Doing Business in Muskingum County

We understand that positioning your business involves more than just finding an available space. Having a better idea of the variables that are most important to getting your business operations off the ground is essential. This page is a one stop location for all questions a new business might have before breaking ground in Muskingum County.

Permitting

Driveway Permits

The Muskingum County Engineer’s Office (MCEO) must approve all curb cuts onto roads in Muskingum County. Muskingum County Engineer. Mark Eicher and his staff will ensure the installation of an adequate drainage culvert and proper line-of-site safety of the driveway location. Businesses will be charged for the culvert. All permits are available by clicking here or on the MCEO’s website. You can contact MCEO at:

Muskingum County Engineer’s Office
Mark Eicher, County Engineer
155 Rehl Rd.
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone 740-454-0155
Fax 740-455-7180
Email: meicher@mceo.org
Website: www.mceo.org

Building Plan Approval

The Mid-East Ohio Building Department in Zanesville is licensed by the State of Ohio to conduct building plan reviews of commercial and industrial buildings to ensure compliance with the Ohio Building Code, which sets building construction standards. The Mid-East Building Department will also approve sign installations and ensure compliance with floodplain regulations. A Building Plan Approval Application can be downloaded by clicking here and the Sign Approval Application can be downloaded by clicking here. For more information contact:

Mid-East Building Department
22 North 5^th Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone 740-455-7905
Fax 740-455-7907
Contact: Jason Baughman, Chief Building Official
Email: jrbaughman@muskingumcounty.org
Website: https://buildingdept.muskingumcounty.org

Site Work/Storm Water Run-Off Permits

Ohio EPA – The planned disturbance of more than an acre of ground requires the submittal of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Ohio EPA before beginning a project. Depending upon the scope of the project, impervious surfaces and potential run off, a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit may be required from the Ohio EPA. More explanation and links to permit forms can be found by clicking here.

Muskingum County – The Muskingum County Engineer’s Office (MCEO) will also require a Storm Water Runoff Permit Application (with a copy of the NOI and construction drawings) in order to determine if proper storm water runoff prevention measures have been designed. A storm-water permit from the MCEO is required for any earth disturbing activities involving commercial development greater than 10,000 square feet. An application can be downloaded here or can be downloaded from the MCEO website.

Environmental Permits

Companies operating in Ohio may be subject to other environmental permits, particularly if there are air or water emissions from their operation or they are dealing with hazardous materials. The Ohio EPA website contains valuable information and assistance in determining what permits may be needed for your project. Go to http://www.epa.state.oh.us and click on the “Do Business” tab to locate the Permit Assistance page. Once there, the Guide to Environmental Permitting, Permit Fee Schedule and Permit Wizard can assist you.

The entire Ohio EPA Guide to Permitting in Ohio can be downloaded by clicking here.

Please be aware, OEPA permits can involve lengthy application and approval processes, which need to be completed before operation and sometimes even before construction. Start this process early! For more information contact:

Ohio EPA
Lazarus Government Center
50 West Town Street, Suite 700
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone 614-644-3020
Website: https://www.epa.state.oh.us/

Plumbing Permits

Private water systems, including wells, cisterns, and ponds used for drinking water are regulated by the Ohio Private Water Systems Regulations (Ohio Administrative Code 3701-28). A permit must be issued by the Muskingum County Health Department prior to installing or altering a private water system. New systems are inspected and then tested for safe drinking water. The permit fee for a new water system is $414.00. The Water System Application may be accessed by clicking here.

For additional information, contact:

Bob Lewis, Lead Certified Plumbing Inspector
Phone: 740-454-9741 x 229
Email: bobl@zmchd.org
Website: http://www.zmchd.org/
Dave Baker, Certified Plumbing Inspector
Phone: 740-454-9741 x 228
Email: daveb@zmchd.org
Website: http://www.zmchd.org/

Industrial Discharge Permits

The Zanesville Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) receives wastewater from Muskingum County’s business parks. In order for the City to comply with Ohio EPA permits, it regulates discharges into its system and may require pre-treatment or extra fees (surcharges) for effluent that strains the system.

