Village of Indian Hill Ohio Charter

Within the Village of Indian Hill Code of Ordinances, the City Charter defines the wishes of the community with regards to overall mission and structure of the city government.  For the purposes of those interested in purchasing real property within the Village limits I have extracted some points of note that may bear interest.

General Powers:

Even though Indian Hill can be considered a city because it is a legally defined government entity, with powers delegated by the state and county and created and approved by the voters of the city, the Charter states that it shall be a “body politic and corporate by the name of ‘The Village of Indian Hill’” (§1. General Powers).  Therefore, even though it is not technically a “village” it still retains the name of Village as its formal city name.

Indian Hill does not have businesses operating within the city limits as is the intention of the community as is clearly stated in the charter: “It is the purpose and intent of the people of Indian Hill that the character and uses of the area within the village may not be changed, and that it shall continue to be a rural neighborhood of homes and farms” (§1. General Powers).  Other than homes and farms there are also churches, schools and The Camargo Club which are all part of the community.

City Legislature:

All legislative powers of the village are given to a council of 7 elected members whom must all be residents of The Village of Indian Hill (§2. Powers and term).  From these 7 council members will be appointed a Mayor and Vice Mayor by majority vote of the members (§8. The Mayor).  The Mayor has the jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases of the city.

City Management:

“The village manager shall be the conservator of the peace within the village, the administrator of its business and the executive of all its affairs” (§21. Rights and duties).  “The village manager shall appoint a village solicitor…He shall be the legal advisor of and attorney and counsel for the village…” (§22. The village solicitor).  ”The village manager may appoint a treasurer…” (§23. The treasurer).  “The village manager shall appoint a comptroller…[who] shall be the fiscal and accounting officer of the village…” (§24. The comptroller).

City Planning:

The village planning commission consists of 5 members, one a member of village council and 4 electors of the village (§31. Appointment).  ”The village planning commission shall…prepare a building code regulating construction of buildings and other structures within the village, and from time to time amendments thereto as required” (§32. Powers and duties).