres or 20.8% of the township), even less land may be available to accommodate future residential growth.

Two growth simulations were devised (one with current zoning district boundaries and one using proposed zoning boundaries based on the land use plan map), each with three maps depicting different scenarios, per the following:

• No Critical Natural Area or Agricultural Security Area restrictions,
• Avoid Critical Natural Areas, and
• Avoid both Critical Natural Areas and Agricultural Security Areas.

Table 5 and Maps 3, 4, and 5 reflect the results of a 4 acre density (one single family dwelling per 4 acres) is assumed with no restrictions and utilizing current zoning district boundaries.

Table 6 and Maps 6, 7, and 8 depict a 4 acre density as well, however, the proposed zoning district boundaries shown on the land use plan map were applied.

The intent of the data and maps is to guide the decision-making process of the township with respect to potential future development. The maps and data demonstrate the linkage between zoning regulations and land use policies and the impacts such regulations and policies may have on the long-range development of the community. The township may choose other growth simulation scenarios and the conclusions, of course, will vary accordingly.