Episode 50 - Christopher 'Kit' Houston - Zoning and Real Estate Lawyer Taft Law

 Ep. 50 — May Levies + Zoning Explained We kick off this milestone 50th episode with a quick thank you to the listeners and producers who’ve helped carry the show to almost a full year. Then we hit the latest Clermont County news, including three levies headed for the May ballot, a quick note on the Mt. Orab megasite NDA controversy, and a defense manufacturing contract tied to L3Harris. We also flag Tate Township’s 2026 cleanup dates so you can get them on the calendar early. Interview — Kit Houston, zoning and real estate attorney (Taft Law)Kit Houston joins the show for a practical breakdown of what zoning is and why it exists. We talk about how zoning tries to balance individual property rights with public health and orderly development, and why almost every zoning fight still traces back to the Constitution. From there we get into the mechanics of how these disputes actually play out. Kit explains the difference between legislative rezoning versus quasi-judicial decisions like variances and conditional uses, what the Board of Zoning Appeals is looking for, how appeals work, and why getting the right facts into the record early can make or break a case. We also talk standing, referendums, “emergency” measures, and why many local zoning battles become a war of attrition. We wrap with a look at newer land uses like data centers and solar, and why many zoning codes still aren’t built for them. News quick hits May levies approved for the ballot: Commissioners approve three levies for May including a Developmental Disabilities additional 0.75 mil continuous levy (about $26 per $100,000 of home value, roughly $5.3M/year), Children’s Protective Services 1.0 mil total (a 0.8 mil renewal + 0.2 mil increase, about $23 per $100,000, running 2027–2031), and a Senior Services 1.31 mil renewal (about $26 per $100,000, also 2027–2031).Mt. Orab megasite NDAs: Public comments raise concerns about nondisclosure agreements tied to the project. Patrick notes it’s mainly a Brown County story for now but worth watching, and points listeners to Chris Hicks’ reporting on Watchdog Wire.Defense manufacturing contract: A Clermont County defense manufacturing facility tied to L3Harris is linked to a U.S. Department of Defense award up to $18.4M for safety and arming devices for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command.Tate Township cleanup dates (2026): June 26–27, 7 AM–5 PM, Tate residents only (ID check). Some prohibited items apply, mattresses must be wrapped, and tire fees are cash.Producer shoutout Brandon Hicks with a $50 “50 for 50” donation. Thank you, Brandon.Events (roundup at the end of the show) Love Bugs — Feb 6, 6–7 PM, Clingman Park. Adults-only nature program on insect mating behavior. Registration required (18+).Art in the Park: Handmade Paper Valentines — Feb 7, 11 AM–12:30 PM, Hartman Log Cabin. Family craft workshop making plantable paper valentines with wildflower seeds.DIY Maple Demonstration — Feb 7, 2 PM, Pattison Park (Lodge). Drop-in demo on tapping maples and boiling sap into syrup. Free, all ages.Don Quixote Storytime and Ballet — Feb 7, 10:30 AM, Loveland Branch Library. Kids storytime with live ballet. Registration required.Maple Sugaring Hike — Feb 14, 1–3 PM, Cincinnati Nature Center (Rowe Woods). Guided hike and sugaring demo. Final date of the season. Free for members, $14 non-members.Heartbent Album Release Concert — Feb 15, 7:30 PM, Hybrid Moments (Milford). Emo/pop-punk show with local openers. Doors typically around 7 PM. Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate