Details
08/21/2025
Zoning Code Update and Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Richfield Township
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
For: Zoning Code Update and Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Richfield Township, Lucas County, Ohio
Issue Date: August 4, 2025
Deadline for Questions: August 15, 2025
Proposal Due Date: September 12, 2025 Submission Location: 3951 Washburn Rd, Berkey, OH 43504
1. Introduction
The Township of Richfield (hereafter "the Township") is seeking proposals from qualified planning and
consulting firms to assist in the development of a comprehensive Land Use Plan and a complete overhaul and update of its existing Zoning Code. The Township currently consists primarily of single-family residential and agricultural properties, with a population of approximately 1,575 residents. The Township recognizes the need to proactively plan for its future, manage growth effectively, protect its rural character, and ensure its zoning regulations are consistent with community vision and state statutes.
2. Background
• Township Name: Richfield
• County: Lucas
• State: Ohio
• Population (approx.): 1,575
• Current Land Use: Predominantly single-family residential and agricultural. There are no significant
commercial, industrial, or multi-family developments currently.
• Existing Regulations: The Township currently operates under a Zoning Ordinance that has not been substantially updated in 35 years. There is no current comprehensive Land Use Plan.
3. Project Goals and Objectives
The primary goals of this project are to:
• Develop a clear, implementable, and legally defensible Land Use Plan that reflects the community's vision for future growth, preservation, and development over the next 10-20 years.
• Update and modernize the Township's Zoning Code to align with the new Land Use Plan, comply with current state and federal regulations, and incorporate best planning practices.
• Engage the community thoroughly in the planning process to ensure the Land Use Plan and Zoning
Code reflect the needs and desires of the Township's residents.
• Provide a regulatory framework that protects existing agricultural and residential character while thoughtfully allowing for appropriate and compatible development.
Specific objectives include:
• Land Use Plan:
o Assess existing conditions, including demographics, land use patterns, natural features, infrastructure, and historical trends.
o Identify community assets, challenges, and opportunities.
o Facilitate robust public engagement to solicit input on desired future land uses, character, and development patterns.
o Develop a vision statement, goals, and objectives for the Township's future.
o Prepare a future land use map delineating areas for residential, agricultural, and any other appropriate future uses (e.g., limited commercial nodes if desired by the community, conservation areas).
o Propose strategies for preserving agricultural land and rural character.
o Address housing needs, infrastructure considerations, and open space preservation.
o Include an implementation plan with actionable steps, responsible parties, and timelines.
• Zoning Code Update:
o Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing Zoning Code, identifying outdated provisions,
inconsistencies, and areas for improvement.
o Draft a new, user-friendly, and legally sound Zoning Code that is consistent with the adopted Land Use Plan.
o Develop appropriate zoning districts and regulations, including dimensional standards (setbacks, lot sizes, height limits), use regulations, parking requirements, signage, and landscaping standards, tailored to the Township's character.
o Incorporate provisions for special uses, conditional uses, and planned unit developments, if deemed appropriate.
o Address administrative procedures, enforcement mechanisms, and non-conforming uses/structures.
o Draft and implement regulations that encourage conservation of natural resources and agricultural lands.
o Ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal statutes.
4. Scope of Services
The selected consultant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:
Phase 1: Project Initiation & Data Collection
• Kick-off meeting with Township representatives (Board of Trustees, Planning Commission).
• Review of existing Township plans, ordinances, and relevant data.
• Collection and analysis of demographic, land use, environmental, infrastructure, and economic data specific to the Township.
Phase 2: Community Engagement & Visioning
• Develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy (e.g., public workshops, surveys, focus groups, online platforms).
• Facilitate visioning sessions with the Planning Commission and the public to establish shared goals and objectives for the future.
• Prepare summaries of public input.
Phase 3: Land Use Plan Development
• Draft the Land Use Plan, including:
o Existing Conditions Analysis and Trends
o Community Vision, Goals, and Objectives
o Future Land Use Map with explanatory text
o Implementation Strategies and Action Plan
• Present draft Land Use Plan to the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees for review and
comment.
• Conduct public hearings as required by state statute.
Phase 4: Zoning Code Review & Redrafting
• Conduct a detailed review and assessment of the existing Zoning Code.
• Draft a completely new Zoning Code, or a substantially revised one, based on the adopted Land Use
Plan and best planning practices. This should include:
o Clearly defined zoning districts appropriate for the Township (e.g., Agricultural, Rural Residential, Single-Family Residential, Conservation).
o Detailed use tables.
o Specific dimensional standards.
o Regulations for accessory structures, signs, parking, landscaping, etc.
o Provisions for special use permits, variances, and appeals.
o Administrative procedures.
o Provisions for enforcement and penalties.
