Common Ordinances F-L

Ordinances You Should Know

This summary of selected Cleveland Heights ordinances includes those areas and issues that are most commonly encountered by citizens on a regular basis.

Fireworks

No one is permitted to have fireworks for sale within the city, nor is it legal to discharge, ignite, or explode any fireworks. Fireworks-display permits for fairs or other celebrations may be obtained from the Fire Chief and Police Chief.

Garage Sales

Garage sales are popular in the community, and although no permit is required, there are some regulations (Ordinance No. 168-2008 Section 1165.021) to follow: 

  1. Items offered for sale should not be displayed in the front of the property. 
  2. No more than two garage or yard sales per calendar year may be conducted ay any one property. 
  3. Each garage or yard sale may run for no more more than three consecutive calendar days. 
  4. Hours for such sales shall be no earlier than 8 a.m. and no later than 6 p.m. 
  5. Garage and yard sales must be conducted by the owner(s) of the personal items to be sold. 

Grass & Weed Removal

Most Cleveland Heights residents pride themselves on their lovely lawns; when someone neglects their yard or lot, it is unfair to neighbors. Grass and weeds should not be allowed to grow higher than six inches, or be allowed to go to seed and spread pollen, which may be harmful to human health. If this happens, the owner, occupant or manager of any lot or parcel in the city may be given two days' written or oral notice to cut or destroy grass or weeds higher than six inches. If there is no compliance, the Mayor is authorized to have the grass cut at the owner's expense. The cost for grass and weed removal will be a $200 minimum charge.

Home Businesses

Nothing can be displayed on the exterior to indicate that the home is being used for any purpose other than residential. No merchandise can be manufactured or processed for sale, bought, sold, exchanged or traded in or on the premises. Home occupations involving individual works of art are permitted, however, provided it meets all other criteria stipulated in the ordinance. No mechanical, electrical or chemical equipment may be used except such as causes no disturbances beyond the premises where the home business is located. Home-based businesses are permitted to have one employee who is not a resident of the home where the business is based. No motor vehicles can bring customers to the place of the home business other than for the period from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. All such vehicles need to be parked on private property.

Home Improvement/New Construction

For all structures, the plans submission, procedure and approval, permit issuance, fees and conditions, enforcement, inspections and appeals shall be as provided for in the Regional Dwelling House code and City ordinances. A complete copy of the Regional Dwelling House code is on file with the Clerk of Council's Office (216-291-3925), and the Cuyahoga County Library. There will be no excavation, grading or paving on any property, or construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolishing any building without first obtaining a building permit from the Building Commissioner. A separate permit shall be obtained for paving, electrical work, plumbing work, heating, air conditioning, appliance and all equipment installations. Construction work needs to occur only on weekdays and Saturdays, other than legal holidays, between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Jogging, Walking & Playing in the Street

For safety's sake, where a sidewalk is provided, no pedestrian shall walk in the street. If a sidewalk is unavailable, pedestrians should walk close to the curb on the left side of the road. Joggers, runners, and walkers are a common sight in Cleveland Heights, and they, too, need to remember to run/walk as close as they can to the edge of the road on the left side only. At night, they should wear reflective clothing. Pedestrians also shall not cross the street at any place, except at a marked crosswalk. At no time should children or adults play in the street.

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For a complete list of Codified Ordinances, click here.