Davie Hobson - Housing Inspector

• Point of Sale Inspections - Residential
• Point of Rental Inspections - Residential
• Handles residential complaints

Debbie Stoffl - Planning Secretary

Planning Commission (PC)

The Planning Commission consists of five Oakwood residents who are appointed by the Mayor for a term of six years.

The Commission has the power of recommendation concerning the plan, design, location, removal, relocation and alteration of any building or structure belonging to the Municipality or located in or on public streets or public property; the location, widening, extension and vacation of streets, parks, parkways, playgrounds, recreation areas and other public places; the approval of plats for the subdivision of lands, the zoning of the Municipality for the purpose of regulating the location of trades, industries, multiple dwelling districts or other uses of the property, the height and design of buildings, the percentage of area of the lot which may be occupied by building, the area of lot per family of occupation, the provision of yard spaces, the fixing of building lines and the preparation of plans or maps for the future physical development and harmonious improvement of the municipality; and such other powers as are now or hereafter may be conferred by ordinance of Council. (Oakwood Charter -- Section 10.01)

For further information about the functions and jurisdiction of the Planning Commission, see Charter – Section 10.01 and Chapter 1101 of the codified ordinances of the Village of Oakwood or call the Oakwood Building Department at 440-232-9980.

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Board of Zoning Appeals (ZBA)

The Board of Zoning Appeals consists of five Oakwood residents who are appointed by the Mayor for a term of three years.

The Board of Zoning Appeals hears and decides appeals made for exceptions to and variations in the application of ordinances governing zoning in the Village in conformity with the purpose and intent thereof and to hear and decide all appeals made for exceptions to and variations in the application of ordinances, or orders or regulations of administrative officials or agencies. The Board shall hear and decide all appeals from decisions of the Building Commissioner or Inspector concerning building permits and appeals from decisions of the officers enforcing zoning regulations or issuing zoning or use permits. The Village Council by ordinance may provide for affirmance, reversal or modification by it of any decisions of the Board and a hearing by the Council before any decision becomes effective. In such case, the Council by ordinance (See Section 1143.04 of the Building Code) shall provide the procedure for such hearing and determination. Failure of the Council to act within thirty (30) days after such hearing shall constitute an affirmance of the decision of the Board. (Oakwood Charter -- Section 10.03)

For further information about the functions and jurisdiction of the Board of Zoning Appeals, see Charter – Section 10.03 and Chapter 1143 of the codified ordinances of the Village of Oakwood or call the Oakwood Building Department at 440-232-9980.

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Architectural Review Board (ARB)

The Architectural Review Board consists of five members who are appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by Council for a term of three years. One member of the Board should have a background, education and/or experience in the landscaping profession.

The Architectural Review Board shall examine all plans, drawings and specifications submitted to the Building Inspector for the construction, exterior alteration, moving or demolishing any building, structure, except decks, patios, sheds fences or replacement garages, or permanent sign within the Village, and to determine whether such proposed work is of such design, material or location that it will result in a substantial impairment or destruction of value in neighboring real estate, and whether the use of such proposed design, material and location, or substantially similar ones, are reasonably necessary to the development of the property involved, and to approve, disapprove or recommend modification of plans, drawings and specifications accordingly. The concurrence of the majority of the members of the Board shall be necessary for any decision by such Board. (Oakwood Charter – Section 10.10)

For further information about the functions and jurisdiction of the Architectural Board of Review, see Charter – Section 10.10 and Chapter 1140 of the codified ordinances of the Village of Oakwood or call the Oakwood Building Department at 440-232-9980.

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Board of Review Filing and Plan Procedures

The Planning Commission (PC) and Architectural Board of Review (ABR) meet on the first Monday of each month in the Council Chambers at The Oakwood Village Hall. Filing deadline is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting date. Any submissions after the filing deadline will be deferred to the next meeting. Applicants are encouraged to be in attendance.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meet on the second Wednesday of each month in the Council Chambers at The Oakwood Village Hall. Filing deadline is eight (8) business days prior to the meeting date. Any submissions after the filing deadline will be deferred to the next meeting. Applicants are encouraged to be in attendance.

• You must attend a PC meeting for any New Construction, Signage, Change in use, Lot split or Consolidation.
• You must attend an ABR meeting for any New Construction and Signage.
• You must attend a ZBA meeting for any Zoning issues.

When going to one (1) Board meeting, you are required to provide eleven (11) separate sets of plans. (A set where applicable consist of 1 each: Plat/Boundary Survey, Topographic Survey, Tree Preservation plan, Site plan drawn to scale, Landscape plan.) When going to two (2) Board meetings, you are required to provide sixteen (16) separate sets of plans. When going to three (3) Board meetings, you are required to provide twenty one (21) separate sets of plans.

To alleviate any delays, it is recommended that you stop into the Building Department and see the Board Secretary, Debbie Stoffl, for your “Board Packet” . At that time we will discuss the fees and answer any questions you may have.

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Lillie Hicks - Secretary to the Chief Building Official

• Building Department Budget
• Daily Operations of the Building Department

Questions & Answers

What is a permit?

A permit is a license to perform work

Why is a permit required?

For safety! A permit insures that a qualified inspector will check the work.

What type of work requires a permit?

Any structural work or changes, remodeling and renovation, changes or apitions to plumbing, electrical or heating-cooling systems and any new construction. A permit is also required for the installation of a fence or the replacement of an existing fence. You do not need a permit for painting, landscaping or decorating. If in doubt, call the Building Department.

Who can take out a permit?

Any contractor that is property registered with the city or any homeowner performing work themselves. The person(s) name on the permit is the one responsible for the work.

What if I want to have a garage sale?

Just come to the Village Hall and fill out an application and you will be permitted to have a garage sale. The permit is free. You are allowed to have two garage sales per year. Each sale is not to exceed six days within a two week period.

What if I want to sell my home?

A point of sale inspection is required and you must call for an appointment. An inspector will come and inspect your home for code violations. The violations must be corrected or assumed by the buyer before an Occupancy Certificate can be issued.

If you have any question that is not answered here please phone the building department at 440-232-9980 during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

Al Hunziker, Building Inspector
Dave Hobson, Housing Inspector

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