Freqently Asked Questions:

Question: I live in a subdivision with a Homeowners’ Association. Can the City enforce the Association’s by-laws, subdivision restrictions or deed restrictions?

Answer: No. If someone in the subdivision is violating a provision of the Association’s by-laws, it is the responsibility of the Association to initiate legal action. The only regulations the Code Enforcement Department can enforce are state and city laws.

Question: I received a Corrective Action Notice or certified letter from the Code Enforcement Department, but cannot correct the violation in the time frame prescribed. What can I do?

Answer: Several things can happen. First, contact the Code Enforcement Officer on your notice and request an extension. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may receive a time extension to correct the violation. Again depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have the right to an appeal of any determination to the Cleveland Board of Housing Adjustments and Appeals. This appeal must be in writing and filed within thirty (30) days following the receipt of this notice. Failure to appeal within this time shall, without exception, constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing.

Question: How does Code Enforcement work?

Answer: Codes Enforcement Officers routinely monitor their respective areas of the city for violations of municipal Codes. In most cases, the problem exists simply because the owner is unaware of the provisions of the Code. Codes Enforcement Officers work on a complaint and Pro-Active basis. When you submit a complaint the officer will begin a case file and confirm the violation. After confirmation the officer will follow up on that case until the party has corrected the violation.

Question: Are there issues that Code Enforcement cannot address?
Answer: Yes. These items are not actually code violations.

• Vehicles or RVs which are legally parked
• Too many vehicles at one home
• 4 or fewer unrelated people living in one dwelling unit,
• House needing paint/landscape maintenance
• Vehicles that are tagged and licensed being parked in the owners yard

Question: Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Answer: Yes. The City of Cleveland routinely accepts anonymous complaints, and investigates and resolves such complaints in the same manner as concerns raised by identified complainants.

Officers respond to code enforcement complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

A case file will be opened if the complaint is confirmed by the Code Officer. In most cases, your complaint is a public record and may be released upon request to persons who request a copy. You may also contact your City Council representative if you wish to remain anonymous.

Question: I phoned in a complaint weeks ago. Why has nothing been done to the property?
Answer: In all cases, the responsible party (Property Owner) must be provided notice that there is a problem. They must be provided with a reasonable time period in which to correct the violation(s). This notice may be as simple as a visit from a Code Enforcement officer or as difficult as sending notice via certified mail or the issuance of a citation to municipal or environmental court. Regardless of the type of service for the Respondent(s) in your particular case, please rest assured that your complaint is important and is being handled in the most expeditious and appropriate manner.

Question: How do I notify the City about a possible code violation?

Answer: You may file a complaint about a possible code violation in person, in writing, by phone or e-mail. Phone numbers and E-mail addresses of departments are listed on the back of this brochure and the city’s website.

Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

1. Identify the specific complaint or problem.
2. Give your name, address, & telephone number.
3. Give the location of the problem, street name, and house number. If address is unknown, give location of property, (i.e. northwest corner of 25th Street and Keith Street).
4. Give specific description of complaint (i.e. description of vehicle, license plate number, type of trash or debris.

Question: Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

Answer: No, but the placement of the signs is regulated. Signs should be on private property and only with the owner’s permission. Signs that are mounted on street signs, utility poles or free standing in the street right-of-way are subject to removal. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and City holidays are the only authorized days for garage sales.

Garage sale hours are to be conducted from 8:00a.m. and 6:00p.m. For more detailed information regarding garage sales and what you need to know please refrence The Cleveland Municipal Code Section 9, Chapter 4.

Question: What are some of the things that would be considered a violation?

Answer: Overgrown vegetation such as weeds, grass, vines, growth to a height of twelve (12) inches or more.

Accumulation of trash, litter, debris, garbage, concrete, scrap lumber or other building debris or other refuse of any nature. Any building or other structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that it is unfit for human habitation.

To accumulate or store one (1) or more inoperable or wrecked motor vehicle.

Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or other related work being commenced on property without first obtaining the necessary permits.

If you have a question that you would like to submit to our Code Officers please click here