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Building & Zoning FAQ

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1. How to obtain a commercial permit?

The Village of Chagrin Falls does NOT issue commercial permits.  To obtain a commercial permit, contact the State of Ohio Department of Industrial Compliance.  

Exterior changes to commercial buildings, including but not limited to material, style, design, etc. require approval contact the Building Department for more information.

Learn more

2. When is a building permit required for residential work?

Any changes, to structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems requires a building permit.

3. What is a minor building permit?

A minor building permit is for any work involving repairs, alterations and additions.  Including but not limited to porches, decks, sheds, water control, interior remodeling, etc.

4. Is my property in the Village of Chagrin Falls?

The Village of Chagrin Falls is solely located in Cuyahoga County.  Check the Cuyahoga County Auditors site to verify property municipality.  

How to find out if an address is within the Village of Chagrin Falls

1. Go to the Cuyahoga County website
2. City = Chagrin Falls
3. Search By = Address 
4. Search > type address > select the correct property address file
5. Property Data > click General information > Tax District Description = "Chagrin Falls Village"

5. My home is 50 years old. Is that historic?

Any structure in the village that is 50 years old or older is considered historic.

6. I would like to replace my windows in my house. Is architectural review required?

Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approval is required when window modifications invlolve changes in, material, style, design, size.

Windows that are a mere replacement matching existing material, style, design and size, do not require ABR approval. A minor building permit is still required, and the contractor has to be registered.

7. What are the purposes of having contractors register?

Registering contractors actually helps to protect you the property owner. It also assures that contractor carries the proper liability insurance.

8. How do I find out if a contractor is registered with the village of Chagrin Falls?

You may call the building department at 440-247-5050 or you may ask the contractor to show you proof that they are registered with Chagrin Falls. Every registered contractor is given a registration certificate. Registration runs from calendar year to calendar year.

9. What types of contractors have to register with the Village of Chagrin Falls?

General contractors, includes general building contractors, landscapers, doing hard scape work, fence contractors, sign and awning contractors, asphalt contractors masonry contractor, both bricks and motor, and flat work, excavators, waterproofing contractors, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor.

10. Can the building department recommend a contractor?

No, being a public entity we can’t recommend a contractor, but we would be happy to furnish you with a list of registered contractors.

11. What are the hours of work that a contractor may work?

Hours of work are from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday.

12. Can a fence be installed on the property line?

Yes, but only fences that are not considered a privacy fence. Regardless a permit is required. Contact the Building and Zoning Department for further information at 440-247-5050.

13. I need to replace my roof do I need a permit for roofing?

No, there are no permits required for residential roofing, a permit would be required if there were changes to the structural elements of the roof.

14. I would like to sell my car; can it be parked in the front yard?

No, all vehicles that are being advertised for sale must be kept in a driveway. There is no overnight parking of vehicles in any yard vehicles must be parked in a driveway.

15. Are chickens permitted in the village?

Chickens are allowed in R1-100 zoned areas only.  Call the Village for further details.

16. I would like to build a detached garage what is the minimum & maximum dimensions of a detached garage and what is the maximum square footage?

The minimum dimensions are 19 feet by  21 feet, which equals 399 square feet. The maximum square footage is 700 square feet.

17. I have a detached garage and I want to add a backyard storage shed is that permitted?

Yes, but you cannot exceed the total combined square footage of (700) square feet which includes the square footage of the detached garage and the proposed shed. Sheds cannot be permanently attached to the ground, must be located only in rear yard, cannot be less than (3) feet from lot lines, max height is (15 feet) from grade. Contact the building and zoning department for permit information.

18. I am thinking of having a garage sale do I need a permit? And how many garages sales can I have in a year?

Yes, a permit is required, it is a Garage Sale Permit VCFCO 721, issued by the Police Department. You are allowed (1) garage sale per year, hours of operation 9 am to 9 pm, (1) sign per sale not exceeding (3) square feet and not to be placed on tree lawns or public property.