• Present draft Zoning Code to the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees for review and comment.
• Conduct public hearings as required by state statute.
Phase 5: Adoption & Implementation Support
• Prepare final Land Use Plan and Zoning Code documents for adoption by the Township Board of
Trustees.
• Provide support during the adoption process, including attending meetings and addressing questions.
• Potentially offer initial training for Township staff and Planning Commission members on the new
Zoning Code.
5. Deliverables
The successful consultant will provide, at a minimum, the following deliverables:
• Project Work Plan and Timeline
• Meeting Agendas and Minutes (for consultant-led meetings)
• Community Engagement Plan and Summaries of Input
• Existing Conditions Report (supporting the Land Use Plan)
• Draft and Final Comprehensive Land Use Plan document (hard copy and digital format)
o Including a professionally prepared Future Land Use Map
• Draft and Final Zoning Code document (hard copy and digital format)
• Presentations to the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees as needed.
• Attendance at public hearings.
6. Proposal Requirements
Proposals must be clearly organized and address the following sections:
6.1. Cover Letter:
• A brief letter expressing interest in the project and confirming the firm's understanding of the scope.
• Provide contact information for the primary point of contact.
6.2. Firm Qualifications and Experience:
• Overview of the firm, including its history, size, and primary services.
• Demonstrated experience with similar land use plan and zoning code update projects, particularly for small, rural, or predominantly residential/agricultural communities.
• Resumes of key personnel who will be assigned to this project, highlighting their relevant experience and roles.
• Confirmation of licensing and professional certifications for all relevant team members.
6.3. Project Understanding and Approach:
• A narrative demonstrating the firm's understanding of the Township's unique needs and the project's objectives.
• A detailed methodology outlining the proposed approach for each phase of the project (as described in
Section 4), including specific tasks, techniques, and estimated timelines.
• Description of the proposed community engagement strategy, emphasizing creative and effective methods for reaching a small, rural population.
• Description of how the firm will ensure legal defensibility and consistency with state statutes.
6.4. Project Schedule:
• A detailed timeline illustrating key milestones, deliverables, and meeting schedules for the entire
project.
6.5. Project Team and Responsibilities:
• Identify the proposed project manager and key team members.
• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team member.
• Outline how communication will be managed between the consultant team and Township representatives.
6.6. References:
• Provide at least three (3) professional references for similar projects completed within the last five (5) years. Include contact names, titles, organizations, and phone numbers/email addresses.
6.7. Fee Proposal:
• A detailed cost proposal, broken down by task or phase.
• Clearly state all professional fees, reimbursable expenses, and any other anticipated costs.
• Provide an hourly rate schedule for all personnel anticipated to work on the project.
• Proposals should be presented as a not-to-exceed lump sum for the entire project or clearly define how
additional work would be billed.
7. Proposal Submission
• Number of Copies: Submit one (1) original and 5 copies of the proposal, plus one (1) electronic copy
(PDF format) via email to kclonch@ricfieldtwp.com
• Packaging: Clearly label the outside of the submission package with "RFP Response: Zoning Code
Update and Land Use Plan - [Your Firm Name]."
• Deadline: Proposals must be received by September 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM EDT. Late proposals will
not be accepted.
• Address: 3951 Washburn Rd, Berkey, OH 43504 Attention: Township Clerk or electronic submission
at kclonch@ricfieldtwp.com
8. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Firm Qualifications and Experience (30%): Expertise, reputation, and experience of the firm and
project team with similar projects, particularly in rural settings.
• Project Understanding and Approach (30%): Clarity, thoroughness, and innovative nature of the
proposed methodology and community engagement strategy.
• Project Schedule (10%): Realism and efficiency of the proposed timeline.
• References (10%): Quality of references and past performance.
• Fee Proposal (20%): Competitiveness and transparency of the proposed costs.
9. Terms and Conditions
• The Township reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, to waive any informalities or
irregularities in the proposals received, and to negotiate with any qualified firm.
• The Township reserves the right to award a contract based on the initial proposals received, without
discussion or negotiation. Therefore, each proposal should be submitted in the most favorable terms.
• All proposals become the property of the Township upon submission.
• All costs incurred in the preparation of the proposal are the sole responsibility of the proposer.
• The selected firm will be required to enter into a professional services agreement with the Township,
which may include insurance requirements, indemnification clauses, and other standard contractual
provisions.
• Confidentiality: Any proprietary information contained in the proposal should be clearly marked.
However, all proposals are subject to public records laws.
10. Questions
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing via email to kclonch@ricfieldtwp.com by
August 15, 2025 4:00 PM EDT. Responses to all questions will be compiled and distributed to all known
prospective proposers and posted on the Township website (if applicable) by August 19, 2025. No verbal
questions will be answered.
