Max Garber stands and smiles in front of a flag in the Madison Township hall wearing a black Ohio State Buckeyes hoodie.
Madison Township trustees appointed Max Garber the new zoning inspector at their Feb. 3 meeting. Former zoning inspector Paul Smith resigned on Jan. 31.

MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison native Max Garber was appointed the township’s new zoning inspector on Monday night.

The appointment comes two weeks after former zoning inspector Paul Smith announced his resignation effective Jan. 31. Garber will be the fourth zoning inspector to serve the township in the past two years and five months.

The zoning officer is responsible for reviewing all zoning permit applications in the township and enforcing existing zoning codes. 

This can include writing permits and collecting fees for new construction, conducting zoning inspections and keeping records, and speaking in court on zoning violations.

The township pays the inspector $600 each month and the person in the position earns 25% of all permit fees. The township also pays $12.50 an hour for each hour in court.

The position is part-time, but hours vary based on how many permits and inspections the officer needs to complete.

Former zoning inspector Wayne Liggett has served as a resource for new inspectors the past few years.

The zoning office phone number is 419-589-5544.

Township trustees also accepted new trustee Tom Brandt’s resignation from the zoning board of appeals as he can’t hold both positions in the township. River Wiseman was appointed to Brandt’s remaining term on the board, expiring in January 2027.

Trustees also approved renewing Lucy England’s term on the ZBA through 2030.

The zoning board of appeals meets as needed throughout the year. The ZBA decides variance requests to zoning regulations and hears appeals on decisions.

Each ZBA member earns $20 for each meeting attended, and the zoning secretary is paid $30 per zoning meeting.

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