19. I would like to install a patio in my back yard is a permit required?

If the patio is at grade level where there are no changes to grade or existing grades, or drainage, and not less than 3 feet from property line there is no permit required.

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Leaf Collection

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1. Where do my leaves go?

All of the leaves collected in the Fall are taken by a commercial composting company for processing into various earth products, a true “green” recycling service! No loose leaves are taken to a landfill.

2. How many leaves are collected?

While the total volume of leaves varies from year-to-year, the Street Department typically collects around 2,475 cubic yards (742,500 pounds or 371.25 Tons) of leaves per season! The leaves were vacuumed up in truckloads and transported to the Street Department garage transfer area.

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Police Department

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1. How do I pay a parking ticket?

Pay your parking ticket using the online payment website.

2. How do I appeal a parking ticket?

Go to our parking website. Choose appeal ticket in the options. Lookup your ticket number and fill out the attached form. 

3. How do I pay a Traffic Citation?

You can pay online at Chagrin Falls – Docket Search.

4. How do I request a police report?

View the Request a Public Record page.

5. How do I report an incident with a dog, including a dog attack, a dead dog or a missing dog?

Report any loose dogs, or dog bites by calling 911 if you require emergency help or by calling dispatch at 440- 247 – 7321.

• Law:  Chapter 505 Animals and Fowl

6. How do I request a road closure or block party?

Fill out an application for block party or road closure. 

The form will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Mayor

You will be notified if your application has been approved or denied.

If your event is approved the service department will be notified and barricades will be set out prior to you event for your placement.

7. How do I get fingerprinted?

Chagrin Falls Police department does ink rolled fingerprinting for residents. You must provide your own fingerprinting card.

8. How do I report a power outage?

You can report a power outage online.

9. How do I commend or file a complaint against an officer?

By Phone: 

Call our office at 440-247-5036 during business hours, Monday - Friday 8am-4pm, or Dispatch at 440-247-7321. Ask to speak with the Officer in Charge (OIC). 

In Person:

21 W. Washington St. Chagrin falls Ohio 44022 and ask for an OIC. 

By mail:

21 W. Washington St. Chagrin falls Ohio 44022

ATTN: Lt. Weiskopf

10. Can I hire an off-duty police officer?

You can request an off-duty officer and will be contacted by a member of the department about your request. Please fill out the Off-Duty Officer Request Form. 

11. Can I request a police officer to speak at my event?

You can request an officer and will be contacted by a member of the department about your request.

12. I am going out of town, can you check my residence?

Yes, we have a vacation watch, fill out the form.

13. Does Chagrin Falls ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving?

View the 333.09 Electronic Wireless Communications Device Regulations.

14. Does Chagrin Falls have a Juvenile Curfew?

View our Minor Code of Ordinance for more information.

15. Can I drive a golf cart, low speed vehicles or ATV in Chagrin Falls?

View more information on our Snowmobiles and All Purpose Vehicles code of ordinance.

16. How do I get a solicitor’s permit?

Before filling out the solicitor's application, please read the codified ordinance linked in the following:

• Step 1 - Read the law regarding solicitors
• Step 2 - Obtain a background check (required for approval by the Village)
  • 2.1 Obtain a Webcheck through the Bureau of Criminal Investigations:
  • 2.11 The applicant must call 877-614-4364 to schedule their own appointment.
  • 2.2 Other location for Webchecks are listed on the Attorney General of Ohio website
  • 2.3 The applicant is required to do the Ohio "BCI check".
• Step 3 - Complete the Application
  • 3.1 Submit the application, background check, $35 non-refundable fee
• Step 4 - Review Process
  • 4.1 The Police Chief or her designee will assess the BCI form and will approve/disapprove it the application can be forwarded for processing.

17. Can I have an open container?

Please read the Open Container Prohibited code of ordinance.

18. Do you have a prescription drug box?

Yes, in the Police Department lobby, located at:
21 W Washington Street
Chagrin Falls OH 44022