COUNTY PLANNING NEWSLETTER

October 2026

Unified Zoning Code RFP Released and Participating Communities Annouced

Request for Proposals

County Planning is pleased to announce the release of the Unified Zoning Code RFP, marking the next step in developing a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional zoning code. Aiming for a collaborative approach to zoning, County Planning is developing an opt-in zoning ordinance that modernizes regulations and unlocks development opportunities, while maintaining local character and administrative authority.

• Deadline for questions: October 9 at 4:00 p.m.
• Deadline for RFP submittals: October 23 at 4:00 p.m.

Participating Communities

Six communities are participating in the initial Unified Zoning Code cohort. These six communities are the Cities of Brook Park, East Cleveland, Euclid, Maple Heights, North Olmsted, and South Euclid. Together, these communities account for more than 155,000 residents of Cuyahoga County.

City Council Adopts Brooklyn Master Plan Update

The 2026 Brooklyn Master Plan Update was adopted by City Council at their September 28 meeting. The plan provides an update to their 2020 Master Plan and reinforces long-term goals while outlining new actions for the community. 

County Planning completed the city's 2020 Master Plan through the Community Planning Services Program. Brooklyn was so successful in their implementation of the Plan that in late 2024 Mayor Van Kirk approached County Planning to perform an update to provide more goals for the community to pursue. County Planning developed a project scope that would build off the 2020 plan and include public input while staying focused on identifying new actions.

The initial phases identified the areas where the community wanted to see targeted actions. These included traffic, public safety, property maintenance, recreational facilities and programming, and housing development. The update incorporated new actions addressing these concerns as well as updated focus area recommendations, many of which reinforce long-term redevelopment concerns identified in the 2020 Master Plan.

Lakewood Public Art Master Plan Adopted

Summer at the Lake by Stephanie Crossen (image courtesy of the City of Lakewood)

On October 5, Lakewood City Council adopted the 2026 Lakewood Public Art Master Plan. The plan represents a year-long effort between the City of Lakewood and County Planning that has resulted in a strategic, long-term document that will guide public art efforts for the planning, placement, and maintenance of public art throughout the city. Building on efforts of the Lakewood Public Art Advisory Board, the plan creates a clear strategy for future public art opportunities and investments while promoting innovative experiences.  

Through deep community engagement efforts that involved artists, students, businesses and property owners, service providers, and residents, the Lakewood Public Art Master Plan ensures that Lakewood's public art remains diverse, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. 

Seeking Community Input on Master Plans

County Planning staff and our community partners will host two public meetings for master plans this month. Public input plays an important part in shaping the plans, so we're looking forward to hearing your priorities.

Redistricting for North Royalton

County Planning staff prepared a council ward redistricting study for the City of North Royalton, and City Council passed legislation in August that accepts its results.

Cuyahoga Greenways Continues to Expand

Local leaders recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two trails that now form important parts of the Cuyahoga Greenways network.

• The 0.3-mile Old Lorain Connector Trail opened in August and links Cleveland's West Park and Kamm’s Corners neighborhoods with the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation.
• The Mandel Community Trail, a 2.7-mile lakefront trail that runs from E 9th St to E 55th St, opened in September and connects the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway with the Harrison Dillard Bikeway.

County Planning staff at the Old Lorain Connector Trail ribbon cutting ceremony

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Cuyahoga County Planning Commission

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