Development News for Kettering, Ohio

Kettering City Council Receives Charter Review Committee Recommendations

The Kettering City Council received the report and recommendations of the 2026 Charter Review Committee. The committee, formed in accordance with the City Charter, met multiple times over March, April, and May to analyze and propose amendments to the Charter. The resolution formally acknowledges receipt of these recommendations. The council will have an opportunity in subsequent meetings to vote on an ordinance to submit proposed charter amendments to the ballot in the fall. Staff members, particularly Ms. Pascaglione and Mr. Gleason, were commended for their guidance to the committee. Council members also acknowledged the committee's chair, Matt Warhoftig, and other committee members present.

Kettering City Council Raises Purchasing Thresholds to $75,000

The Kettering City Council approved an ordinance to amend Chapter 152 of the codified ordinances, which pertains to purchases and contracts. The amendment increases the dollar amount thresholds for legislation approval, formal sealed bidding, competitive bargaining, and blanket purchase orders from $25,000 to $75,000. This change, permitted by state statute and adopted by other regional communities, grants the City Manager authority to enter into contracts up to $75,000. The current thresholds were established in 1992. The increase is expected to improve workflow and workload efficiencies for the purchase of goods and services and aligns with the city's continuous improvement program. Council members noted that Kettering's previous threshold was considered low by counterparts in other cities.

Kettering Highlights Pride Month, Block Parties, Leadership Academy, Neighborhood Awards, and Health Services

During the community update, Mr. Greeson highlighted several initiatives. June is recognized as Pride Month, with an emphasis on welcoming and respecting the LGBTQ community. Information on organizing block parties, including permit requests and the availability of free ice cream, was provided. The city is accepting applications for the Kettering Leadership Academy, offering personal and professional growth opportunities. Nominations are open for the Neighborhood Pride Award, with an August 1st deadline. Free mulch is available at Indian Riffle Park (2801 East Stroop Road). Blood pressure clinic dates for June at the Dayton Metro Library Kettering Moraine branch were also announced. Council member Duvall added that the Fire Department provides free ice cream for block parties and that fire trucks can visit if available.

Kettering City Council Considers Zoning Code Amendments, Faces Developer Concerns

The Kettering City Council held a public hearing and discussed proposed amendments to the city's zoning code. City staff presented changes impacting six sections of the zoning code, including the permitted principal use table, standards for specific uses, notification requirements, pattern zoning process, organizational corrections, and definitions. Key changes include the removal of kiosk uses, tobacco/nicotine/vaping sales, and certain storage uses. New regulations for small box discount stores (two-mile radius) and drive-through restaurants (minimum 500 sq ft indoor area) were proposed. Notification requirements for rezonings were adjusted based on the number of parcels involved, referencing Ohio Revised Code and practices in other cities like Centerville, Dayton, Vandalia, Middletown, Mason, and Dublin. The amendments also include clarifications in the definitions chapter. During public comment, representatives for a property at 5959 Bigger Road (a vacant 94,000 sq ft building) expressed concerns about how the proposed changes and a recent moratorium would affect an active redevelopment opportunity, requesting clarity and transparency, and suggesting transition periods or mechanisms for ongoing projects. Another speaker, a developer, detailed a proposed multi-purpose facility including an indoor karting center and private automotive club, highlighting that such a concept, which is new to the region, would be canceled if the proposed zoning changes, particularly regarding vehicle storage, were enacted without consideration for existing development interests.