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Community and Economic Development

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1. How do I determine my Zoning District?

Copley Township is comprised of (6) Residential Zoning Districts. Each District is designed to compliment the integrity of the land use purpose guiding development in the Township. 

• Residential District R-LD (Low Density) 
• Residential District R-MD (Medium Density) 
• Residential District R-S/MF (Single/Multi-Family) 
• Residential District R-HD (Higher Density) 
• Residential District R-OC (Open Space/Conservation) 
• Residential District R-CD (Conservation Development) 

View the Zoning Map to determine your Zoning District.

2. I want to build a new home.

A Residential Construction Application is required for all new home construction projects, including but not limited to, pools, gazebos, decks, additions, accessory buildings, such as garages and sheds, and accessory uses, such as greenhouses.

Steps to Obtaining a Residential Construction Permit

1. Determine your Zoning District.
2. Determine your required structure setbacks based on your Zoning District. If you are a Corner Lot, you will have (2) front-yard setbacks, (1) rear-yard setback and (1) side yard setback. To determine the setbacks on a Corner Lot, the rear yard shall be considered as parallel to the street upon which the lot has its least dimension. On both corner lots and interior lots, the rear yard shall be, in all cases, at the opposite end of the lot from the front yard.
3. Setback requirements in a platted subdivision may vary from the minimum requirements in the Zoning Resolution. If you are in a platted subdivision, please contact the Zoning Inspector for setback information.
4. Provide a plot drawing showing your structure with the required setbacks indicated on the drawing. The drawing can be professional or hand-written. When indicating setbacks, please measure to the proposed construction.
5. If you utilize a septic system, approval from Summit County Public Health is required prior to permit issuance. The application can be found online.
6. If you are on a Township Road, you will need a Road Opening Permit from Copley Township. Please contact the Copley Township Service Department.
7. Please contact Summit County for an Address Assignment Certificate.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: A Building Permit from the Summit County Building Department is required. Contact the Summit County Building Department for information regarding Summit County standards and permitting requirements. Additionally, we recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

3. I want to build a deck.

A Residential Construction Application is required for all new home construction projects, including but not limited to, pools, gazebos, decks, additions, accessory buildings, such as garages and sheds, and accessory uses, such as greenhouses.

Steps to Obtaining a Residential Construction Permit

1. Determine your Zoning District.
2. Determine your required structure setbacks. If you are a Corner Lot, you will have (2) front-yard setbacks, (1) rear-yard setback and (1) side yard setback. To determine the setbacks on a Corner Lot, the rear yard shall be considered as parallel to the street upon which the lot has its least dimension. On both corner lots and interior lots, the rear yard shall be, in all cases, at the opposite end of the lot from the front yard. 
3. A residential deck may be constructed ten (10) feet into the required rear yard setback regardless of residential district classification. A residential deck must meet the required side yard setback.
4. Provide a plot drawing showing your structure with the required setbacks indicated on the drawing. The drawing can be professional or hand-written. When indicating setbacks, please measure to the proposed construction, not the existing building.
5. If you utilize a septic system, approval from Summit County Public Health is required prior to permit issuance. The application can be found online.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: A Building Permit from the Summit County Building Department is required. Contact the Summit County Building Department for information regarding Summit County standards and permitting requirements. Additionally, we recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

4. I want to build/enlarge my garage.

https://co.summitoh.net/index.php/departments/environmental-services/building-standardsA Residential Construction Application is required for all new home construction projects, including but not limited to, pools, gazebos, decks, additions, accessory buildings, such as garages and sheds, and accessory uses, such as greenhouses.

Steps to Obtaining a Residential Construction Permit

1. Determine your Zoning District.
2. Determine your required structure setbacks based on your Zoning District. If you are a Corner Lot, you will have (2) front-yard setbacks, (1) rear-yard setback and (1) side yard setback. To determine the setbacks on a Corner Lot, the rear yard shall be considered as parallel to the street upon which the lot has its least dimension. On both corner lots and interior lots, the rear yard shall be, in all cases, at the opposite end of the lot from the front yard. 
3. A private garage, attached or unattached, shall not have an area of over nine hundred (900) square feet. Limit - one (1) unattached garage per lot. An unattached garage shall not be located closer than fifteen (15) feet from the main building. If any portion thereof is located to the side of the main building, a fifteen (15) feet side lot line must be maintained. If located fifteen (15) feet to the rear of the main building, it shall not be located closer than five (5) feet from the rear or side lot lines. No unattached garage shall be located further forward than the closest forward structural corner of the main building. The maximum overall height for an unattached garage shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet. 1. On lots containing up to and including five (5) acres, excluding road right-of-way, a private unattached garage shall not have an area of over nine-hundred (900) square feet. 2. On lots exceeding five (5) acres, excluding the road right-of-way, a private unattached garage shall not have an area of over eighteen hundred (1,800) square feet.
4. Provide a plot drawing showing your structure with the required setbacks indicated on the drawing. The drawing can be professional or hand-written. When indicating setbacks, please measure to the proposed construction, not the existing building.
5. If you utilize a septic system, approval from Summit County Public Health is required prior to permit issuance. The application can be found online.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: A Building Permit from the Summit County Building Department is required. Contact the Summit County Building Department for information regarding Summit County standards and permitting requirements. Additionally, we recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

