City of Lyndhurst - Building Department Information Center

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Building Department Information Center

Click on any of the Jump Links Below for more information.

Building Permits	Housing Inspection Program	Planning Commission
Architectural Review Board	Board Of Zoning Appeals	Sidewalk Program

Related Cuyahoga County programs available to Lyndhurst residents.

Heritage Home Programs

County Homeowner Services

ADA Standards For Accessible Design

BUILDING ELECTRICAL PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL PERMITS

The Lyndhurst Building Department reviews plans and issues building permits for all new construction, alterations of existing structures, and additions to buildings. The department is state certified to provide these services in all use groups covering all residential and commercial applications.

The Lyndhurst Building Department is also certified to review plans and specifications and issue permits for all electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) work in the community.

To obtain a building permit you must ordinarily submit a permit application, along with two (2) sets of plans, including a site plan and complete construction drawings for review. One (1) set will be returned to you with any corrections noted when the permit is issued. The second set is retained by the Building Department. The plan review process may take up to ten (10) working days. Sometimes additional sets of construction drawings are required, particularly when approval is needed from the Planning Commission, the Architectural Board of Review or if variances are required. Drawings are not needed for certain types of building permits, such as fences, driveways & aprons, demolitions, sheds or similar projects. To obtain a permit for electrical, plumbing, heating or related (HVAC) systems, you must ordinarily submit an application and any required drawings for review.

Permits are only issued to state licensed contractors and to residential homeowners who are doing their own additions, remodels or installation/modification of electrical. Plumbing and or HVAC systems. The only exceptions pertain to contractors who perform sewer repairs, install fences, driveways or sheds. All contractors must register with the building department before obtaining permits. Note: Permits for all commercial projects or work subject to the provisions of the Ohio Building Code, will only be issued to state licensed contractors.

Please click HERE to check the "PICK A PROJECT" section to review detailed requirements for several types of permits (building and mechanical).

HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM

The majority of our residents have made it very clear to Mayor Cicero and City Council that they not only want, but demand strong housing code enforcement. We recognize that need in order to preserve and maintain the quality of our housing stock. In order to fulfill that objective, a full time Housing Inspector was hired to the newly formed Housing Department in May, 2006. This department will be expanded, as the need for additional manpower and new enforcement programs mandate.

The upkeep and proper maintenance of homes is crucial to maintain and protect property values, safety, and the quality of life of all our residents. In order to accomplish that goal, the Lyndhurst Housing Inspector, assisted by our two Building Inspectors, have begun a sweep of the city, to do our very best to locate and identify property that does not meet minimum code requirements as to maintenance and upkeep. As we identify these properties, either a notice or warning ticket will be sent to the responsible party, depending on the violations found and other mitigating factors. Failure to comply within the stated time frame will result in a summons being issued and require a court appearance.

There are many programs available thorough the Cuyahoga Department of Community Development where homeowners may apply for monetary and other services to help in maintaining their property. There is also the Heritage Home Loan Program administered by the Cleveland Restoration Society. Links to these sites may be found at the top of this page.

Strong enforcement is necessary in order to maintain the quality of life that our residents have enjoyed for many years. There is no other way. We will work with you to the best of our ability, but there is a point that we will have to say, comply or you leave us no choice but to take legal action. In the case of vacant and or abandoned homes, we are doing everything within our power to see that these homes are fast tracked if in foreclosure or find a responsible party to hold accountable.

If you receive a notice or warning ticket, it is because we desire to keep Lyndhurst a vibrant, safe and desirable community in which to live, work and raise a family. Everyone needs to do their part. Keeping your home in good repair will make our job easier, in that we can concentrate on those that do not.

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

The City Planning Commission consists of the Mayor, a member of city council and three citizen members not holding other municipal office. The Planning Commission meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:30 PM in City Hall provided there is an agenda. Special meetings may be held as necessary.

The Planning Commission has many duties that are summarized below. Specific duties can be found in section 1110.05 of the Planning and Zoning Code.

Review proposed land development plans for all zoning districts.

Review ordinances, proposed ordinances, plans and regulations that amend the Zoning Code and or Zoning Map as well as plans or studies with respect to land use or development in the community.

Reviews any proposed change in a non-conforming use to another non-conforming use.

Reviews and approves, disapproves or approves with conditions any applicable conditional use permit.

Reviews plats for the subdivision of land.

Reviews plans for the location, relocation, widening or extension of any street, highway or public spaces.

Reviews the planning, design, location, removal or major alteration to any building in the city that require site approval.

ARCHITECTURAL BOARD OF REVIEW

The Architectural Board of Review consists of the Mayor, a member of city council and three architects. The Board meets the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 PM, usually in the Mayors conference Room at City Hall, provided there is an agenda. Special meetings may be called as necessary. The Board reviews architectural drawings of proposed projects for aesthetic considerations. The Building Commissioner refers the projects to the Board. The projects can involve new commercial or residential buildings, signs or major alteration work. The decisions of the board are final.

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

The Board of Zoning Appeals consists of five citizen members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. At least three (3) members are registered architects or engineers. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets the second Monday of every month at 7:30 PM in City Hall. Special meetings are held if the situation warrants.

The duties of Board of Zoning Appeals are summarized below. Additional details may be found in section 1154.04 of the Planning and Zoning Code. Click HERE to review section 1154.04.

Considers appeals from the rulings of the Building Commissioner regarding the enforcement of the Planning and Zoning Code where it is claimed that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision interpretation or determination.

Grants variances to the Planning and Zoning code which are not contrary to the public interest, where, because of special conditions, a literal enforcement of the zoning code will result in practical difficulty with regard to an area variance, or unnecessary hardship in all other cases, as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, and where the granting of such variance will permit use of land in accord with the intent and purposes of this code and will not harm the property or improvements in the neighborhood in which the property is located.

SIDEWALK PROGRAM

For approximately the past fifty- (60) years, the City of Lyndhurst has conducted a sidewalk maintenance and repair program. One fifth of the city is inspected each year for defective sidewalk blocks and or driveway aprons. If repairs are required, notices are mailed to property owners with all pertinent information about the program. Property owners are given the option of making required repairs themselves or authorizing the city to make the repairs using the city contractor. Owners are billed upon completion of the work at the city accepted bid price. Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the public sidewalks by law.

The City has been involved in sidewalk litigation over the years. These personal injury suits are filed against property owners who had defective sidewalks that caused injury to pedestrians. The best protection against this type of litigation is to regularly inspect your sidewalks and keep them in good repair. If you are not sure if a sidewalk is in good repair, contact the Building Department and we will be happy to render an opinion.