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1. I need to hire a contractor to complete some work at my home. Can you recommend a good contractor?

The Building Dept. does not post or recommend any contractors. We suggest that you contact the Better Business Bureau or Angie's List when selecting a contractor.

2. Does my contractor need to be registered with with City? How do I know if they are registered?

All contractors need to be registered with the City of Highland Heights in order to do business within the city. Ask your contractor to see his registration, or contact the Building Dept. at 440-442-7403 to verify registration.

3. I am a contractor and I would like to register with the city. What do I need to do?

Information for contractor registration is available below or in the Forms and Permits section. Contractor Information

4. I would like to construct a tool shed on my property. What are the requirements?

A permit is required from the Building Department.  Please contact the Building Department regarding size regulations. Sheds are to be placed behind the house, no less than 10 ft. from the rear property line and not extending into the required side yard. Contact the Building Dept. at 440-442-7403 for more information.

5. I would like to construct a fence on my property. What are the requirements?

A permit is required from the Building Dept. Fences are to be installed 6 inches from the property line and in the rear yard only. The height cannot exceed 6 ft. and the fence needs to be 25% open on its vertical plane. Contact the Building Dept. at 440-442-7403 for more information.

6. I would like to build a new home, or construct an addition to my current home. How do I file my plans/application to build?

Building permit applications are available within the Forms and Permits section of this website.

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1. My water is discolored. What causes the discoloration and what should I do?

Discolored water is usually caused by a water main break or the operation of a fire hydrant. If your water is discolored, we recommend that you run the cold water from your faucet until the water clears. If by chance your laundry develops rust stains from the discolored water, the Fire Dept. can provide an additive to help remove the stains.

2. How do I report a broken/leaking hydrant and who is responsible for the repair?

If you notice a fire hydrant leaking water, please contact the Fire Dept. at 440-442-7406. The Cleveland Water Dept. is responsible for the repairs/replacement of fire hydrants due to mechanical issues. After the fire hydrant is replaced, a private contractor hired by Cleveland Water will restore the area around the hydrant. Typically, it can take 6 - 8 weeks for restoration to occur.

3. I want to use a fire hydrant to fill my pool, what do I need to do?

If the fire hydrant is on the same side of the street as your home, you can apply for a permit to use the hydrant. You must first obtain a request form from the Fire Department. The Fire Prevention Officer will assist you with the process of obtaining a permit from both the Cleveland Water Dept. and the Fire Dept. Proper equipment and hose are available to residents.

4. Why does the fire truck sometimes respond with the ambulance to emergency medical calls?

The Fire Department provides both fire suppression and emergency medical care. All members of the Fire Dept. are cross trained as firefighter/paramedics. Depending on the nature of the call, the fire truck responds with the squad to provide assistance.

5. How do I obtain a Fire or EMS report?

Once a fire report is completed, it is public record and is available to the general public. Requests for fire reports can be made by calling the Fire Department and asking for the Captain. Requests can also be made via US Mail. All requests must be for a specific incident, not a ubiquitous request. EMS reports are not public records and are protected under federal HIPPA rights. Any request for an EMS report must include a signed release from the patient or a court order.

6. Does the Fire Department charge for ambulance service?

Yes, the department charges patients transported to the hospital. Billing for all ambulance calls is provided by Great Lakes Billing (440-605-9117). The department soft bills all patients, meaning that we accept whatever payment is provided by private insurance and/or Medicare/Medicaid.

7. Does the Fire Department offer CPR training?

Yes. The department offers FREE CPR/AED training to all residents and businesses. Normally, we provide community CPR/AED training every other month. Please contact the station to see if a class is scheduled. The department can also customize a class to fit the need of a group or business.

8. Does the Fire Department offer tours of the station?

Yes. We are always happy to provide tours to residents and school children. The department is also normally available to attend block parties and special events. If you would like to schedule a tour or special event, please call the station and ask for the Captain or Chief.

9. Do I need to have a smoke alarm in my house?

Yes. All homes in Highland Heights are required to have working smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends one smoke alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. The Fire Department can assist with the installation of battery operated smoke alarms and the replacement of batteries. Please contact the Fire Dept. for assistance.

10. Are sky lanterns allowed in the City?

Sky lanterns, which feature an open flame, are considered pyrotechnic devices and as such are prohibited.

11. Am I allowed to have a fire outside?

The City allows homeowners to burn without prior notification to the Fire Dept. for recreational fires. Recreational fires are defined as outdoor fires utilized to cook food for human consumption and fire contained in approved outdoor fireplaces. All fires should be a safe distance from any structure (25') and must be attended to at all times. In addition, a garden hose or fire extinguisher must be readily accessible. The homeowner may be ordered to extinguish the fire if it is deemed to be a nuisance by the Fire Dept., or if the fire is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make the fire hazardous.

12. How do I dispose of medical syringes?

Used needles and syringes from self-injections may be placed in the regular trash if certain precautions are followed. These precautions are designed to protect sanitation workers and other workers in the waste industry from an accidental needle stick.

- Place used needles and syringes in a rigid plastic container with a sealable lid such as a Sharps container or a plastic laundry detergent bottle with a screw on top.

- Seal the lid with tape.

- Place the container in your regular trash. DO NOT place the container with your recyclables.

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1. How do I report a street light outage?

Contact the Service Department with a street address and the pole number. We will be happy to report the outage information to the Illuminating Company or, you may contact the Illuminating Company directly.

2. Will my rubbish collection be delayed by observance of a holiday?

If the holidays below fall on a weekday other than Friday, rubbish collection from that day on will be delayed 1 day during that week. Holidays observed are:

• New Year's Day
• Labor Day
• Memorial Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Independence Day
• Christmas Day

3. How do I schedule a brush collection?

The Service Department collects brush daily from April through June. The rest of the time, residents can contact the service department to arrange for a collection or tie and bundle brush for collection by the rubbish contractor.