5. I want to build/install a shed.

A Residential Construction Application is required for all new home construction projects, including but not limited to, pools, gazebos, decks, additions, accessory buildings, such as garages and sheds, and accessory uses, such as greenhouses.

Steps to Obtaining a Residential Construction Permit

1. Determine your Zoning District.
2. Determine your required structure setbacks. If you are a Corner Lot, you will have (2) front-yard setbacks, (1) rear-yard setback and (1) side yard setback. To determine the setbacks on a Corner Lot, the rear yard shall be considered as parallel to the street upon which the lot has its least dimension. On both corner lots and interior lots, the rear yard shall be, in all cases, at the opposite end of the lot from the front yard.
3. An accessory building attached to the principal building on a lot, shall be made structurally a part thereof, and shall comply in all respects with the requirements of these regulations applicable to the principal building. An accessory residential building which is not a part of the main building shall not be located closer than fifteen (15) feet from the main building and shall be located entirely to the rear of the main building and shall not be located closer than five (5) feet from the rear and side lot lines. The foundation area of an accessory building shall not exceed 450 square feet. One accessory building shall be permitted per lot, not including any free-standing garage that has been approved.
4. Provide a plot drawing showing your structure with the required setbacks indicated on the drawing. The drawing can be professional or hand-written. When indicating setbacks, please measure to the proposed structure.
5. If you utilize a septic system, approval from Summit County Public Health is required prior to permit issuance. The application can be found online.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: A Building Permit from the Summit County Building Department is required. Contact the Summit County Building Department for information regarding Summit County standards and permitting requirements. Additionally, we recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

6. I want to install a swimming pool.

A Residential Construction Application is required for all new home construction projects, including but not limited to, pools (ABOVE AND INGROUND), gazebos, decks, additions, accessory buildings, such as garages and sheds, and accessory uses, such as greenhouses.

Steps to Obtaining a Residential Construction Permit

1. Determine your Zoning District.
2. Determine your required structure setbacks. If you are a Corner Lot, you will have (2) front-yard setbacks, (1) rear-yard setback and (1) side yard setback. To determine the setbacks on a Corner Lot, the rear yard shall be considered as parallel to the street upon which the lot has its least dimension. On both corner lots and interior lots, the rear yard shall be, in all cases, at the opposite end of the lot from the front yard. 
3. Swimming pools shall be located entirely to the rear of the main building and shall not be located closer than fifteen (15) feet from the rear and side lot lines.
4. Provide a plot drawing showing your structure with the required setbacks indicated on the drawing. The drawing can be professional or hand-written. When indicating setbacks, please measure to the proposed structure.
5. If you utilize a septic system, approval from Summit County Public Health is required prior to permit issuance. The application can be found online.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: A Building Permit from the Summit County Building Department is required. Contact the Summit County Building Department for information regarding Summit County standards and permitting requirements. Additionally, we recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

Enclosures: Private swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (1219 mm) in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching. Where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of 6 inches (152 mm) from the gatepost. No existing pool enclosures shall be removed, replaced or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier. Private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs must also have a cover over the surface of the water when the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is not being used.

7. I want to install a fence.

Copley Township does not issue permits for residential fences, however, we do apply standards for fence structures. 

A residential fence may not exceed (6) feet in overall height and must be located no closer than (10) feet from the Road Right-of-Way. Please note that if you are on a corner lot, you must meet the (10) setback from Right-of-Way on both roads.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER:  We recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

8. I want to add/replace: shingles, windows, siding, HVAC, plumbing, hot water heaters

Copley Township does not require a permit for general home improvements (shingles, windows, siding, HVAC, plumbing, hot water heaters).