All industries are required to fill out an Industrial Wastewater Discharge Application. An application may be downloaded by clicking here. Once you have submitted your application to the WWTP, it will be reviewed to determine if a plan of action will be necessary. Industrial Discharge Plans may be required based upon the quantity and type of chemicals being discharged into the wastewater. Pre-treatment and surcharges may be required to comply with EPA rules. Once a determination has been made regarding whether or not a plan is required, an industrial discharge permit will be issued. For more information contact:

Kevin Allender, Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator
1730 Moxahala Avenue
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone: 740-455-0752
Cell Phone: 740-680-0673
Email: kevin.allender@coz.org

Utilities

Water

Water is provided via the Muskingum County Water Department. In order to tap a water line for a service line connection, a business must contact the water department. Taps and meters are subject to fees and annual fire protection fees. Water taps and meters can be obtained through the Muskingum County Utilities Department, located at 375 Richards Road, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701. You will need to submit an application and then pay the tap fee and have the tap and meter pit inspected.

Tap Fees are as follows:

Water Rates are based on the meter size and volume of water consumption. Commercial and industrial rates follows:

Don Madden, Muskingum County Water Department Manager
Phone: 740-588-4389
Email: ddmadden@muskingumcounty.org
Website: https://water.muskingumcounty.org/

Sewer

The Muskingum County Sewer Department provides sanitary sewer service in the parks.

Tap Fee Schedule

Tap fees are figured by square footage of the building, or if number of employees is known, then the tap fee will be based on number of employees. Tap fees are calculated by multiplying billable units (BUs) x $4,875. Each employee equals .088 BU. So the tap fee for a 100 employee operation would be: 100 x .088 x 4,875 = $42,900.

Usage Fee Schedule

Monthly usage is based upon either BUs or volume, whichever is greater.

The minimum usage fee is $49.75 per month per BU. Each employee equals 0.088 BU. Example: A business with 100 employees would have a minimum monthly bill of 100 x .088 x $49.75 = $437.80.

Each business must install and maintain a flow meter at their cost. Sewer usage exceeding minimum monthly amounts will trigger billing based on volume discharge (flow). Fees will be based upon the flow meter reading at $0.0081 per gallon. If gallon usage is below the minimum BU billing, then the business will pay the minimum. If the volume used exceeds the minimum billing, then a volume (flow) calculation is used.

Using the example from above, if the business with 100 employees had a monthly discharge (flow) of 100,000 gallons, the bill would be 100,000 x .0081 = $810. Therefore, the company would pay the $810 amount because the flow-based bill exceeds the minimum.

Sampling and Surcharges: Businesses must have a sampler that draws a 24-hour composite sample. Weekly samples are required. The sample must be sent to a lab of the business’ choice and results must be sent to the Muskingum County Sewer Department, where the results will be converted into monthly averages. Strength charge: Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD’s) are $0.20211764 per pound. The first 200 pounds have no charge. The Total Suspended Solids (TSS) surcharge is $0.1764 per pound. The first 250 pounds has no charge. Metals: Must meet the City’s requirements through their pre-treatment program.

For more information, contact:

Stan Lucas, Sewer Department Manager
375 Richards Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone: 740-452-4940
Fax: 740-452-5938
Email: sdlucas@muskingumcounty.org
Website: https://sewer.muskingumcounty.org/

Electric

Zanesville-Muskingum County benefits from an extensive electric generation, transmission and distribution system in Ohio. Depending on the site selected, AEP Ohio and Guernsey-Muskingum Electric both serve Muskingum County. Please note, large electric users undertaking economic development projects can negotiate special rate incentives. Additionally, Ohio has deregulated electric generation, and customers can shop for lower rates from deregulated utility company affiliates and third party providers.

