FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Permit FAQ

Where do I get my building permit?
Greene County Building Regulations issues building permits (937-562-7420). 

What Does the Permit Cost?
Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Cases
Residential and Commercial Permits

May fences be placed on the property line?
Yes.  Fences are allowed on the property line.

What type of permit do I need for a garage? 
If it is detached, an accessory structure permit is required.  If it is attached, a residential zoning permit is required. 

Can I build a garage and then a home? 
No.  Detached garages are accessory structures.  The home must be built first.

Do I need a permit to have a garage or yard sale?
No.  Signs may only be placed on private property. 

Do I need a permit to build a greenhouse? 
A greenhouse is considered an accessory structure if it is free standing.  Otherwise, it is considered an addition, requiring an Accessory Application. 

Do I need a permit to construct a handicapped ramp?
Yes.  A residential zoning permit is required, but no fee is charged. 

Do I need a permit for home occupation?
No.  Refer to the standards in the zoning code. 

What do I need to start a new business in an existing building?
You will need a certificate of zoning compliance. The Greene County Building Department will require an occupancy permit.

Do I need a permit to install a patio? 
No. 

Do I need a permit for a satellite dish?
Yes.  And satellite dishes are permitted in the rear yard only.

What do I need to get a permanent sign?
Signs are regulated in the area of number, height, square footage of the face, total square footage of both sides, and setback from the road.  Bring a copy of a site plan (for ground signs) and a drawing (to measurable scale) to indicate sign height and face, along with a completed application.

What are the restrictions on temporary signs? 
An establishment can choose from one of the following two options per calendar year for a temporary portable wheeled ground sign containing changeable copy, or for an A-frame sign:
Two temporary signs may be put up in a given year.  These signs each may be up for a maximum of 15 continuous days.  There must also be a period of 30-days between each sign.  Or: One temporary sign each calendar year for a period of 30 continuous days.   For election signs, click here.
    Permits may be obtained at the City of Beavercreek Planning and Zoning office.  Call for details. 

What Kind of Permit Do I Need?

Permit Description

Accessory Structure Permit
An accessory structure permit is required prior to constructing, replacing, expanding or moving any detached structure (e.g. shed, detached garage) in a residential zoning district.
    To receive an accessory structure permit, a zoning permit for an Accessory Structure application must be complete in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning. The permit must show all existing and proposed accessory structures.  If the accessory structure exceeds 200 square feet, a full set of construction drawings along with three copies of a site plan drawn to scale (i.e. 1 inch = 30 feet) are required.  The information given on this application should be in compliance with the requirements of 158.104 of the Zoning Code as summarized below.
· Detached garages may not be located nearer the front property line than the main
Dwelling. No detached accessory structures are permitted in the required front or side yards. 
· No structure shall be closer than 10 feet from the rear lot line. Interior lots shall not place an accessory structure closer than 10 feet from side lot line. Corner lots shall not place an accessory structure closer than 15 feet from side lot line. 
· May not exceed fourteen (14) feet in height.
· The total square footage of all accessory structures may not exceed 50% of the
footprint of the house.
· All detached accessory structures require a Greene County building permit 
(562-7420).
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days and you will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved, or if additional 
information is needed.
    A Greene County building permit is required after you receive a permit from the City.

Certificate of Zoning Compliance
A certificate of zoning compliance is required prior to the occupancy of a new commercial or industrial building, or the re-occupancy of an existing commercial or industrial building.
    To receive a certificate of zoning compliance, a Certificate of Zoning Compliance application must be completed in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning. The applicant is encouraged to contact the Beavercreek Fire Department to discuss the application.
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days and you will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved and the permit has been issued.
    A Greene County occupancy permit is required after you receive a certificate of zoning compliance from the city.

Commercial / Industrial Zoning Permit
A commercial / industrial zoning permit is required prior to erecting, adding to, moving, or altering the size of any commercial or industrial building located within the City.
    To receive a permit, a Commercial / Industrial Zoning Permit application must be completed in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning along with one full set of construction drawings, a landscape plan, and three copies of a site plan drawn to scale (i.e. 1 inch = 30 feet). 
The information given on this application should be in compliance with the requirements of sections 158.034 to 158.041 of the Zoning Code or application PUD requirements.  The requirements and restrictions for specific zoning districts are available from the Department of Planning and Zoning.  If the construction of a commercial or industrial building requires work to be performed within the public road right-of-way, an "application for permit to work along or across city streets" must be submitted with the zoning permit application.
    The review period will be a minimum of one week.  You will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved and the permit has been issued, or if additional information is required.

