After determining which zoning district your property is in, you can find the zoning regulations which govern the property by accessing the City's Codified Ordinances. The Zoning Code is Part 3, Chapters 325 through 359.
391.
How do I determine if my project will require Design Review?
Construction of all new residential, retail, office, institutional and public buildings are subject to design review.
In addition, new construction, demolition, exterior renovation, landscaping, fencing, new signs, awnings, and other changes are subject to design review, if they are located within Design Review Districts.
To determine whether your property is within a Design Review District, call 216.664.2210 or use the on-line web map browser here.
Open the map and click on "Layer Control" on the left side. When the box opens, turn on the "Design Review Districts" layer and hit "Refresh". Zoom in on your property.
392. What am I required to submit for Design Review?
A checklist can be found here.
If yours is a smaller project, you may not be required to submit all items on the checklist. City Planning staff or your local Community Development Corporation can review your project to determine which items will be needed.
393. What is "design review"?
Through “design reviewâ€쳌, new buildings, renovations, demolitions and property improvements (parking, fencing, landscaping) are reviewed by City Planning to determine compatibility with surrounding buildings. Architectural style, building placement, color, materials, landscaping, driveway locations and other items are considered.
This review applies to residential, retail, office, institutional and public buildings.
394. What is the formal Design Review Process?
The process includes the following steps:
Apply for a building permit: Submit 4 sets of drawings to Building and Housing (City Hall, Room 505) with a permit application
Design review process: If the project requires design review, B&H will route you to the Planning Commission office to fill out an application. The area Planner will prepare you for the meeting and see if you need to submit anything else. When all items are submitted you get a meeting date.
Committee Meeting: You have a better chance of getting a decision at the meeting by if you bring your architect or contractor, and include signage, parking, landscaping, etc. in your plan. The Planning Director can sign-off on smaller projects if approved.
Planning Commission Decision: Projects that involve constructing new main buildings or which are recommended for disapproval must also go to the Planning Commission. With input from the committee's recommendation, the Commission makes a final decision. If the plan is approved, the Director will sign your permit.
395. What is the Landmarks Commission?
The Landmarks Commission ensures the preservation of historically and architecturally significant buildings and districts in the City of Cleveland. The Commission does this by designating landmarks and reviewing new development and property alterations in certain areas.
396. What is the Board of Zoning Appeals?
The Board of Zoning Appeals sees those who want variations from City zoning regulations or who are questioning zoning orders made by City officials.
397. What is the difference between City planning and zoning?
“Planning” recommends guidelines for development. This can include things like land use, public improvements, neighborhood design and character, investment priorities, environmental issues, etc.
“Zoning” refers to rules on how property can be developed including: types of use, building height limits, parking and landscaping requirements, and required setbacks.
411. What are the Board of Zoning Appeals Business Hours?
The Board of Zoning Appeals business hours are from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
412. Is there anything I should do before filing my zoning appeal?
The City suggests you talk about the plan with the Building and Housing Department at 216.664.3827 or with City Planning at 216.664.3460 to determine if a change may eliminate the need for an appeal.
413. When and where will my Zoning Appeal Hearing be held?
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets on Monday mornings at 9:30am in Room 514 on the 5th floor of Cleveland City Hall. If Monday is a holiday, the meeting is held on the following Tuesday. You will be sent a notice in the mail stating the date and time of your hearing. It is important that you list your proper mailing address on your application. Please understand that a hearing appealing for a variance cannot be held until notices are mailed to nearby property owners and an announcement is published in the City Record. The notification process requires a minimum of 2 weeks.
414. I have made an application for a zoning appeal. Do I have to be present at the hearing?
The applicant (typically the property owner) filing the appeal is expected to appear in person at the hearing. If you cannot appear, submit a letter to the Board of Zoning Appeals
authorizing someone to act on your behalf. Your representative must be authorized to bind you or your organization to the decision of the Board, and be familiar with the subject of the appeal and the current conditions and operations of business associated with it.
Send the letter to:
Board of Zoning Appeals City Hall, Room 516 601 Lakeside Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
415. I need to postpone my Zoning Appeal Hearing. Is that possible?
Yes, a request for postponement must be submitted in writing at least 3 business days before to the hearing. It can be faxed to 216.664.2631 or mailed to:
Board of Zoning Appeals City Hall, Room 516 601 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Generally, the Board of Zoning Appeals will not grant more than 3 postponements.
416. If the Board approves my zoning appeal, when can I pick up my permit?
Unless there is additional information you are required to submit, the board will finalize your case during the next meeting that follows your hearing.
Resolutions are mailed or may be picked up at City Hall in Room 516.
You may then take the resolution to the Department of Building and Housing (City Hall Room 505) and continue with the permit process.
417.
If the Board of Zoning Appeals denies my appeal, can I request a rehearing or reconsideration from the Board?
The Board may consider a rehearing or reconsideration request if:
it is filed before the decision is ratified
a $25 filing fee is paid
an affidavit is included that states relevant new evidence, a law or other information not available at the time of the hearing.
418. I was granted a variance but did not get the permits yet. Will my variance expire?
Variances expire 6 months after approval, if permits have not been processed and acted upon.
Prior to the expiration date, you may submit a written request for a 6-month extension.
An explanation of the reason for the delay and a check or money order for $50.00 made payable to the City of Cleveland are required with the request.
It can be hand-delivered or mailed to:
Board of Zoning Appeals City Hall Room 516 601 Lakeside Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114.
Once the extension is granted, you are advised to note the expiration date on your calendar.
419. Is there a fee required when submitting an application for a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals?
Yes. The fee varies based upon the type of improvement for which the variance is being requested and generally range from $25 to $150. Click here and scroll down to Section 329.05 of the City's Codified Ordinances for more details.
421. What is the process for a Zoning Map Amendment?
The change has to be initiated by Council, introduced/read for the first time to the Council of the Whole (generally on Monday evenings), City Planning Commission holds a public meeting to make a recommendation to the Council Committee, City Planning Committee of Council holds another public meeting, legislation is read 2 more times at the Council of the Whole meetings and finally after the 3rd reading there is a 40 day waiting period.
422. How long does the Zoning Map Amendment process take?
Generally it takes 3 to 4 months unless the change is controversial.
435. When and where does the Planning Commission meet?
The Planning Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at 9 am in Room 514 of City Hall. Meeting dates and agendas can be found here
436. When and where does the Landmarks Commission meet?
The Landmarks Commission meetings are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 9 am in Room 514 of City Hall. Meeting dates and agendas can be found here
439. What neighborhoods are in the City?
The City is divided into 36 neighborhoods which are shown here. Boundaries correspond to census tracts in order to track demographic and housing trends, and neighborhoods are sometimes called "Statistical Planning Areas" (SPAs).
440. How do I determine the legal use of my property?
Records on the legal uses of property are kept on file on the 5th Floor of City Hall in the Record Room of the Department of Building and Housing (216.664.2827)
Click here to see the Frequently Asked Questions from other City Departments.
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