Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit?

When do I need a building permit? (PDF)

A permit is required for a block party (PDF).

A permit is not required for a yard sale or garage sale.

2. Do contractors have to be registered with the City?

For your own protection, City Ordinance 1310 requires that all contractors and subcontractors doing work in Bay Village must be registered. 

Lists of registered contractors are available online and at City Hall. If you wish to use a contractor not on our list they need to register with the Building Department prior to working in the City.

3. What is the number to call before digging to avoid hitting underground utility lines?

Call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service at 811 or 800-362-2764, or visit e-dig and request the location of underground facilities near your proposed digging site at least 48 hours prior to digging.

4. What are the hours for construction and lawn mowing?

The following activities may be done between the hours of 8 am until 9 pm, daily:

• Demolition
• Excavation
• Exterior construction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure
• Lawn mowing

Snow Removal Equipment

Snow blowers and other snow removal equipment are specifically excluded during periods of snowfall.

5. Does Bay Village have a Point of Sale inspection?

Private Owner-Occupied Homes

The City of Bay Village does not require a point of sale inspection. Typically, a new homebuyer requests a private home inspection as part of the purchase agreement.

Rental Property

The City of Bay Village does not require this type of inspection for a rental property.

Vacant Buildings

The owner, agent, or party in control of any vacant building shall apply for and obtain a vacant building inspection from the Building Director prior to selling, transferring, or conveying any interest in or entering into an agreement to sell, transfer or otherwise convey an interest in such property and shall provide a copy of such inspection to the prospective purchaser or title transferee prior to conveyance of the title.

6. I want to rent my house out. What do I need to do?

Registration & Fees

All rental properties must be registered with the Building Department. There is an annual Housing License fee of $100, which is valid from April 1 through March 31st. Fees are not prorated. 

Annual Inspections

Rental properties are inspected annually. The owner will be notified of any violations and shall correct the violations within a period of time as prescribed by the inspector. All violations will be re-inspected prior to issuing the Housing License.

Short Term Rentals

No person shall operate, let, rent, list, advertise, or otherwise make available, any rental dwelling in the City of Bay Village for the purpose of a short-term rental. Short-term rental means the right to use, occupy or possess, or the actual use, occupancy or possession, of a rental dwelling through a rental for temporary, transient occupancy for dwelling, sleeping or lodging, for a period of time less than 29 continuous days.  

7. What does an "Intent to Build" placard mean?

If you see a placard stating "Intent to Build" posted at a property this serves as public notice that plans are on file with the Building Department for proposed construction. It could be for a/an:

• Addition
• Fence
• Garage
• New home
• Pool
• Other exterior home project

Inspecting Plans & Filing Complaints

The plans will be available at the Building Department for inspection. Unless a complaint in writing is filed within 10 days of the notices’ posting with the Building Director, alleging that the work proposed is so located or of such character that it will substantially injure the existing use or value of the neighboring property, a permit will be issued, provided the plans comply with zoning and building codes. Not all projects require the 10-day intent to build posting.

8. Who should get the building permit, my contractor or me?

Permits are issued to the person, owner, or contractor who shall physically perform the work for which the permit was sought.

Contractors must have a valid and current registration or license before applying for a permit.

An individual can apply for a homeowners permit if the individual owns and resides at the house. The homeowner must physically perform the work for the project.

 There is no savings for a homeowner to apply for a permit for a contractor.

9. What is a plot plan?

A plot plan is a birds-eye view of your property. It will show you property lines, house and any other structure placement on your lot. 

If you are looking for a plot plan you may have one attached to the Title Insurance you received when you purchased your house.  The Building Department may have one for your address in the physical file or electronically, and the Auditors MyPlace Site will have the lot dimensions. Come into the Building Department to look at the address file or call us at 440-899-3400 and we will provide the available files.

10. How do I determine where my property line is located?

Residents can hire a surveyor to determine the boundaries of their property.