Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a copy of my birth certificate from Oakwood Village Hall? back to top
No, information concerning copies of birth certificates can be obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics at Cleveland City Hall (216-664-2315).
Where can I register to vote? back to top
You can register to vote at Oakwood Village Hall, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or the Southeast Branch Library at 70 Columbus Road.
Where do I get a marriage license? back to top
Marriage licenses can be obtained at the Cuyahoga County Courthouse (216-442-8920).
Does the Mayor perform marriage ceremonies? back to top
The Mayor performs marriage ceremonies free of charge to Oakwood residents. Call the Mayor's Office for an appointment.
How can I rent the park pavilion? back to top
Village residents may reserve the pavilion in Oakwood Community Park for private picnics held between May 1 thru September 30. Call the Mayor's Office to determine if your date is available before obtaining a permit. A permit fee of $35.00 and a $150 refundable cleaning deposit are required.
How do I join the "Snow Removal Program? back to top
If you are age 62 or older, or permanently disabled and you have no one else residing at your home to shovel your driveway, you may register for the snow removal program. For eligible participants, applications and release forms can be filled out at Village Hall. A one-time $1.00 registration fee will entitle you to have your driveway shoveled the entire winter when 3" or more of snow falls and the streets have been cleared. Please call the Village Hall by December 1st every year to continue participation. If you do not meet the criteria stated above, please do not abuse this service.
Can the Village regulate Cable Company fees? back to top
The Village no longer has any authority to regulate rates or the amount and types of channels offered by the Cable Company. The FCC provides a formula by which the cable provider calculates their rates. The Village has authority only to verify that those calculations are correct.
Is door to door solicitation allowed in Oakwood? back to top
Constitutional law allows door-to-door solicitation. Solicitors must register and obtain a permit from the Mayor's Office and wear identification visible to the public. Soliciting may be done only between the hours of 1:00 p.m. 'til dusk. Solicitors can not call upon a residence that has a "No Solicitors" sticker displayed on their door or window. Stickers may be obtained at Village Hall.
Can I put unused paint in the trash? back to top
Unused paint must be solidified by placing oil dry in the paint to reduce the liquid content. Liquid waste (i.e., motor oil, gasoline, thinners) and batteries are not collected at curbside for environmental reasons.
Do I have to bag the leaves that have fallen in my yard? back to top
The Service Departments conducts fall leaf collection beginning in October. Rake leaves onto your tree lawn in a timely manner. Remove branches, twigs, rocks and other debris from the leaf pile. Piles that contain items other than leaves WILL NOT be picked up. If you have branches or brush, you may tie them into small bundles no more than 4' long for Waste Management to pick up. Do not place leaves in the roadway. The Service Department will make periodic trip around the Village to collect leaves.
Can I rent the Oakwood Village Community Center for my party? back to top
Village residents may rent the community center only on weekends and only for events occurring during the current year. It is a smoke and alcohol free facility. The main room seats 150 people. The small room seats 50 people. A security guard must be in attendance at all times. Contact the Mayor's Office for fee information and availability.
Does Oakwood have any plans to fight the West Nile Virus circulating in the mosquito population? back to top
Yes, the Village will conduct a multi-prong "Plan of Action" to prevent the spread of the virus:
  • The Mayor's Office will arrange a 50% discount to any Village resident for screen repair. (Limit of 3)
  • The Service Department will remove discarded tires from your property, provide a 6 oz. can of REPEL insect repellant to all senior residents at no charge, larvicide every 30 days all catch basins and low-lying areas and ditches where there is permanent standing water and, larvicide neighborhood ponds three times during the Summer-Fall.
What should I do if my CO Detector starts to sound off? back to top
Don't panic and call the Fire Department at 232-1035. If someone feels ill, get them out of the house, otherwise, wait for the Fire Department to check for air quality. When necessary, the Fire Department will ventilate your home and inform the Gas Company to check for the problem source.
What if I go on vacation? back to top
Call the Police Department at 232-1035 prior to your departure. The dispatcher will complete a house watch request form with your information. Your home will be checked on a regular basis until we receive a call confirming your return.
What can I do to assist the paramedics if I or my family needs to call 911? back to top
Keep a current health history and list of medications on the refrigerator door with a magnet. Also inform your family of its location. This information could mean life or death if on-the-scene treatment is necessary! It is also very important that the address of your home is clearly marked on your mailbox or house and visible from the street. This aids our officers in locating your home quickly and greatly reduces the response time in an emergency.
Where can I sign up for Recreation Programs? back to top
You may sign up for all recreation programs at the Recreation Department. The hours are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. You may call 232-6188 to learn about the types of programs offered or receive other information.
Will my trash collection be affected by the holiday? back to top
Trash collection will be affected on New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. When these holidays fall on a Monday, trash will be collected on the following day.
