Building Department

The City's Building Department is responsible for all commercial and residential construction as well as all building, zoning and regulatory matters. State-certified inspectors review all commercial or residential building plans, projects and construction elements, providing building permits and zoning approvals in an efficient and effective manner.

Please contact the Building Department with any questions regarding permits, policies, forms or for more information. Information is also available at the Building Department counter.

ROOFING CONTRACTORS - NEW ICE PROTECTION REQUIREMENT

Ice protection is required for all new roofs. An inspection is required on all roofing before shingles are placed down so the Building Department can ensure new roofs are being installed per code requirements. Please contact the Building Dept. at 440-442-7403 to schedule an inspection appointment.

NEW EPA REQUIREMENT

As of April 22, 2010 the EPA will start enforcing new requirements concerning lead removal in homes; churches, day care, and schools built before 1978. If you fall into one of these areas, a certified lead remover will have to perform the work. The Building Department will make sure the contractors are certified if the work requires a permit. The Building Department has some informational packets you can pick up for free during normal business hours. Or if you like, you can visit the EPA web site at www.epa.gov. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dale Grabfelder at 440-442-7403.

Oil And Gas Wells

Dear Residents:

The Building and Fire Departments have received numerous calls concerning the placement and drilling of oil/gas wells within the City. Highland Heights has no jurisdiction over this process. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources through their Division of Mineral Resources is the only authority to regulate, inspect and issue permits. They are located at 2015 Morse Road, Building H-3, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693. Phone: 614-265-6633 Website: wwwdhr.state.oh.us.

The City of Highland Heights is not an advocate, nor is it opposed to the drilling of oil/gas wells. We do believe that our residents should be informed and become familiar with the process so you understand your rights before you enter into an agreement to have a well installed on your property.

We have put together an informational packet which is free and can be picked up at our Department between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Hopefully these packets can answer your questions. If not, please feel free to contact me at 440-442-7403.

Sincerely,

Dale Grabfelder
Building Commissioner

Permits
Permits are required for all new commercial and residential construction including plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning and related elements. Permits are also required for all interior renovations and home improvements including:

Fences (see zoning specifications) [link to info]
Decks
Pools
Porches
Roofing and siding
Sheds (see zoning specifications) [link to info]
Signs
When any structure is erected or enlarged
For any business use, including a home business

Permits are NOT required for minor alterations. Please contact the Building Department at (440) 442-7403 if you are unsure whether your project requires a permit. Homeowners can obtain permits and perform work on his/her own property.

Permit Costs
Commercial and residential permit fees can be found in Chapter 1311 of the Building Code. All fee schedules are also available in the Building Department.

Is contractor registration required?
Applications and guidelines are available in the Building Department. The fee for a general contractor is $100. Fee for a sub-contractor is $50.

How do I know how a parcel of land is zoned?
Zoning maps and zoning code books are available in the Building Department.

Forms and Permits

Planning and Zoning Commission

Charter of the City of Highland Heights; Section 6.04.01:

The Commission shall have the power and duty to consider, recommend approval or disapproval before any other action is taken thereon regarding the following:

The plan, design, location, removal, relocation and alteration of any streets or Municipal property including public and private utilities.

The location, relocation, widening, extension and vacation of streets, parkways, playgrounds, and other Municipal places.

The approving of plans for the subdivision, consolidation or division of any land.

The zoning of the Municipality for any lawful purpose or purposes.

The Commission shall have power to hear and determine appeals from refusal of building, zoning and use permits and to permit exceptions to and variations from the Zoning and Building Code regulations in individual cases as may be required to afford justice and avoid unreasonable hardship to property owners or users in accordance with standards established by ordinance of Council.

Planning and Zoning meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. The Commission does not meet on the 4th Monday during July or the 2nd Monday during August. Submissions must be made no later than Wednesday at 4:30 PM prior to the meeting in order to be placed on the agenda.

Submit variance application with $50.00 fee along with appropriate number of drawings (12 sets for non-residential, 9 sets for residential) to the Building Department

Attendance is required by the applicant or representative for all scheduled meetings.

Planning and Zoning Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Board of Zoning Appeals

Charter of the City of Highland Heights; Section 6.06.01:

The Board shall meet at the call of its Chairman to hear and determine appeals filed from decisions of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Board shall review all records of the Planning and Zoning Commission pertaining to a matter appealed and shall render a decision on all appeals within 45 days from the date of filing same with the Secretary of the Board. The Board may affirm, amend or supersede a decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Board of Building and Zoning Appeals Minutes

Architectural Review Board (ARB) meetings:
2nd and 4th Monday at 1:30 p.m. (Building Department)
Please bring an application with associated review fees and three (3) sets of plans to an ARB review. Submittals must be received by noon on the Wednesday preceding the scheduled meeting, so it may be placed on the agenda. Submit four (4) sets of drawings along with application fee to the Building Department. A handout is available in the Building Department with blueprint requirements.

Call Before You Dig: It's the law! 1 (800) 362-2764
By law, everyone MUST contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at 1 (800) 362-2764, at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days before beginning ANY digging project. A vital resource for Ohio residents and businesses, the Ohio Utilities Protection Service acts as a communication link between utility companies and individuals planning any digging activity. This site includes all the information you need to dig safely and protect your community. For more information visit http://www.oups.org.

Contact Info

Building Department Forms

Building Department