Building Department

5511 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, OH 44089

Phone: (440) 204-2410

Fax: (440) 204-2411

Bridget Triana - Admin. Clerk, BridgetTriana@vermilion.net

Phone: (440) 204-2410

Bill DiFucci - Building Inspector, BilldiFucci@vermilion.net

Phone: (440) 204-2414

Ron Sislowski - PT Inspector, RonSislowski@vermilion.net

Phone: (440) 204-2415

Tony Valerius - Director of Public Services, tonyvalerius@vermilion.net

Phone: (440) 204-2424

Hours

Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Hours of Permitted Construction: 8 am - 7 pm

Building Department Forms

• A completed Application for Contractor's Registration.
• A Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $500,000.00, with the City of Vermilion as certificate holder.
• Copies of current registrations in other cities for the same classification applied for. Or take an exam. Exam fee is $25.00.
• Registration fee is $150.00 for a General Contractor Registration and $100.00 for all Subcontractors.
• Specialty Contractors (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Refrigeration & Hydronics) must provide a copy of their current State License.
• Copy of Workman's Compensation Certificate. Or, a typewritten, signed letter stating the reason why such Certificate is not held.
• A completed Regional Income Tax Agency form.
• Incomplete application packets will not be processed and overpayments will only be refunded upon request.
• Contractors caught working without the proper registration with our City will be fined $500.00.
• Any project using non-complying contractors will not be given a final Certificate of Occupancy until all contractors are properly registered.

Permits & Fees

Online Permit Portal

Building Permits and inspections are required for all new construction, repairs, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and temporary and accessory structures, such as, but not limited to storage sheds and pools. Applications are available at the Building Department.

Permit fees are "doubled" when any work is started prior to the approval of a Building Permit. Property pins must be clearly marked before any permit for an exterior project will be approved.

• Awning Permit Fee $25.00
• Boiler Permit Fee $75.00
• Carport Permit Fee $50.00
• Chimney Permit Fee $25.00
• Construction Trailer Permit Fee $35.00
• Deck Permit Fee $50.00 plus $6.00 / 100 sq. ft.

When applying for a deck permit you must bring a drawing showing where the deck will be located on your property and the distance to all property lines. (Measurements must be accurate.) Decks must meet the setback requirements of the Zoning District for the property. Inspections are required during construction.

• Demolition Permit Fee $50.00 plus $6.00 / 100 sq. ft.
• Dock Permit Fee $35.00
• Docks may not be installed prior to March 1 and must be removed prior to December 1 each year.
• Door/Garage Door Permit Fee $25.00
• Driveway / Culvert Tile

Driveway Permit Fee $35.00
Ditch Tile Permit Fee $35.00
Drain Tile Permit Fee $35.00

Prior to installing a driveway or culvert tile a letter must be obtained from the City Engineer setting the grade. City codes require all new driveways to be of a hard surface. Driveways may extend up to the property line. Concrete driveways shall be a minimum of 4 inches concrete over a minimum 4-inch thick compacted stone sub-base. Drive aprons shall be a thickness to 6 inches. Blacktop driveways shall be a 2-inch minimum asphalt as per ODOT Item 404 over a .40gal/sy prime coat over a minimum 4-inch compacted stone sub-base. A proper permit must be applied for through the Building Department. An inspection is required.

Electric

• New Service Minor Work $75.00
• Temporary Pole $75.00
• Addition/Remodel/Accessory Building $125
• New Home (including Temp Pole) $225
• Fence Permit Fee $35.00

Fences may be erected adjacent to the property line and may be up to 7 feet in height along the rear and side of the property up to the front of the primary structure. Fences on corner lots may only be 3 ½ feet in height along both streets. No fence shall be located within the city right-of-way. The good side of the fence must face your neighbor. A site plan drawn to scale must be included with the permit application.

• Fireplace Permit Fee $75.00
• Foundation Permit Fee $50.00

Garage (Residential)

• Garage Permit Fee $75.00 plus $6.00 / 100 sq. ft.
• Electric Permit Fee (if applicable) $75.00

Detached garages may be no larger than 768 sq. ft. Detached garages must be 10 feet from the rear property line and meet the side setbacks for the Zoning District. Attached garages must meet the front, side and rear setback requirements of the Zoning District for the property with the exception of the RS District where the side setback may be reduced to 6 feet. A site plan, building plan and elevations drawn to scale must be included with the permit application. Inspections are required during construction.

Garage Sales & Garage Sale Signs

Garage sales may be conducted between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. and may last no longer than 4 days. Garage sales may be held only one time in a three-month period and no more often than four times a year. Signs not greater than three feet by three feet (3'x 3') may be posted on the property where the sale is being held and one sign of the same size may be located off the premises. No sign shall be placed on utility poles or in the city right-of-way. All signs must be removed within twenty-four hours after the sale is completed.

