Does the city have a Building Department?
The city is contracted with the County of Summit Department of Building Standards (330) 630-7280. Their office handles all building department application, permitting, and inspection responsibilities for construction in the city. Zoning certificates from the city are required to verify use, size, location, and finish materials standards, prior to issuance of a building permit from the county.
When do I need a permit?
Generally, any structural changes, and some material changes, and new construction, require a permit from our office and may require a building permit from Summit County.
Do I need a permit to have a Garage or Yard Sale?
No permit is required. However, garage sales on residential lots shall be limited to no more than 2 events per calendar year and no longer than 72 hours per event. Additionally, signs for the event cannot be placed in the public right-of-way. See this image for typical right- of-way areas.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
Yes. A shed is considered an accessory structure. All accessory structures require a permit from the city, and any over 200 square feet also require Building Department approval through Summit County.
Do I need a permit to put up a fence?
Yes. A completed Fence Permit Application with fee ($25) should be submitted with an overview of the property showing the location of the proposed or replacement fence and a picture or brochure of the fence type.
How high can a fence be, and what types of fences are permitted?
Fences can go up to a maximum of 6’ in height from natural grade on the sides and in the rear of the lot. In the front, and for all street facing areas and on corner lots, fences must be picket or ornamental, have a 2:1 picket to void ratio, and cannot exceed 4’ in height. Chain link is not permitted in front areas. Fences can be wood or vinyl simulating wood; wrought iron or aluminum simulating wrought iron; stone, brick, concrete with stone or brick veneer, or pre-cast concrete simulated stone or brick. Chain link is permissible in the side and rear yards only, and can only be installed at a maximum height of 4’.
What are the requirements to build a new garage?
Garages are accessory structures and can be attached or detached. Newly constructed or
replaced garages must be a minimum of 400 square feet to accommodate two parallel parked vehicles. The city requires a completed application for Residential Construction, a site plan, and building plans showing elevation views, finish materials, and roof pitch.
How close to property lines can I build?
That depends on the size of the lot and size of the proposed structure. Fences can go along the property line, except where existing fences or other structures exist, in which case a distance of three feet from the abutting fence is required.
Accessory structures, such as sheds or detached garages, on Standard Lots of 6,000-10,890 sq. ft. typically have setback requirements to be a minimum of 6’ from the rear building line of the house or structure, 5’ from the rear property line, and 3’ from the side property line.
Please review the City of Cuyahoga Falls General Development Code, review Summit County GIS maps, see our Permit Applications, and feel free to contact the Community Development Department (330) 971-8135, for assistance.
Who do I contact about vacant or unkempt properties?
Many exterior property maintenance and safety issues are enforced by the Community Development Department’s Housing Division. Please call (330) 971-8135 or email development@cityofcf.com to report a complaint or check the status of one.