Demolition Permit
A demolition permit is required prior to the demolition of a building with a total square footage in excess of 1,000 square feet.
    To receive a permit, a demolition permit application must be completed in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning along with a site plan that shows the location of the structure with building dimensions, property boundaries and the number of structures and/or dwelling units to be demolished.
    The information provided should be in compliance with the requirements of section 158.132 of the Zoning Code.
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days and you will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved and can be picked up, or if additional information is needed.
    An additional demolition permit is required from the Greene County Department of Building Regulations prior to demolition.
    After demolition, the building lot must be cleared of all debris resulting from the demolition, including any existing footers or slabs.
    The lot must be restored to an acceptable condition if new construction is not to begin in 30 days following demolition.  Until improvements have been made, a bond may be required that sufficiently covers the cost of restoration.
    A demolition permit expires six months after the date on which it is issued unless within such a six-month period demolition of the structure is commenced.

Fence Permit
A fence permit is required when erecting or replacing a fence or retaining wall within the City.
    To receive a fence permit, a Fence Permit application must be completed in full and submitted to the department of Planning and Zoning.  The information provided should be in compliance with the requirements of Section 158.105 of the Zoning Code, as summarized below.
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days and you will be notified by telephone when the application had been approved and the permit had been 
issued or if additional information is needed.
Front Yard - The minimum height of the fence cannot exceed 42 inches.   The fence must be set back 12 feet from the back of curb or 25 feet from the center of the street if curbs are not available (in most cases).  The fence must be set back 25 feet from any street intersection.  The placement of the fence is not permitted in the public right-of-way and cannot interfere with the visibility from driveways or intersections.  The use of chain-link or wire fencing is prohibited.  Split-rail fences with welded or chicken wire backing are permitted.
Side and Rear Yard - The maximum height of the fence cannot exceed 6 feet.  The maximum height for fences around a swimming pool or tennis court cannot exceed 10 ft.
General Requirements - Electric and barbed wire fences are prohibited in all residential districts.  Security fences (maximum 8 feet high) are permitted in business and commercial
districts.

Remodeling Permit
A remodeling permit is required prior to any interior alterations to a building within the City.  Interior alterations must not change the building size or square footage, and cannot include any new building constructions.
    To receive a remodeling permit, a remodeling application must be completed in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning.
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days and you will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved and the permit has been issued.
    Additional permits may be required by other agencies after you receive a remodeling permit from the City, as indicated at the bottom of the form.

Residential Zoning Permit
A residential zoning permit is required prior to constructing, adding to, moving, or altering any residential building designed for occupancy within the City. Activities such as constructing a new building addition (including attached garages), decks and swimming pools also require this permit. Instructions for swimming pool are on a separate page.
    To receive a permit, a Residential Zoning Permit application must be completed in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning along with one set of architectural drawings (including elevations) and three copies of a site plan drawn to scale (i.e. 1 inch = 30 feet).  The information given on this application should be in compliance with Sections 
158.030 to 158.033 of the Zoning Code.
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days (except for infill lots) and you will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved and the permit has been issued, or if additional information is needed.
    Additional permits may be required by other agencies after you receive a remodeling permit from the City, as indicated at the bottom of the application form.
    Summary of Zoning Regulations (see Zoning Code for specific regulations):  The structure must meet the following minimum yard requirements (in feet):

(Chimneys, flues, sills, pilasters, cornices, eaves, gutter, down spouts, windows and other similar features may project into the required yard a maximum of 24 inches.)  The structure can be no higher than 35 feet (or 2 ½ stories).  In general, each residential unit must provide a minimum of two off-street parking spaces.

Sign Permit
A sign permit is required prior to erecting, altering or relocating a sign within the City
    To receive a sign permit, a Sign Permit application must be completed in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning along with three copies of a drawing, sketch, or photo of the sign indicating the sign dimensions, as well as three copies of a drawing showing the location of proposed and existing signs on the site and/or building, all drawn to scale (i.e. 1 inch = 30 feet).
    The information given on this application should be in compliance with the requirements of sections 158.145 to 158.158 of the Zoning Code.
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days ( if sufficient information has been submitted) and you will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved and the permit has been issued.
    A Greene County building permit is required after you receive a sign permit, not including temporary signs.

Swimming Pool Permit
When is a swimming pool permit required?
A permit for a swimming pool is required when installing any above- or in-ground pool.
    To receive a swimming pool permit, a Residential Zoning Permit application must be complete in full and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning along with three copies of the site plan drawn to scale (i.e. 1 inch = 30 feet). If necessary, lot dimensions can be obtained from the record plans in the Department of Planning and Zoning or from the city tax maps.  The information given on this application should be in compliance with the requirements of 158.121 of the Zoning Code, as summarized below.
    The application will be reviewed in one to two business days and you will be notified by telephone when the application has been approved, or if additional information is needed. Once approved, you must then obtain a building permit from the Greene County Building Regulations Department.
    Swimming Pool Requirements - The pool must be set back ten feet from any property line, including the pool apron.  The pool must be enclosed within a fence or wall. The minimum height of the fence cannot be less than six feet and the fence height cannot exceed ten feet.  A solid wall cannot be less than five feet in height.  If the fence or wall is a separate structure, not attached to the pool, a fence permit is required.  The swimming pool cannot be located in any required front or side yard.

