Friday, March 12, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

Search Building Division FAQ's

Showing 1 - 21

General

• Can I find the building codes on line?
  • Yes. They are available at www.com.ohio.gov. Reference copies of the Code books are also available at the Grove City branch of the Southwestern Public Library, 3359 Park Street.
• Can I park a car in my yard?
  • City code requires that vehicles and trailers be parked on paved surfaces. Additionally, unlicensed or inoperable vehicles are prohibited even in driveways and on other paved surfaces.
• Can I post a sign on a utility pole?
  • No. Utility poles are within the right of way, and signs are not permitted in the right of way.
• Does my contractor need to be licensed/registered?
  • Grove City requires that contractors be registered with the Building Division before they are issued permits. Registration requires a bond and proof of insurance. To find contractors who are registered with the City, visit the Registered Contractors page.
• Does the Building Division enforce deed restrictions?
  • Deed restrictions are not enforced by the Building Division. However, they are legal requirements enforceable through the court system. You are strongly urged to check your deed restrictions before undertaking any project that involve exterior modifications. To learn what your deed restrictions are, check your deed or contact your homeowners' association.
• Does the Building Division survey lots when fences are installed?
  • No. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that any fence installed does not encroach on neighboring properties.
• How are tall grass and weeds regulated in the City?
  • City code prohibits noxious weeds and limits grass to 6 inches in height. When a violation is observed, a violation letter is mailed to the property owner, directing him or her to cut and maintain the lawn by a specific compliance date. When the compliance date arrives, an inspector will re-inspect the property. If it is not in compliance, a contractor will be hired to maintain the lawn, and property taxes will be assessed to pay for the maintenance.
• How can I get a representative of the Building Division to speak to the community organization I belong to?
  • Contact the Building Division at 614-277-3075 with information about what topics you would like to have addressed and we will work with you to organize a visit from an appropriate representative of the department.
• How close can my patio/driveway be to my property line?
  • There are no setback requirements for patios, driveways or other paved surfaces. However, permits are required for installation of such surfaces, and grading plans may be required to ensure that drainage issues will not be created on neighboring properties.
• How close to the property line can I place a fence?
  • There are no setback requirements for fences installed behind the building line (the front façade of the primary structure). However, homeowners are encouraged to consult existing surveys or have a new survey done to ensure that the fence does not encroach on neighboring properties.
• How many people can live in my house or apartment?
  • The City's property maintenance code states only that "the number of persons occupying a dwelling unit shall not create conditions that, in the opinion of the code official, endanger the life, health, safety or welfare of the occupants.
• How many signs are allowed on a commercial property? Are there size restrictions?
  • Only one (1) ground-mounted sign is permitted per tax parcel. Such signs may not exceed 50 square feet in area on commercial properties or 100 square feet on industrial properties. Such signs are limited to 8 feet in height. Unless development approval legislation imposes specific restrictions, there is no limit to the number of wall signs permitted on a building. Combined area of such signs, however, is limited to one (1) square foot per lineal foot of building frontage.
• I am selling my home. Am I allowed to place a for sale sign between the curb and the sidewalk?
  • No. signs are not permitted within the right of way, which includes the area between the curb and sidewalk.
• I have received a property maintenance violation letter. What do I do now?
  • If you make the necessary repairs or perform the necessary maintenance prior to the compliance date on the letter, no further action will be taken. If you are unable to meet this compliance date, contact the Building Division at 614-277-3075 to discuss the issue. If the problem is not resolved, cases will be forwarded to Mayor's Court.
• To whom do I make my check payable? Does the Building Division accept credit cards?
  • Checks should be made payable to: The City of Grove City. The Building Division accepts only cash or checks, not credit or debit cards.
• What factors determine whether a vehicle is inoperable?
  • Any condition that would prevent the immediate relocation of a vehicle under its own power would be a determining factor. This can include engine problems, flat tires and other conditions. Vehicles also must be registered and have current tags displayed.

 

Permits

• Do I need a permit for a large, inflatable swimming pool?
  • Permits are required for any swimming pool, permanent or portable, that is capable of being filled to a depth of 24 inches or more. Enclosures that are at least four (4) feet tall are also required for swimming pools.
• Do I need a permit for a temporary shed or a shed on skids?
  • A permit is required for any accessory building. The cost for a permit for a shed that is less than 200 square feet and does not have a permanent foundation is $10.
• I have completed an application for a permit. How soon can I begin work?
  • Work cannot begin until the permit is issued. The review period on permit applications varies depending on permit type and the extent of the proposed work.
• What permits are required to install a fence?
  • A minor home improvement permit is required for residential fences. The cost of this permit is $25.
• When is a residential building permit required?
  • A permit is required if the project involves structural changes to your home, but other projects may need one as well. The City of Grove City requires permits for indoor or outdoor structural work, freestanding structures or major changes to the living area of a home to ensure that minimum safety standards are met and construction meets local building and zoning requirements. Understand the building codes and local ordinances before proceeding with a major improvement project. A permit is required to do the following: replace a roof, build a deck, finish a basement, add a fireplace, add rooms, add gas lines, add/alter the electrical system, construct a new driveway, build a fence, add/replace an air conditioning and/or heating unit, add/replace a sidewalk or driveway, and install a pool or hot tub. Permits also are required for accessory buildings, garages, carports, siding and window/door replacement. A building permit usually is not needed to do the following residential projects: paint exterior or interior walls, install new flooring, replace a faucet or plumbing valve, or install a window-unit air conditioner (if no change is made to the window frame). Contractors are required to pull the necessary permits as part of the contracting job. Spell it out in your contract. If still uncertain about your need for a building permit, call the Building Division at 614-277-3075.

 

• 

• Copyright © 2010 City of Grove City, Ohio Privacy Policy RSS Twitter

  Main Page | City Government | City Departments | Residents/Visitors | Economic Development | Events | Contact

• 

•