FAQs • What are the yellow flags and green paint in my yard?

What are the yellow flags and green paint in my yard?: Flags and paint are used to show location of utilities for an upcoming project. Yellow equals gas, red equals electric, orange equals cable/telephone, green equals sanitary and storm, blue equals water, white equals proposed work.

Engineering

1. Do I need a permit to construct a shed, fence, pool, etc., on my property?: Yes, you need to apply for a Zoning Permit for any type of shed, structure, fence, pool, deck, addition, etc. If you are tearing down an old structure or fence and installing new in the same location, you still need a Zoning Permit. Refer to Sec. 370 Miscellaneous Requirements of ZONING REGULATIONS which provides most of the requirements for these projects.

2. How do I obtain a Zoning Permit?: You need to bring in a sketch of your proposed project, showing dimensions and location from the property lines, to the Engineering Department and fill out a Zoning Permit Application. We will review your project to see that it meets all zoning requirements. Final determination from the Director of Public Service and Safety will be made within a few days. Zoning requirements differ for each project; therefore, contact the Engineering Department for more details.

3. Will the Engineering Department locate my property lines?: No, we do not perform surveys nor locate property lines. We will give you dimensions of your lot and show you how to measure from a side street to obtain an approximate location of one of your property corners.

4. Do I need a dumpster permit?: An Obstruction Permit is required for the placement of any temporary obstruction upon a public street or right-of-way. The cost is $10. It is encouraged that a property owner or contractor find a location off the public right-of-way to place the dumpster or obstruction.

5. How do I get the utilities located on my property?: Call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (O.U.P.S) at 811.

6. What are the yellow flags and green paint in my yard?: Flags and paint are used to show location of utilities for an upcoming project. Yellow equals gas, red equals electric, orange equals cable/telephone, green equals sanitary and storm, blue equals water, white equals proposed work.

7. How do I obtain a city license/permit to perform electrical and plumbing work?: You need a state license in the related field and a $2000 bond in the individual's name that is performing the work in order to obtain a $10 city license. All licenses expire on December 31st of the year in which it is issued. If you are the bona-fide owner of a single-family dwelling used exclusively for living purposes and that the same will be occupied by the owner and that such owner personally purchases all material and performs all the labor, you do not need a license or bond. A permit is then issued after proof of the above. Contact the Engineering Department to determine the cost of the permit as it depends on the type of work being performed.