When do I need a zoning permit?
The City of Beavercreek issues zoning permits.  (The Greene County Building Regulations Department issues building permits.)
    · Construct or altering an accessory structure
    · Construct a new house
    · Construct or alter a residential deck
    · Install or alter a pool
    · Erect a tent (residential and commercial)
    · Install or alter a fence or wall
    · Remodel the interior of a house or commercial building
    · Occupy a commercial building
    · Construct or alter a commercial building
    · Engage in temporary or outdoor sales
    · Erect a sign
For specific information concerning individual permits refer to Permits section. 

Inspections

What do I need to do when I am ready for an inspection?
Call the City of Beavercreek Planning and Zoning Department 24 hours prior to when you want the inspection.  Have your permit number ready.

Who does inspections for sidewalks and driveways?
The City of Beavercreek Engineering Department inspects all sidewalks, driveways, and roads.  Their telephone number is 427-5513.

Complaints

How to Complain

Number of Cars on Residential Lot

Tall Grass

Junk Vehicles

Where should complaints be directed? 
The Planning Department has enforcement authority for zoning and property maintenance issues.  Building construction issues are regulated by the Greene County Building Regulations Department, while drainage, street, sidewalk and similar issues are handled by the City of Beavercreek Engineering Department, and general government issues are handled by the City Manager's office. 

Are there restrictions on the number of cars parked on a residential lot? 
We do not restrict the number of cars allowed on the lot as long as they are on the owner's property and appear to be functional.  There are, however, restrictions if cars are parked for commercial purposes. 

Can anything be done if my neighbors grass is too high?
If the grass is10 inches or higher, a complaint can be made by calling the Planning and Zoning Department. 

What is the process for cutting grass which is too high?
First an inspector from the Planning and Zoning Department will verify that the grass is a problem, after which a certified letter is sent to the property owner.  Five days are allowed from the date the property owner receives the letter to cut the grass.  If it is not cut within that time, the city will hire a contractor to cut the grass and the property owner will be billed for the expense. 

What are the City's regulations on Junk Vehicles?
Click here.

Animal Codes

Are there any zoning code regulations concerning animals?
Farm animals may only be kept on property located in an agricultural (A-1) district.  There are no city restrictions on the number of domestic animals which may be kept, except when the owner of such animals is breeding them for commercial purposes.

Land Subdividing

What do I need to do to subdivide my land?
Any proposal to create a new buildable lot must be approved as a subdivision by the Planning Commission.  Contact the Planning Department for application materials and requirements.

General

What is the difference between parcel number and lot number?
Parcel number is assigned by County Auditor; lot number is assigned by the developer of the project. 

How far from the center of the road is the front property line?
Typically, but not in all cases, the front property line is 25 feet from the centerline of the road.

How do I find my property lines?
Typically metal pins are placed at the corners of a lot.  If these pins are not visible you may rent a metal detector to find them or contact a surveying company.  Your plot plan may be found on the Greene County Web site.  The Planning Department's tax map book will give you exact dimensions.

Issues not regulated by the City of Beavercreek

Where do I get a Vendor's permit? 
Call the Greene County Auditor's Office (562-5065).

Where can I get a copy of occupancy permits?
Call Greene County Regional Planning and Coordinating Commission (562-7420), or Greene County Auditor's Office (562-5065).

May I burn materials on my lot?
Consult the following Open Burn Guideline as published by the Beavercreek Fire Department.

How can I tell if a house previously existed on a vacant parcel? 
We suggest that you call the Dayton Power and Light Company to verify if there ever was service at the location (331-3900).

Who controls public water and sewer?
Greene County Sanitary Engineering (562-7450); 
Greene County Sewer and Water Maintenance (462-5824).

What do I do about an underground fuel or oil tank?
Contact the State Fire Marshall at 614-752-7126 to obtain a permit.  The City does not regulate these tanks. 

Who do I contact about property taxes?
The Greene County Auditor's office (562-5065).

Who deals with neighborhood covenants?
The Planning and Zoning Department has no ability to enforce private covenants.  The neighborhood Homeowners Associations are the entities that control the private covenants and restrictions in a neighborhood.


If you have any questions, a staff member in the Department of Planning and Zoning is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
(937) 427-5512
Planning@ci.beavercreek.oh.us