Anthony Carbone, Building Commissioner/Chief Building Official 216-291-4900 The Division of Building works closely with residents and contractors to ensure safety and quality in new construction and repairs. By issuing permits, examining plans and monitoring construction throughout the city, Building promotes a structurally sound and architecturally pleasing environment. Of importance are building permits, which protect residents from sub-standard materials and improper building methods. They also help maintain standards in building design. Building permits are required for the following: to demolish, alter, or make major repairs to any existing building structure, or any portion of that structure building any new structure/addition Plans for new structures or exterior design changes must be approved by the Architectural Board of Review before a permit can be issued. window replacements, new siding (except for small areas of replacement), decks, new steps (or rebuilding steps) any electrical (other than minor violation corrections), plumbing, heating, air conditioning work any concrete or asphalt work involving replacement or asphalt resurfacing, or any paving work (brick walks, etc.) grading or regarding yard areas In general, permits are required for most construction activities except minor repairs, exterior/interior painting, gutters and downspout installations. Please be sure you or your contractor check with the Division of Building BEFORE starting ANY repair or construction work. Call 216-291-4900. It is the homeowner's responsibility, ultimately, to see that permits are obtained. Either the contractor or the homeowner may purchase the permits from the Building Department in City Hall, 40 Severance Circle. Permit hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 10:00 am and 1:00 to 2:00 pm. If your work is being contracted, the contractor must obtain the permit(s) - this can be made clear in your contract. Permits must be posted during the period of construction. Download a copy of the Building Department Permit Fee Schedule. NOTE: If a permit is not obtained, a Stop-Work Order or Violation Notice will be issued, fees will double and a court summons may be issued for non-compliance for repeat offenders. The following information sheets/policy bulletins (in pdf format) may be downloaded: Information on Building Department Requirements Suggestions and Information for Contracting Home Repairs AC Units and Similar Building Equipment on All Commercial Properties Architectural Board of Review Rules of Procedure w/ sample drawings Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria Concrete Curbs, Aprons, Sidewalks & Driveways – General Standards Decks / Sample Drawings Demolition of Buildings – Rules and Regulations Demolition of Commercial Buildings – Rules and Regulations First Energy (Illuminating Co.) Electric Meter & Service Reconnection Approval Information Garage Information / Catch Basin Drawing Gas Appliances Mechanical Installations OBC-106 Construction Documents to be Adequate Outdoor Ramps, Stairs & Handrails Plumbing Installation of Interior Non-Metallic Waterllines Porch Railings RCO-106 Construction Documents to be Adequate Roofing Regulations / Chimney Flashing Information Sign Review Procedure Steps / Stairways / Drawing Vinyl / Synthetic Siding Window and Shutter Replacement Contractors Contractors must be registered with the City of Cleveland Heights. Since the term 'contractor' includes 'sub-contractors,' they cannot legally work under a 'homeowner' permit unless they are doing work for which a permit is not required (i.e., floor tile work under the homeowner's bathroom remodel permit). Registration protects you by requiring the contractor to provide liability insurance and a bond to ensure fiscal responsibility, the completion of your project, and code-conforming work. Homeowners need not be registered to obtain a permit to personally perform work upon their established residence, provided that it is a single-, two- or three-family property. They may not, however, make any connection to a public utility system (sewer or water line hook-ups). For a list of registered contractors, click here. Contractor Registration/Bond Forms The forms/information sheets listed below may be downloaded. Please note: The Bond Form must be submitted to your insurance company and filled out with the required signatures. The Bond Form must be signed by the owner of the business and the originals submitted along with a Certificate of Liability Insurance, for contractor registration. Requirements for Obtaining a Contractor’s Registration (2 pages) Contractor Registration Application (2 pages) Contractor’s Bond Form (2 pages) Insurance Endorsement Inspections Inspections are a part of the permit process. All work for which a permit is required must be inspected to ensure it meets code. Electrical, plumbing and heating work must be inspected prior to enclosure in walls, floors or ceilings. It is also a good idea to have the final inspection made before final payment to a contractor. As the homeowner, you can set up the appointment for inspection by calling the Building Department at 216-291-4900, Monday through Friday, 8:00-10:00 am and 1:00-2:00. All construction debris must be removed from the premises and taken to an appropriate landfill. The City's Public Works Department will NOT pick up construction debris. This should be a part of your contract. If doing your own work, check the Yellow Pages under 'Landfills' or 'Rubbish and Garbage Removal' and make appropriate arrangements for disposal or debris. Business Occupancy Premises are inspected when occupancy changes. Call the Division of Building at 216-291-4900 for a business occupancy permit. After application, contact the Division of Inspectional Services at 216-291-5900 for a Business Maintenance inspection.