If you are changing the pitch of the roof, a Residential Construction Application must be submitted to Copley Township and a Zoning Certificate will be issued.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: A Building Permit from the Summit County Building Department is required. Contact the Summit County Building Department for information regarding Summit County standards and permitting requirements.  Additionally, we recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

9. I want to remodel the interior of my home.

Copley Township does not require a permit for general interior improvements. Please contact the Zoning Inspector for specific interior improvement questions.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER: A Building Permit from the Summit County Building Department may be required. Contact the Summit County Building Department for information regarding Summit County standards and permitting requirements. Additionally, we recommend that you review Home Owner Association standards and/or Deed Restrictions where applicable.

10. I want to operate a business out of my home.

A Home Occupation Permit is required for any accessory use which is an activity, profession, occupation, service, craft or revenue enhancing hobby, but excluding compensated auto repair and daycare facilities, which is clearly incidental and subordinate to the use of the premises for dwelling purposes, and which is conducted entirely within conforming non-agricultural structures located upon the premises without any significant adverse effect on the surrounding neighborhood. See also Article 6, Section 6.01 AA.

Home Occupations are permitted in specific Zoning Districts of the Township. Determine your Zoning District.

• Home occupation (up to 1 outside employees)-Permitted in Zoning Districts R-LD, R-MD, R-S/MF, R-HD, R-O/C
• Home occupation (up to 3 outside employees)-Conditional in Zoning Districts R-LD, R-MD, R-S/MF, R-HD, R-O/C. A Conditional Use Application must be submitted.
• Landscape business as home occupation-Permitted in Zoning Districts R-LD, R-O/C

Please contact our Zoning Inspector to determine the potential of your Home Occupation request.

11. Does the Township have a service to help maintain private properties?

Copley Township is required by law to follow a series of steps before actually abating nuisance properties. These steps are available for review in the Ohio Revised Code under section 505.87. When a property is declared to meet the criteria of being a nuisance we may have the issue abated by a private contract.

 

12. Who do I contact if I believe there is a maintenance issue with a property?

Our Zoning Department conducts routine tours of our Township to inspect potential problem properties. Nuisance issues can arise due to a variety of causes and keeping track of these properties is a priority. The Zoning Department appreciates the help our neighbors offer to point out any nuisance property we may have missed. If you wish to make a notification of a property please call the office at (330) 666-30108  and provide the address with your point of concern. All calls remain anonymous and will be handled as the law permits. 

Planning & Zoning Inspector - Shawna Gfroerer 1108

Code Enforcement Officer - Jeff Newman - extension 1175

13. What happens when I call about a violation?

We first visit the property to determine if a violation has occurred. If one is found then depending upon the history and severity of the violation either a door notice will be left, a warning letter may be sent, or a violation letter may be sent. If the violation is not remedied within the specified time then either nuisance abatement procedures or court action may be initiated.

14. Do I have to give my name when I call about a violation?

Our office will investigate all calls regardless of whether a name is left or not. We encourage our residents to communicate with each other to attempt to resolve issues, but we understand that this is not always possible. In cases of nuisance abatement, it greatly assists our efforts if residents are available to testify regarding the effects they are experiencing from the nuisance issue.

15. I live in a subdivision with a homeowner association (HOA), will the Code Enforcement Division enforce the association’s bylaws, subdivision restrictions, or deed restrictions?

No. If someone in the subdivision is violating a provision of the association’s bylaws, it is the responsibility of the association to initiate legal action. The only regulations the Codes Enforcement Division can enforce are state and city laws.

16. Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Yes. Copley Township 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 report will be taken 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 the department if you wish to remain anonymous.

17. I phoned in a complaint weeks ago. Why has nothing been done to the property?

In all cases, the responsible party must be provided notice that there is a problem. They must be provided with a reasonable time in which to correct the violation(s). This notice may be as simple as a visit from a code enforcement officer or the issuance of a notice of violation. 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 most expeditiously and appropriately.

18. What are some of the things that would be considered a violation?

• Overgrown vegetation such as weeds, grass, and vines, growth to a height of 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 or more inoperable or wrecked motor vehicles.

19. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

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. 
 

20. What are Zoning Maps and standards

Zoning Maps and standards are used to not only protect surrounding neighbors from change but also protect the landowner to seek proper land use rights.

 

21. What is a Zoning Resolution?

A Zoning  Resolution is a written regulation that defines how property in specific geographic zones can be used.

22. Can I have Chickens?

Copley Township does not regulate the care or keeping of chickens through Zoning Regulations. Agricultural Use is permitted in all Residential Districts. Please contact your HOA and/or review neighborhood covenants to determine if there are restrictions on the care and keeping of chickens.  An Agricultural Use Affidavit is required for structures related to Agricultural Use.  Article 6, Section 6.01 T