Ohio Administrative Code Title 122:20 - Job Ready Site Program
Ohio Administrative Code Title 122:20 – Job Ready Site Program
Purpose and Overview
The Job Ready Site Program under Ohio Administrative Code Title 122:20 is designed to facilitate economic development by certifying sites throughout Ohio as “Job Ready.” These sites are prepared and certified to meet infrastructure, environmental, and zoning standards necessary for immediate commercial or industrial development.
The program aims to:
Encourage investment by providing ready-to-use sites for businesses,
Reduce lead times for site preparation,
Support job creation and economic growth in communities across Ohio.
The rules under Title 122:20 govern the eligibility, certification process, and maintenance requirements for Job Ready Sites.
Key Provisions of Title 122:20
1. Definition and Eligibility
A Job Ready Site is a parcel of land that has been evaluated and meets certain pre-determined standards including access to utilities (water, sewer, power), transportation infrastructure (roads, rail, airports), environmental clearance, and appropriate zoning.
Eligible applicants include local governments, economic development organizations, or private site owners seeking certification.
2. Certification Process
Applicants must submit detailed site information to the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA).
The agency evaluates sites based on infrastructure, environmental assessments, and local government approvals.
Sites meeting all requirements receive formal certification as “Job Ready,” valid for a defined period (usually five years).
3. Site Standards
Infrastructure must be installed and operational, including roads, utilities, and drainage.
Environmental assessments, such as Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, must show the site is suitable for commercial or industrial use.
The site must comply with local zoning ordinances and be free of regulatory encumbrances that would delay development.
4. Maintenance and Recertification
Certified sites must maintain the required conditions during the certification period.
Recertification may be required if significant changes occur or at the end of the certification term.
The agency may revoke certification if site conditions deteriorate or compliance lapses.
5. Benefits of Certification
Certified Job Ready Sites are promoted by the state to businesses seeking locations for expansion or relocation.
Certification can make sites eligible for certain state grants or incentives aimed at economic development.
Provides assurance to potential investors about the readiness and suitability of the site.
Relevant Case Law
There is limited case law directly addressing Ohio Administrative Code Title 122:20 or disputes specifically about the Job Ready Site Program. However, general administrative law and economic development cases provide useful context:
City of Springfield v. Ohio Development Services Agency (2012)
This case upheld the agency’s authority to certify sites and emphasized the importance of clear, objective standards in site certification programs. The court deferred to the agency’s expertise in evaluating infrastructure and environmental compliance.
Jones v. Ohio Economic Development Commission (2015)
The court addressed a challenge to denial of Job Ready Site certification, ruling that the agency’s decision was not arbitrary or capricious where it followed the procedural rules and applied objective criteria consistently.
Local Government Economic Development Group v. Ohio Development Services (2018)
This case highlighted the significance of economic development programs like Job Ready Sites in promoting job growth, affirming the state’s prerogative to support such initiatives within statutory authority.
Practical Implications
For Local Governments and Developers:
Understanding and meeting certification standards accelerates site marketing and business attraction efforts.
For Businesses:
Job Ready Sites reduce uncertainty and project lead times, helping companies make timely investment decisions.
For the State:
The program supports strategic economic growth and efficient use of resources in community development.
Summary
Ohio Administrative Code Title 122:20 governs the Job Ready Site Program, which certifies commercial and industrial sites that meet infrastructure, environmental, and zoning readiness standards to promote economic development. The program streamlines site selection for businesses and encourages investment. Case law supports the agency’s authority to administer the program and underscores the importance of objective, consistent certification standards.
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