Building & Housing

Monday - Friday 8:00am – 3:45pm

The Civic Center is closed to the public and we are taking applications via drop box in the rear vestibule or via fax to 216-475-6081, or via email buildingdept@garfieldhts.org, (please note emails will be processed within 2 business days).

The goal of the Building Department is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public through the interpretation and enforcement of Garfield Heights building codes, zoning codes, and other applicable regulations governing construction and land uses.

The Building Department provides supervision of construction activities, and issues permits (building/mechanical/electrical/plumbing), registration of contractors, plan verification for compliance with the Ohio Building Code, NEC, Residential Code of Ohio for 1, 2, and 3 Family Dwellings, and the Garfield Heights Planning/Zoning Codes.

The Building Department also inspects properties, which in turn helps to maintain property values, through the enforcement of the Garfield Heights Exterior Maintenance Code, Point-of-Sale Inspection Procedure, and Rental Property Registrations/Inspections.

Point-of-Sale Inspections

Point-of-Sale inspections are required for all structures being sold, transferred, or otherwise conveyed. The exteriors/interiors of the properties are inspected; a Compliance Certificate is required for transfer of title.

The requirements for the Compliance Certificate for title transfer are as follows:

The buyer must complete the “Buyer’s Acknowledgement Form”, must be completed, notarized and original returned to the office. If the purchaser is a business, an agent must be designated, and if the business is located outside the state of Ohio, that business must register with the Ohio Secretary of State as a foreign corporation (before the Compliance Certificate will be issued), and must also designate an Ohio agent.

If there are outstanding violations that the buyer is assuming, an “Affidavit” must also be completed, notarized and original returned to the office. The seller’s signature on the affidavit is not required on bank-owned, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac properties. The buyer has 90 days from the date of transfer to complete the repairs.

Effective through November 6, 2016, buyers will not be required to put repair funds into an escrow account for violations cited during the point-of-sale inspection. The affidavit and acknowledgement forms must be signed prior to transfer and repairs still must be completed within the deadline 90 days from date of transfer.

• Point of Sale Application

• Buyers Application to Obtain Compliance Certificate (Individuals Only)

• Buyers Application to Obtain Compliance Certificate (Business/Non-Individuals Only)

• Affidavit

• Point of Sale Exterior Compliance Standards

• Consent Form for Interior Point of Sale

• Point of Sale Affidavit Snow Covered Agreement

Registration and Inspection of Rental Units

Rental of single or multi-family homes require owners to register the property, identify the occupants and schedule inspections of each unit. The fee is $100 for the first unit and $25 for each additional unit.

Annual registration and inspection of rental property is required. 

• Rental Application

Contractors

All contractors are required to register with the city in order to register permits.

The three forms below must be completed and submitted along with the $75 application fee (cash or check payable to City of Garfield Heights) and given to the City Building Department. *(Original Bond is needed cannot fax in paperwork)*

• Contractor Application

• Contractor's Bond

• Contractor Tax Form

• Contractors currently registered (updated monthly) with the city.

Foreclosure

The City of Garfield Heights requires notice that a foreclosure has been filed.  The notice must be submitted within ten days of filing at the relevant court.  Please use the following form and return with a check payable to City of Garfield Heights. See Codified Section 1314.

• Foreclosure Application

Property Information Requirement

City of Garfield Heights also has a Property Information Form requirement. Please return this form. There is no fee associated with this form.

• Property Information Requirement

Permits

Permit applications can be obtained from the Building Department or downloaded in PDF format.

For information regarding Zoning and Building Codes and Permit Fees go to: https://www.amlegal.com/codes/client/garfield-heights_oh

Zoning Code:       Chapter 1100

Building Code:     Chapter 1300

Permits/Fees:      Chapter 1313

Housing Code:     Chapter 1400

Please click here to download the Garfield Heights zoning map (2.54 MB).

Please click here to download the Garfield Heights address map (3.99 MB).

The construction of new buildings and/or property owners who intend to construct new buildings and/or additions, are required to appear before the Planning Commission.

For information, please contact  the Building Department at 216-475-3835 or buildingdept@garfieldhts.org

Plan Requirements for Additions and Structural Renovations                                                    

New commercial building, addition or alteration

Change in Use or Occupancy

Hydrant Use Permit

Demolition Permit

Shed Permit

Street Opening Application

Application for Residential Miscellaneous Permit
Criteria for Condemning Sidewalk, Driveways, Aprons, Patios or Portions Thereof

Aluminum or vinyl siding    
Residential roofing
Commercial flat roof
Electrical
Concrete replacement
Asphalt paving
Waterproofing
Windows
Swimming pool
Swimming pool requirements

Fence Permit with Legislation
Fence Application Process

Garage Sale Permit
Sign Application
Temporary Sign Application

Planning/Zoning Application

Cuyahoga County Property Demolition

Click here to view the list of homes scheduled for demolition in Garfield Heights.   Homes need proper notice to all lien holders before they are eligible to be officially placed on the demolition list.

Home Improvement Programs

Contact Janice Tubbs, 216-475-3835 or via email at jtubbs@garfieldhts.org