Grading & Drainage Fees

1. Residential Lots $425.00
2. Commercial & Industrial Sites:
a. Less than 1 acre $425.00
b. 1-3 acres $600.00
c. Over 3 acres $600.00 plus $100.00/acre for each acre over 3 acres

Residential New/Remodeling/Addition (Sq. ft. always rounded up)

1. Family $80.00 plus $10.00/100 Sq. ft.
2. Family $100.00 plus $10.00/100 Sq. ft.
3. Family $100.00 plus $10.00/100 Sq. ft.

Filling of Vacant Land

• Vacant Land, up to 3 Acres $400.00
• Vacant Land, over 3 Acres $400.00 plus $100.00/acre for each acre over 3 acres
• Gutters Permit Fee $25.00
• HVAC Permit Fee $150.00
• Cooling Only $75.00
• Heating Only $75.00
• Moving Structure Permit Fee $550.00

Deposit $500.00

Application must include route, size of structure, and method of moving.

Park Impact Fees

• New Single Family Dwelling: $400.00
• New Two Family Dwelling: $350.00
• New Multi Family Dwelling: $350.00
• New or Addition to Commercial: $100 / 1,000 sq. ft. of new commercial space or for an addition of at least 1,000 sq. ft.
• New or Addition to Industrial Space: $100 / 1,000 sq. ft. of new industrial space or for an addition of at least 1,000 sq. ft.

Parking of Recreational Vehicles

All recreational vehicles must be parked behind the front setback of any residence or in the rear yard area. Temporary parking of boats, motor homes, camper trailers or other recreational vehicles are permitted in driveways for a continuous period not to exceed 48 hours for purposes of winterizing, unloading for storage, seasonal preparation and preparation for personal family trips.

• Parking Lot Permit Fee $60.00
• Plan Review Fee

Residential Building Plan Review Fee $100.00
Residential Zoning Plan Review Fee $30.00

• Plumbing Permit Fee $75.00
• Porch Permit Fee $50.00 plus $6.00 / 100 sq. ft.
• Retaining Wall Permit Fee $300.00
• Roofing Permit Fee $50.00
• Sidewalk Permit Fee $35.00

Sidewalks are required to be kept repaired and/or replaced in conformance with City of Vermilion Code.
Specifications are available from the Building Department or City Engineer. Inspections are required prior to pouring concrete.

• Siding Permit Fee $50.00
• Sign - Please contact Building Department directly for sign information and pricing.
• Street Opening Permit

Permit Fee $50.00
Deposit (Right-of-Way) $500.00
Deposit (Concrete, Pavement, or Blacktop) $1,500.00
Inspection Fee $100.00
A Street Opening Permit is necessary anytime you cut into the street or street right-of-way. Deposits will be refunded 60 to 90 days from the date of completion of all repairs providing the project meets code requirements. An inspection is required once completed.

Swimming Pool

• Swimming Pool Permit Fee $50.00
• Swimming Pool Electrical Permit Fee $75.00

Swimming pools must be at least 10 feet from the rear property line and meet the side setback requirements of the Zoning District for the property. Pools may not be erected in any front yard or under any power lines. A fence of at least 3 ½ feet' must be erected around the top of the pool or around the yard. Pools must be at least 5 feet from any building, structure or sewage disposal facility. All lighting must be shielded so as not to be a nuisance. All pool lights must be turned off at 12:00 midnight and any gate or fence opening must be kept closed and locked when the pool is not in use. An inspection is required after installation is complete. A site plan drawn to scale must be included with the permit application.

Utility Shed / Building

• Shed < 200 sq ft Permit Fee $35.00
• Shed > 200 sq ft Permit Fee $50.00

Utility buildings are to be located in the rear yard in such a manner that they do not drain onto adjacent property. They must be at least 5 feet from the rear property line and meet the side yard setback of the Zoning District for the property. They shall not be larger than 7.5% of the rear yard area or any higher than 135% of the side of the least dimension in the A-1 District. In all other Zoning Districts utility buildings shall not exceed 320 sq. ft. in area and shall not exceed 12 feet in height. When applying for a permit for a utility shed you must bring a drawing with you showing where the shed will be on your property and the distance to all property lines. (Measurements must be accurate.) Utility sheds must be on the same lot as the main structure and an inspection of the site is required.

Windows

• Four or fewer windows - Permit Fee $35.00
• Five or more windows - Permit Fee $50.00

Additional Information

Lot splits involving 5 lots or less $350.00 plus $250.00 for each revised plan submitted
Residential, commercial and industrial preliminary plan and final plat reviewed $1500.00 deposit
Any other item for Planning Commission with plans/drawings to be reviewed $250.00
Any deposit funds remaining shall be refunded upon completion of all reviews and approval of project
Additional funds must be deposited any time the review deposit falls below 25%; must be equal to 50% of original deposit at all times
There will be a $75.00 fee for any failed inspection (incomplete work at inspection, structure locked, in need of correction)
There will be a $25.00 fee charged any time an inspection is requested with less than 24 hours notice

Zoning Districts

Summary of Zoning District RS (Special Residence District)

• Minimum Lot Width 50 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 5,000 sq. ft.
• Minimum Front Yard 30 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 30 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 7 ft.
• Sum of Sides 16 ft.
• Residential Density 6.0
• Maximum Height 30 ft.

