The community development department is responsible for administering the City’s building and zoning codes as well as property maintenance code enforcement. The department consists of three full-time staff, which includes a director, zoning and code compliance officer and a community development specialist. The department benefited from support from the community and information services staff and the construction and compliance inspector in the public works department.
The City contracts for building, engineering, electrical and plumbing plan review, and inspections with outside agencies. In addition to issuing building permits, the community development department is also responsible for strategic and long-range planning, economic and business development, and general community development projects. It provides staff support to the Planning Commission, the Landmarks Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and City Council.
Development Activity
Vintage Club
The Vintage Club Planned Development, initially approved in 2006, spans approximately 68 acres along Montgomery Road north of I-275. This mixed-use village integrates residential and commercial uses, reflecting a collaborative effort between the developer, the City, and the residents. The updated General Development Plan aligns with current market conditions while maintaining the essence of the original proposal. The development features retail, office spaces, restaurants, and condominiums, complementing the existing homes and The Christ Hospital Health Network medical office building.
Public improvements for the northern section of the Vintage Club were substantially completed in 2019. The first condominium buildings, known as The Wicks at the Vintage Club, opened a model in February 2020, with subsequent buildings following suit. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses like GE Credit Union and Orange Theory have successfully opened.
In late 2023, the Planning Commission recommended approval for a new 144-unit independent living building south of Vintage Club Boulevard. Although the project was canceled, early conversations for a subdivision development consistent with the overall Vintage Club residential properties are anticipated to seek approval in early 2025.
Montgomery Quarter
The Montgomery Quarter project, located on the southern end of the city, is a premier mixed-use development featuring a boutique hotel, retail and restaurant spaces, office spaces, and luxury apartments. The development includes multiple parking garages, providing approximately 940 parking spaces.
The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) approved funding for an interchange modification project at Montgomery Road and Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway, completed in 2021. This project improved safety and traffic flow while opening more land for redevelopment.
Leasing activity in 2022 and 2023 saw significant tenants like Fifth Third Private Bank, Unlimited Systems, and Pepsico occupying office spaces. The retail building at 9340 Montgomery Road is fully occupied by Creative Planning and Ahead, with Kitchen Social Restaurant opening its first Cincinnati area location on the first floor.
Phase One of the luxury apartments, including two 'flats' buildings and two townhome-style buildings, was completed in 2023 with strong initial occupancy rates. The development team has secured The Tapestry by Hilton brand for the boutique hotel, with construction starting in late 2023 and an opening planned for 2025.
In 2023, the Planning Commission approved a General Development Plan for the second phase, which includes additional multi-family buildings, a mixed-use building, and an "eatertainment" use. The Landmarks Commission reviewed and recommended approval for the proposed architecture and building materials for the second phase in late 2024.
Twin Lakes Senior Living Community
The Twin Lakes project, approved in late 2021, consists of thirty independent living units in three buildings at the corner of Montgomery Road and Schoolhouse Lane. Despite delays due to supply chain issues and the pandemic, construction began in early 2024. The project includes a community room, outdoor amenities, and a sidewalk along Montgomery Road.
Orchard Trail
The Orchard Trail subdivision, a 29-lot single-family development, continued its progress in 2024. Initially approved for Camden Homes, the project transitioned to Daley Design Build in 2018, which sold multiple lots to different builders. Four new building permits were issued in 2024, leaving only one single-family lot available.
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati/Gate of Heaven Cemetery received approval for an expansion project, including new roadways and an internment area. The project is located in the southeastern portion of the cemetery, north of I-275.
Camargo Cadillac
Camargo Cadillac proposed a façade change for their building at 9880 Montgomery Road, aligning with the new Cadillac branding and Montgomery Road Corridor Design Guidelines. The project received Planning Commission approval and City Council concurrence, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2024.
Recreational Marijuana Sales Prohibition
Following the approval of Issue 2, the City exercised its Home Rule authority to prohibit the retail sales of recreational marijuana within city limits. This decision was recommended by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council.
Positive Developments
In 2024, the city saw the addition of 12 new businesses, including restaurants, retail, and personal services. Building permits exceeded historical averages, with 464 building permits and 142 zoning permits issued.
The total value of improvements for new commercial developments, expansions, and additions in 2024 was approximately $37 million. The residential sector was also active, with 15 permits for new homes and 57 permits for residential remodeling/room additions, totaling an estimated $17.6 million in residential construction.