Building Department

The City of Maple Heights Building Department is located on the first floor of the Maple Heights City Hall Building. The Department can be reached at 216-663-4094 between 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. The Building Department is CLOSED from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.

The owner and or occupants are responsible for maintaining clean, sanitary and safe properties. They must be kept weather tight and the exterior of all structures must be kept free from decay or deterioration. Exterior surfaces must be kept clean, repaired and painted or resurfaced when necessary. Yards must be kept clean, neat and attractive at all times.

All contractors must be registered with The City of Maple Heights Building Department and obtain a permit prior to doing any work. For cost and other information contact the Building Department.

Commercial or business vehicle parking, outdoors, is not permitted in residential areas.

Unlicensed or seldom moved vehicles are not permitted to be parked in the open at a residence or most businesses. Vehicles MUST be parked only on a paved surface.

Building Department Permit Requirements

Remodeling or adding improvements to your home?
Home owners thinking about remodeling their home or adding other improvements, such as decks, spas or retaining walls, many times have a number of questions about building permits.

This information is designed to give homeowners basic knowledge of when construction permits and other approvals are required by the city of Maple Heights. It also answers some of the most frequently asked questions and offers tips from the city.

Since each construction project is unique, we invite you to call the Building Department, (216) 663-4094, for answers to your specific questions.

What are permits and why do I need one?
Permits are a way for the city of Maple Heights to regulate construction. The issuing of permits is a way to ensure that all construction in the city is safe. The safety of the occupants of buildings is the primary reason for having construction codes. The city of Maple Heights has adopted several codes, among them the Ohio Build Code (OBC), the Ohio Residential Code (ORC), the International Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code, and the National Electric Code. In addition, there are federal, state and local laws that govern construction, such as those covering energy conservation, as well as the BOCA Property Maintenance Code governing the maintenance of properties through-out the city. 

Obtaining a permit is just the first step in the process. In this step, you may need to create plans to submit to the department, make a plot plan for your property showing the improvements, and show the type of construction you'll be doing.

The city has handouts to help you through this process.

Once plans are approved, you're required to build the project to those plans. If any changes are made to the plans, they must be made with the city's approval.

The second half of the process is the inspection of the work. More about that later.

When do I need a construction permit?
A construction permit is needed for all new construction. In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building's existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.

To find out if your project needs a permit, call (216) 663-4094.

When don't I need a permit?
A construction permit is not needed for repair items; such as wallpapering, painting or similar finish work. For repairs to plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, replacement or repair of fixtures (such as changing water faucets or replacing switches) does not normally require a permit. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does, however, require a permit.

Where do I get a permit?
Construction permits are issued through the city's Building Department, located at 5353 Lee Road.

How long does it take to get a permit?
Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects can be fully permitted over-the-counter, meaning a return trip won't be needed. Some projects, however, require that plans be left for additional plan review.

What about other approvals or permits?
Other government agencies may need to review and approve your project. The city will inform you of these reviews at the time plans are submitted.

What if I don't get a permit?
If a permit, when required, is not obtained before construction, you have violated city codes and regulations; you'll be subject to fines and penalties. You'll be required to obtain permits for the work and it must pass inspection.

Remember... construction codes were created for safety reasons. Work built without a permit can be unsafe, no matter how good it looks.

Who should obtain the permit?
Owners shall be required have their contractors obtain permits in they’re behalf for liability reasons. Contractors must be registered by Maple Heights.

Can I do the work myself or do I have to hire a contractor?
The homeowner may under certain conditions be allowed to obtain the permits, provided they are doing the work themselves.

Contractors’ and or homeowners are required to build to the approved plans:
Be sure to build to your approved plans, whether they are drawn by an architect or designer or are standard construction requirements given to you by the city. If you change the plans while building the structure, this will cause problems when the project is inspected. If you do decide to make changes, check with the city's Building Commissioner or your field inspector before you proceed with any deviations from the approved plans.

Who may draw up the plans?
Qualified individuals such as a draftsman can usually draw up plans for projects such as room additions. Other projects i.e. commercial projects may require plans prepared and signed by an architect or engineer licensed by the State of Ohio.

For projects such as routine sheds, decks or pools, the city may have standard specifications that can be followed within certain limitations. The department may accept those specifications, together with a plot plan showing your project, as your approved plans where approved by the Building Commissioner.

In addition, some kit-type projects come with construction plans. Protect your investment before you buy, call (216) 662-4094 to make sure your kit is accepted; then just bring the instruction sheet or other documentation along when you apply for your permit it serves as plans, please note; you may still be required to submit a site plan.

What about a contractor?
The city requires that you deal only with contractors that are currently registered with the city of Maple Heights. For liability reasons you shall require the contractor to secure permits for your project. Homeowners holding permits in their name shall assume responsibility for the work preformed under the permit(s) issued in their name.

What about inspections?
It is your responsibility to call for inspections at specific required times during construction. Your contractor shall be required to call for the work done under the permit issued in his or her name. However; it is still your responsibility as the property owner, to make sure the inspections are made. Inspections are made during certain points in the project, depending on the work that's being performed. For example, sheds require inspection of the footer, concrete slab, and final inspection when all the work has been completed.

Remember... the project is not legally completed until it has passed final inspection.

What if I have a permit but failed to call for the required inspections?
Generally, permits expire after 180 days if no inspections are requested. In order for the project to be completed, it must pass all the required inspections including final inspection. If your permit has expired prier final inspection, the project is in violation of city codes. If this is the case with your project, you are required to call (216) 663-4094. We will instruct you as to the requirements necessary for you to be able to reactivate the permit or apply for another with as little inconvenience as possible. Our interest is in seeing your project complete... including the final inspection.

Should you have any other questions, please call us at (216) 663-4094.

Fence

Requirements are very strict with the height not exceeding 6' in most cases. Fence permits are required before erection. If you are not sure of your property lines, contact a Land Surveyor prior to purchasing fence. Obtain a permit from the Building Department prior to installation.

Grass/Weeds

All homeowners are required to maintain tree lawn, front yard and back yard. Grass/weeds should not exceed 5 inches.

Garage Sale Permit

City permit is required. Signs are NOT ALLOWED on tree lawns or utility poles within the City.

Rubbish

Rubbish receptacles must be placed at the curb AFTER, BUT NOT BEFORE, 6:00 PM, of the day prior to collection and before 7:00 am on collection day. Store rubbish cans or receptacles at least 25' from any house.

If you have any information regarding vacant or bank owned properties, please contact the Building Departments Complaint Line at 216-587-9030 with an address, contact name and phone number.

Links
Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District   
(216) 443-3749

Click here for Building Department Forms.