Is my neighbor allowed to put his/her trash out two days early? back to top
Residents cannot place trash on tree lawns earlier than 8:00 p.m. the day prior to the regularly scheduled pickup.
Can I put my couch out for the trash collection contractor? back to top
Yes, place furniture, appliances or other household items at the curb only on your regular trash collection day. Please remove any doors from appliances and Freon must be removed and tagged by a licensed dealer. You must call Waste Management at 439-3555 to arrange for the removal of these items.
What are the on street parking requirements in our Village? back to top
On street parking is not permitted. Exceptions may be made for emergencies, driveway construction, out-of-town guests, or situations similar in nature. The Police Department must be contacted in advance at 232-1035 if such permission is to be granted. Vehicles granted permission to park on the street must not block driveways or limit access to any fire hydrant. Parked vehicles must not block or impede a sidewalk. The Village of Oakwood also has ordinances that prohibit unlicensed, expired or junk motor vehicles on your property that are not enclosed in a garage. In addition, motor vehicles must be parked on a designated paved area and are prohibited from lawn areas.
How do I obtain a placard to park in a handicap parking space? back to top
Forms can be obtained from the License Bureau to be completed by your personal physician and returned to the License Bureau to purchase the placard. You may only park in handicap spaces if you have a handicap placard/plate; there are no exceptions.
What is the curfew for children in our Village? back to top
Children under 12 shall not be upon the streets from darkness to dawn; children between the ages of 12 and 15 shall not be upon the streets between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.; children ages 16 and 17 shall not be upon the streets between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult.
Can the Village help seniors with transportation? back to top
Seniors 60 years or older and physically challenged residents of any age who live within the Village of Oakwood may use the services of the Oakwood Village Van. Reservations for medical appointments should be made at least ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 232-9988. Reservations for banking, prescription pick-ups, grocery shopping, social service agencies, library, beauty shops, cinema, etc., should be made at least 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. There will be a charge of $1.00 per ride (round trip) for trips outside the Village. There is no charge for trips inside Village limits.
Does the Village provide a flu shot program? back to top
Flu shots for seniors are administered at the Oakwood Community Center by the Board of Health in the Fall. Please contact Edie Appel at the Community Center at 232-9907 for additional information.
Can the Village help with the high cost of prescription drugs? back to top
Oakwood Village residents of all ages who do not have prescription drug coverage or co-pay plans are encouraged to join the "Penny Pinching Express" bus trips to Windsor, Canada for substantial discounts on their prescription drugs. The trips are scheduled every three months. You can also represent family members through a power of attorney to obtain prescriptions on their behalf. Please call the Mayor's Office for additional information.
Where can I get a license for my dog? back to top
Dog licenses can be purchased at any Drug Mart or Pet Supplies Plus. For fee information, please contact the Cuyahoga County Auditor's Office at 216-443-6938.
What can I do about my neighbor's dog that barks all day long? back to top
Call the police while the problem is occurring. This is treated as a disturbance call. The Animal Warden will follow up after police contact.
What happens if a dog owner does not remove dog waste on the Fitness Trail? back to top
Oakwood's ordinance requires that an owner/keeper or person in charge of a dog must pick up and properly dispose of any fecal matter left by his or her animal or face a $100.00 fine.
What can I do about skunks in my yard? back to top
Stop feeding them by eliminating all food sources in your yard. Place garbage in sealed containers, don't leave food out and unattended for other animals and use bird feeders that prevent spillage. Stop providing shelter by sealing decks, porches and sheds.
What are the hours for lawn cutting and related noises? back to top
Such activities are prohibited between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Can you recommend a contractor for a project in my home? back to top
The Village cannot provide recommendations for contractors. Residents should verify that the contractor is registered with the Village, contact the Better Business Bureau and ask the contractor for references.
Do I need a permit to put a fence around my yard? back to top
Yes, permits are required for the erection of a fence and for many other home improvement projects. Contact the Building Department at 232-9980 before embarking upon any project to determine what requirements exists.
Is a home inspection necessary when I am selling my home? back to top
Yes, a "Point of Sale" inspection is required before any dwelling is sold. Contact the Building Department at 232-9980 to schedule an appointment.
What can I do about my neighbor who will not cut his/her grass? back to top
Contact the Building Department at 232-9980 to register a complaint. An inspector will be assigned to the case.
Is there financial assistance available for home renovations? back to top
Oakwood Village has been very successful in implementing the County Department of Development's "Exterior Maintenance Program". Oakwood homeowners of low to moderate-income levels may be eligible for 75 cents of County funds for every $1.00 of exterior work performed up to a maximum of $4,000. Call the Building Department at 232-9980 for information.