For substation and line location, capacity information and general inquiries, contact:

Matt Cybulski
AEP Ohio, Sr. Manager of Economic and Business Development
(614)623-0618
Email: mjcybulski@aep.com

Brian Bennett
Guernsey-Muskingum Electric, Manager Membership Services
(740) 584-8570
bbennett@gmenergy.com

Natural Gas

Depending on the site selected, Muskingum County is served by both the Columbia Gas of Ohio and The Energy Cooperative. For line location, capacity information and general inquiries, contact:

Dave Detty
The Energy Cooperative, Manager of Gas and Utilities
(740) 348-1131
Email: ddetty@theenergycoop.com
Website: https://myenergycoop.com/about-us/

Tommy Young
Columbia Gas of Ohio, Economic Development Manager
(614) 460-7809
Email: thomasyoung@nisource.com
Website: https://www.columbiagasohio.com

Fiber/Telecom

Muskingum County’s business parks are served by both Spectrum and AT&T for fiber and telecom. Spectrum has full coverage within all of Muskingum County, while all Business Parks fall within the “Fiber Ready” designation of AT&T.

For additional information, contact:

Spectrum Business Services
1-888-692-8635
Website: https://business.spectrum.com

B.J Smith
AT&T, Director of External Relations
(614) 619-9688
Email: Bs2484@att.com
Website: https://www.corp.att.com/business-fiber/

Safety & Maintenance

Fire & EMS - Eastpointe Business Park

During an emergency, call 9-1-1 for Fire, EMS and the Sheriff’s Office. The Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) is responsible for fire protection services. Community Ambulance Service, which bases an ambulance at the VFD, provides ambulance protection at Eastpointe Business Park. Washington Township (VFD) does have mutual aid agreements with the City of Zanesville Fire Department and the Perry Township VFD if a call is beyond Washington Township VFD’s abilities. The Washington Township VFD Chief does like to meet with companies during site and building design phases to ensure adequate fire protection measures. The VFD also requests companies purchase two-way radios on the VFD frequency to enhance communications in the event of an emergency. Contact information is below:

Washington Township VFD
Chief: Gene Hanning
2310 Adamsville Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43702
Phone: 740-452-2221
Fax: 740-450-3265
Email: genehanning@yahoo.com

Fire & EMS - Airport & National Road Business Parks

For any emergency, fire, medical or law enforcement, dial 911. Your emergency call will be handled through the communications section of the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department. The Perry Township Fire Department (PTFD) is the authority having jurisdiction for any fire or requests for emergency medical service. The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department will address all law enforcement calls. PTFD is staffed 24 hours a day. Volunteer members provide additional manpower and resources during critical calls. Formalized agreements with surrounding fire and medical services provide an additional level of protection for times when multiple calls are being handled or when a single entity cannot provide the necessary resources. PTFD asks to be included in the design stage to prevent any misunderstandings of fire department requirements. Contact information is below:

Perry Township VFD
Chief: Shilo West
Cell: 740-221-6440
4625 Boggs Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43702
Station Phone: 740-452-3293
Fax: 740-452-2249
Email: ptfdstation1200@gmail.com

Perry Township VFD
EMS Captain: Jeremy Brown
Cell: 740-252-6799
4625 Boggs Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43702
Station Phone: 740-452-3293
Fax: 740-452-2249
Email: ptfdstation1200@gmail.com

Maintenance - Eastpointe Business Park

Roads – Roads in Eastpointe Business Park are owned by Washington Township. Townships in Ohio are subdivisions of counties and are governed by a board of three elected trustees. The township trustees may be contacted for immediate road problems or minor maintenance needs (snow removal or potholes).

