Show All Answers

1. When is a permit required?

Permits are required for any new construction, as well as alterations and additions to existing buildings, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, manufactured housing, boiler and elevator work. Some examples of when a permit is required are as follows:

• New buildings including storage buildings, boat houses, greenhouses, screen enclosures, and gazebos
• Masonry fence walls
• Re-roofing
• Swimming pools (in-ground or above-ground), spas, and hot tubs
• Temporary buildings (construction, etc.)
• Demolition
• Room additions
• Patios and decks
• Driveways and parking pads
• Interior alterations and renovations
• Structural repairs
• New electrical, plumbing, gas, and air-conditioning systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Signs
• Awnings
• Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
• Fire suppression hood system

This is not a complete list. If you are uncertain whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building Department.

2. When is a permit not required?

Approvals shall not be required for the following. Exemption from the requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances
of this jurisdiction;

• House alarm systems, burglar systems
• One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 square meters) 
• Fences 6 feet high and under
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep
• Swings and other playground equipment accessories to a one-, two- or three-family dwelling
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that does not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and does not require additional support

If you are uncertain whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building Department.

3. What inspections are required for utilities?

Utility companies require inspections to turn on services that have been disconnected. A permit is required for us to perform the inspection.

Electric

We provide inspections for:

• Service Releases
• Temporary Services
• Service Upgrades
• Gas

We provide inspections for gas services and gas piping.

4. Do I need a permit to construct a pool? If so, what are the requirements?

Yes, you do need a permit to construct a pool. This may also include blow-up pools that are over 24 inches deep. To review the requirements, follow this link.

5. Do I need a permit to construct a deck? If so, what are the requirements?

Yes, you do need a permit to construct a deck. To review the requirements, follow this link.

6. Do I need a state license for commercial projects?

Yes, you do need a state license for commercial projects. To understand why, follow this link. The exception would be the general contractor.

7. How do I become a registered contractor in Fayette County? How do I renew my registration?

Become a registered contractor or renew your registration

8. Who answers my floodplain questions?

Contact the Floodplain Manager at the Building Department or see the Floodplain Management page.

9. Can I build in a floodplain?

Possibly. Please contact the Floodplain Manager for more information.

10. Do I need a permit for a barn used for agricultural purposes?

The determination of agricultural exemption can only be made by the Zoning Official. If an agricultural exemption is granted, no building permit will be required.

11. What if I disagree with the results of an inspection?

Feel free to ask our inspector to cite the code section that they are referencing or contact our office and speak to the Chief Building Official.

12. How do I determine fees for a permit?

Fee schedules are available to you online to give you an idea of how we determine the fees. You are not responsible for determining your own fees. The Building Official will determine the fees.
You do not pay any fee upon the submittal of your application. You will pay when it has been approved and ready for you to pick up.

13. Do I have to hire an architect or engineer to design my project?

An architect or engineer is not required on most residential projects. A homeowner or the contractor may design their own project for submittal. Commercial projects are required to have an architect or engineer stamp on all submitted plans for review. There are some exceptions to this rule. Such as change of use and occupancy permits. The Building Official will make this determination.

14. When does my permit expire?

Residential permits are good for one year. However, work must begin within three months. If you cannot complete your project within the one-year period, you may request an extension for up to six months. Commercial permits are good for one year.

15. When am I required to obtain local zoning approval?

You are required to obtain local land use/zoning approval for any new structure and for work that improves a structure, increases the area or height of a structure or changes the use of a structure. You may contact the Building Department for more information or see the Zoning page.

16. What is required to install a manufactured home?

Contractors must be licensed by the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission. They must also be registered and bonded with the county. For more information contact the Building Department or visit the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission website.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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Show All Answers

1. How Do I Make a Unit Available to Voucher Holders?

You may advertise in the newspaper with the phrase "will accept section 8". Our families look for those listings. You may also call the Housing Authority Office to have the unit listed on our list of available units.

2. What Are the Requirements for My Unit to Be Rented to an Assisted Family?

The unit must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards and the rent must be approvable within HUD Fair Market Rents and market rate comparable.

3. What Do I Do When a Voucher Holder Is Interested in My Unit?

Tenant Screening

You must screen the prospective tenant carefully to insure you are making a good selection. When one of our families contacts you, we can only certify to their income eligibility for the program. We cannot provide a reference as to their expected behavior as tenants. You may use any or all of the following screening procedures:

• Credit Check
• Landlord references
• Criminal Check
• Home Visits

We encourage all of the above screening methods as long as you do not discriminate. Discrimination includes any tenant selection based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, country of birth, handicap or familial status makes it illegal, in most circumstances, to refuse to allow children to live in a residential unit. To do so would be a direct violation of the Fair Housing Laws.

