Building Department

The Building and Zoning Department is responsible for administrating and enforcing building and zoning laws. Many improvements to your property, such as concrete repair, fencing, decks, sheds, reroofing, and siding, require a permit to ensure such ordinances are complied with and safety regulations are met.

The department publishes guidelines and regulations for your assistance in the permit process. You are encouraged to call the Building and Zoning Department at 216-383-6312 for information and assistance.

The city's Planning Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month and considers such matters as land use, planning of developments and subdivision of land, comprehensive and master planning, and other such matters as delegated by the City Council. The city's current Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1972.

The city's Zoning Board of Appeals meets on the first Wednesday of each month to hear cases and consider appeals to the city's zoning laws.

The Architectural Review Board meets on the first and third Monday of each month to review submissions for new construction and additions and consider building code matters.

Items Of Interest

Building Permits

Permit-Contractor Database
You will require a permit to make many improvements to your home or property. A building permit serves as formal and legal permission to start a project, and your submission of plans meets the adopted building and zoning codes. Call 216-383-6312 for more information.

Garage Sales

Garage sales are permitted upon your property two times each year. A permit must be obtained at the Building & Zoning Department of city hall. Signs are permitted only on the property holding the garage sale. Garage - Estate Sale Permit (PDF)

Exterior Maintenance Inspection Program

Before any home transfer, the City requires an Exterior Home Inspection (PDF)

Storm and Sanitary Sewers - Problems and Maintenance FAQs

View the Storm and Sanitary Sewer FAQ sheet (PDF)

Boards and Commissions

  1. Request to Appear Before Architectural Review Board (PDF)
  1. Request to Appear Before Planning Commission (PDF)
  1. Request to Appear Before Zoning Board of Appeals (PDF)

Permits and Fees

  1. Chapter 1325 Permits and Fees (PDF)

Commercial Permits

  1. Accessory Building Guidelines (PDF)
  2. Building Standards (PDF)
  3. Civil Engineering Plan Review and Permit App (PDF)
  4. Commercial Building Permit Application (PDF)
  5. Concrete Application (PDF)
  6. Contractor Registration Application (PDF)
  1. Fence Permit Application (PDF)
  2. Hot Water Tank Installation Requirements (PDF)
  3. Non-Residential Plan Approval Application (PDF)
  4. Pre-Occupancy Inspection-Commercial (PDF)
  5. Rental Property Inspection Check List (PDF)
  1. Rental Property Registration Application (PDF)
  2. Septic Tank Conversion Procedures (PDF)
  3. Sign Permit Application (PDF)
  4. Temporary Sign Permit Application (PDF)
  5. Zone Map (PDF)

Fire Safety

  1. Fire Equipment Maintenance Permit Application (PDF)

Residential Permits

  1. Accessory Building Guidelines (PDF)
  2. Affidavit for Senior Citizen Exemption (PDF)
  3. Building Standards (PDF)
  4. Business Occupancy Application (PDF)
  5. Concrete Application (PDF)
  6. Contractor Registration Application (PDF)
  7. Deck Requirements Residential (PDF)
  8. Exterior Maintenance Inspection Program (PDF)
  1. Fence Permit Application (PDF)
  2. Garage Sale Application (PDF)
  3. Guidelines for Accessory Building Construction (PDF)
  4. Homeowner Exemption Affidavit (PDF)
  5. Hot Water Tank Installation Requirements (PDF)
  6. Permit Application for Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment (PDF)
  7. Rental Property Inspection Check List (PDF)
  8. Rental Property Registration Application (PDF)
  1. Re-Roofing Requirements Residential (PDF)
  2. Residential Building Permit (PDF)
  3. Residential Electrical Swimming Pool Information (PDF)
  4. Residential Roof Permit (PDF)
  5. Septic Tank Conversion Procedures (PDF)
  6. Sewer Conversion Application (PDF)
  7. Tree Removal Permit Application (PDF)