The selection of the election date is critical. Special elections are very expensive. Primary elections that do not have any state or local issues would require the local government to open the polls for the zoning issue only. The zoning commission and advisory committee should develop the proposed resolution in detail, weak or vague articles written with the intent to avoid controversy only cause problems in the future. The Model Zoning Regulations, 2nd edition, Ohio Department of Development, State of Ohio, is an excellent resource.
Many words taken for granted in daily conversation are the object of legal disputes.
To avoid litigation, spell out terms in detail. Specifics are important because zoning resolutions have the force of law when adopted. The first section to be developed is the purpose. If a comprehensive plan has already been developed, the zoning resolution can be a tool to carry out that plan. The zoning resolution may be studied far more carefully than the existing plan.