Request For Tenancy Approval

When you have selected a tenant, they will have a "Request for Tenancy Approval" form for you to complete. When the tenant submits the form to our office, a housing representative will contact you to schedule an inspection.

Inspection

The unit will be inspected to insure that it meets HUD Housing Quality Standards. If applicable, you may be mailed a letter of the inspection repair list.

Lease & Contract

After the unit passes inspection and the rent has been approved, the landlord and tenant enter into a lease for an initial term of one year. The Housing Authority and the landlord sign a Housing Assistance Payments Contract through which the rent is assisted on behalf of the tenant.

4. Can I Collect a Security Deposit?

Yes. The deposit usually equals one month's rent. The Housing Authority prohibits security deposits in excess of private practice, or in excess of amounts charged by the owner to unassisted tenants.

5. What Is the Term of the Lease?

After one year, the lease is renewed on a month-to-month basis. The tenant may vacate with a written 30-day notice after the term of the lease expires. If the tenant remains in the unit, the tenant is recertified for eligibility, and the unit is inspected for Housing Quality Standards annually, at which time the landlord may request a rent increase which must be approved by the Housing Authority. This request must be submitted in writing to the Housing Authority and tenant thirty days prior to renewal.

6. What Are My Rights and Responsibilities as a Landlord?

• Maintain your property in good condition. Complete repairs within a reasonable amount of time upon request by the Housing Authority or tenant, 24 hours for emergencies. The amount of time that is considered reasonable depends on the nature of the problem
• Set reasonable rules about the use of units and common areas
• Do not enter a unit without the tenant's permission and proper notice except for emergencies or tenant-requested repairs
• Collect appropriate security deposit as directed under the program and use it only as directed by state law
• Comply with equal opportunity requirements
• Enforce tenant obligations under the lease
• Expect your tenant to:
  • Pay rent on time
  • Keep unit clean
  • Avoid illegal activity
  • Permit access for repairs
  • Avoid damage to property
  • Refrain from disturbing others
  • Allow only those occupants on the lease to reside in the unit
  • Comply with terms and conditions of lease and HAP contract
• Take action through Magistrate's Court to evict when the tenant violates the lease

7. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Deposit?

The Housing Authority offers a Direct Deposit program for landlords. The only requirement is to have either a checking or savings account.

The advantages are:

• The Housing Authority will automatically deposit your check into your checking or savings account
• No lost checks
• No delayed checks due to problems with the post office

The disadvantages:

• There are none

A confirmation letter will have the same detailed information you would receive with a check for your bookkeeping. You will have access to this information directly online.

Show All Answers

1. When is a permit required?

Permits are required for any new construction, as well as alterations and additions to existing buildings, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, manufactured housing, boiler and elevator work. Some examples of when a permit is required are as follows:

• New buildings including storage buildings, boat houses, greenhouses, screen enclosures, and gazebos
• Masonry fence walls
• Re-roofing
• Swimming pools (in-ground or above-ground), spas, and hot tubs
• Temporary buildings (construction, etc.)
• Demolition
• Room additions
• Patios and decks
• Driveways and parking pads
• Interior alterations and renovations
• Structural repairs
• New electrical, plumbing, gas, and air-conditioning systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Signs
• Awnings
• Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
• Fire suppression hood system

This is not a complete list. If you are uncertain whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building Department.

2. When is a permit not required?

Approvals shall not be required for the following. Exemption from the requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction;

• House alarm systems, burglar systems
• One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 square meters) 
• Fences 6 feet high and under
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep
• Swings and other playground equipment accessories to a one-, two- or three-family dwelling
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that does not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and does not require additional support

If you are uncertain whether a building permit is required, please contact the Building Department.

3. Do I need a permit to construct a pool? If so, what are the requirements?

Yes, you do need a permit to construct a pool. This may also include blow-up pools that are over 24 inches deep. To review the requirements, follow this link.

4. Do I need a permit to construct a deck? If so, what are the requirements?

Yes, you do need a permit to construct a deck. To review the requirements, follow this link.

5. Who answers my floodplain questions?

Contact the Floodplain Manager at the Building Department or see the Floodplain Management page.

6. What inspections will I need?

When you receive your zoning permit, you will need to provide a copy to the Building and Health Departments. The Building Department will assist the zoning inspector in determining compliance with set back requirements and building heights.

7. Do I need a permit for a barn used for agricultural purposes?

The determination of agricultural exemption can only be made by the Zoning Official. If an agricultural exemption is granted, no building permit will be required.