Clint Cameron, Washington Township Trustee
Phone: 740-819-4541
Email: clintcameron39360@icloud.com

Long-Term Maintenance – Long term maintenance and improvement needs at Eastpointe are considered by the Eastpointe JEDD Maintenance Advisory Committee, comprised of a member of the Port Authority, City, County and Township. This committee meets every year to plan for long-term maintenance (such as road resurfacing) and improvements in the park using a portion of re-invested JEDD Income Tax Proceeds. Contact Matt Abbott at the Port Authority to discuss these issues:

Matt Abbott, Executive Director
Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority
205 N. Fifth Street
Zanesville, Ohio 4370
Phone: 740-455-0742
Email: matt@hgp.0f1.myftpupload.com
Website: www.zmcport.com

Aesthetics – Interior park road signs are erected and maintained by the Muskingum County Engineer’s Office. The Port Authority typically leases excess ground to a farmer to minimize required mowing. However, the Port Authority does contract for some limited mowing at Eastpointe, and the Township typically mows along the roadway. Occasionally, litter pick up is provided by request through the Adult Probation Office of the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department. Click here for contact information.

Maintenance - National Road Business Park

Roads – Roads in the National Road and Airport Business Parks are owned by Perry Township. Townships in Ohio are subdivisions of counties and are governed by a board of three elected trustees. The township trustees may be contacted for immediate road problems or minor maintenance needs (snow removal or potholes).

David Danison, Perry Township Trustee
Phone: 740-819-4541
Email: davedanison@yahoo.com

Long-Term Maintenance – Long term maintenance and improvement needs at the National Road Business Park are considered by the National Road JEDD Maintenance Advisory Committee, comprised of a member of the Port Authority, City, County and Township. This committee meets every year to plan for long-term maintenance (such as road resurfacing) and improvements in the park using a portion of re-invested JEDD Income Tax Proceeds. Contact Matt Abbott at the Port Authority to discuss these issues:

Aesthetics – Interior park road signs are erected and maintained by the Muskingum County Engineer’s Office. The Port Authority typically leases excess ground to a farmer to minimize required mowing. However, the Port Authority does contract for some limited mowing at National Road, and the Township typically mows along the roadway. Occasionally, litter pick up is provided by request through the Adult Probation Office of the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department. Click here for contact information.

Financials

Muskingum County Taxes

Ohio taxes land and buildings via the Real Property Tax according to rates determined by local voters. These taxes stay in the community and are the primary source of local school funding and township funding. Appraised values are assessed at 35% of value then a local tax rate is applied.

As an example, the Eastpointe Business Park is located within Washington Township, Tri Valley School District. In Eastpointe in 2020, effective real property tax rates on business property were 44.14 mills. (*Note: Real property taxes are paid in arrears, so 2020 tax rates determine payments made in 2021.) A site and building with a total appraised value of $1,000,000 would be taxed as follows: $1,000,000 appraised value x 35% assessed value x .04453 tax rate = $15,449.00 taxes due. Tax rates are updated annually.

Tax rates and additional information is contained on the Muskingum County Auditor’s webpage: http://muskingumcountyauditor.org/

Individual business park tax rates may also be accessed by clicking here and scrolling to the Real Estate section.

Local Income Taxes (JEDD)

Eastpointe and Nantional Road Business Parks are located in a Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDD). These are cooperative agreements between the City of Zanesville, Muskingum County and Washington or Perry Township and the Port Authority (National Road only). The JEDD’s were created as a revenue stream to retire the millions of dollars of debt taken on for the development of the Business Parks and extends the City of Zanesville’s 1.9% city income tax to the Eastpointe Business Park. All employees working within the JEDD are subject to the tax and should ensure they have the tax withheld from their paycheck by the employer. The tax is also imposed on business net income. Please click here for instructions and a form to start the proper withholding process to avoid the payment of back taxes, or contact:

Kathy Robinson
Income Tax Administrator, City of Zanesville
401 Market Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Phone: 740-617-4918
Email: inctax1@coz.org
Website: http://www.coz.org/city-departments/treasurerincome-tax-office/