In 1796 a surveying party from the Connecticut Land Company platted the Township of Painesville in the New Western Reserve. The development of the Township under the New Western Reserve culture was strongly influenced by unique New England traditions of government, moral standards, education and architecture, all of which were brought to the area by the many hardy pioneers settling in the area. Agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, and shipping both by lake and land were important then and still are.

Today Painesville Township is still operating within its Western Reserve heritage of an economical and uncomplicated grass roots township form of government. It has successfully identified as a community wherein major commercial enterprise and comfortable away-from-city living can successfully co-exist. This balance has been accomplished by close accessibility through public meetings in the Western Reserve image. Aided by zoning authority in force since 1956, updated to meet changing needs and assisted by modernized Ohio Township laws, Painesville Township is able to offer many services while retaining a uniquely low property tax for several consecutive years in Lake County.

The semi rural surroundings of Painesville Township are moreover convenient to a superlative freeway network whose local interchanges lie within two miles of most township points. Downtown Cleveland lies only 25 miles away via Interstate 90 or State Route 2, while Interstates 71 and 77 as well as the Ohio Turnpike are easily reached.