The Stark County Engineer, in accordance with Sections 5552.04 and 5552.06 of the Ohio Revised Code, has developed Regulations to improve traffic flow and safety on county and township highways in the unincorporated areas of Stark County.  These Regulations, referred to as “Access Management” involve maximizing existing street capacity and improving safety by reducing the potential for crashes.  The Board of Stark County Commissioners adopted the Access Management Regulations on August 31, 2016.  The Regulations can be viewed at the offices of either the Stark County Engineer or the Stark County Commissioners, or by clicking the link provided at the bottom of this page.

About

The Stark County Engineer has developed new standards to improve traffic flow and safety on county and township highways. The Access Management Manual includes regulations and guidelines for access to roadways within the unincorporated areas of Stark County. These regulations are based on successful models from across Ohio and the rest of the country, but are tailored to fit the unique characteristics of Stark County. As required by Ohio law, an advisory committee made up of individuals representing numerous entities vetted the regulations. The Regulations include:

  • Standards to improve traffic flow and safety by controlling the number, location and design of access points (streets and driveways).
  • Guidelines for when and to what degree access management applies.
  • How the Access Management process works.
  • Guidelines for Traffic Impact Studies – when they are needed, what should be evaluated, and how to coordinate with the County Engineer.
  • The Regulations leave the administration of minimum and very low volume driveways accessing township roads with the individual township.

For information or questions regarding access management contact the Stark County Engineer's Office at 330-477-6781

The regulations apply to both County and Township roads in the unincorporated areas of Stark County.  However, if the proposed access to a township road is for the construction or modification of a Minimum Volume or Very Low Volume Driveway (as defined in Section 1.4.1 Access Classification of the Regulations), it would be exempt from the Regulations.  In these situations, the township should be contacted to determine their approval or permit process for driveway construction.

The owner should contact the County Engineer’s office prior to determining the location of split lines.  The Engineer may provide guidance as to suitable areas along the parcel frontage that would be suitable for access which could aid the owner in determining proposed split line locations.  At the time that the owner of a newly created parcel desires to construct a new or modify an existing driveway, the owner would then be required to follow the Regulations and receive a permit from the County.