Summary of Zoning District RL1 (Existing Lagoon District)

• Minimum Lot Width 60 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 6,000 sq. ft.
• Minimum Front Yard 20 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 30 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 10% of lot width
• Maximum Height 30 ft.

Summary of Zoning District A-1 (Agricultural District)

• Minimum Lot Width 150 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 87,120 sq. ft.
• Minimum Front Yard 75 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 90 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 25 ft.
• Sum of Sides 60 ft.
• Maximum Height 35 ft.

Summary of Zoning District R-1 (Estate Residence District)

• Minimum Lot Width 120 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 43,560 sq.ft.
• Minimum Front Yard 50 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 60 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 20 ft.
• Sum of Sides 40 ft.
• Residential Density 1.0
• Maximum Height 35 ft.

Summary of Zoning District R-2 (Rural Residence District)

• Minimum Lot Width 90 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 16,200 sq. ft.
• Minimum Front Yard 40 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 50 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 8 ft.
• Sum of Sides 18 ft.
• Residential Density 2.3
• Maximum Height 30 ft.

Summary of Zoning District R-3 (Suburban Residence District)

• Minimum Lot Width 75 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 11,250 sq. ft.
• Minimum Front Yard 30 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 40 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 8 ft.
• Sum of Sides 16 ft.
• Residential Density 3.2
• Maximum Height 30 ft.    

Summary of Zoning District R-4 (Urban Residence District)

• Minimum Lot Width 70 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 9,1 00 sq. ft.
• Minimum Front Yard 30 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 40 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 8 ft.
• Sum of Sides 16 ft.
• Residential Density 3.9
• Maximum Height 30 ft.

Summary of Zoning District R-4A (Two Family Urban District)

• Minimum Lot Width 70 ft. (Single Family)
• 85 ft. (Two Family)
• Minimum Lot Area 9,100 sq. ft. (Single Family)
• 16,900 sq. ft. (Two Family)
• Minimum Front Yard 30 ft. (Single Family)
• 35 ft. (Two Family)
• Minimum Rear Yard 40 ft. (Single Family)
• 35 ft. (Two Family)
• Minimum Side Yard 8 ft. (Single Family)
• 15 ft. (Two Family)
• Sum of Sides 16 ft. (Single Family)
• 35 ft. (Two Family)
• Residential Density 3.9 (Single Family)
• 3.9 (Two Family)
• Maximum Height 30 ft. (Single Family)
• 30 ft. (Two Family)

Summary of Zoning District R-5 (Apartment Residence District)

• Minimum Lot Width 300 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 5 acres
• Minimum Front Yard 50 ft. (Major Street)
• 25 ft. (Minor Sreet)
• Minimum Rear Yard 40 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 40 ft.
• Sum of Sides 80 ft.
• Residential Density 12 units/acre
• Maximum Height 45 ft.

Summary of Zoning District R-6 (Special Family District)

• Minimum Lot Width 200 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area Residential: 25 acres
• Commercial: 100 acres
• Minimum Front Yard 30 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 35 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 15 ft.
• Sum of Sides 30 ft.
• Residential Density 6 units/acre
• Maximum Height 35 ft.

Summary of Zoning District FP (Flood Plain District)

• Minimum Lot Width 150 ft.
• Minimum Lot Area 1 acre
• Minimum Front Yard 50 ft.
• Minimum Rear Yard 50 ft.
• Minimum Side Yard 50 ft.
• Maximum Height 45 ft.

Flood Plain Development: A Flood Plain Evaluation Study (prepared by a Certified Engineer) must be submitted for any exterior project in the Flood Plain. Evaluation study forms and certificates are available in the Building Department.
Topographic General Site Plan Requirements
A topographic site plan is required prior to building a new home, garage, etc. The Engineer will review the plan for compliance. The plan requirements are listed below:

• Plan must be developed at a scale to fit on a 8 1/2" x 14" sheet
• The plan must contain a legend of standard symbols
• Plan must be based on actual survey and converted to USGS Datum
• No assumed elevations are permitted
•  The street name and location of all utilities in the street must be shown
• Locations of all proposed cleanouts must be shown

Elevations and data presented on the plan must include:
a. Basement floor elevation
b. Garage floor elevation
c. First floor elevation
d. Final grades around the house
e. Setback lines
f. Front sidewalk
g. Existing elevations and contours of site and adjacent land to indicate drainage patterns and runoff
h. All corners of the property
i. Driveway apron at the street

• Plan must show benchmark to be used during construction
• Property dimensions, right of way and locations of iron pins
• All setback measurements
• Proposed sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water line connections must be shown
• All invert elevations for all sewers or culvert pipes must be shown
• All ditch grades and offsite water collection structures must be shown if applicable
• Sub lot number or parcel number must be shown
• Name, phone number and address of contact person must be on plan
• Plan must be prepared by a state registered surveyor or engineer and contain the signed embossed seal of such person