Show All Answers

1. What is the City’s deer culling program?
2. Why is the City culling deer?
3. If the City has culled deer for a few years, why is there still a need to continue doing so?
4. Why can’t we just plant unpalatable landscape plantings or use repellents to deter the deer?
5. Can the City use nonlethal methods to manage the deer population?
6. Why is the City expanding its deer culling to include private property?
7. How will culling work on private property?
8. What are the protocols for culling on private property?
9. What if I object to my neighbor’s decision to cull on his/her private property?
10. How will the City ensure the safety of anyone in the area when deer culling occurs on private property?
11. What is done with the culled deer?
12. Shaker Heights isn’t the only City that has identified a deer management problem. Why isn’t Shaker working with our neighboring cities on a deer management program?
13. Does the City have a leash law?
14. How many dogs may I have?
15. Do I need a dog license?

Show All Answers

1. What kinds of projects require approval from the Architectural Board of Review (ABR)?
2. What is the Architectural Board of Review schedule?
3. How do I get on the Architectural Board of Review meeting agenda?

Show All Answers

1. What is the Board of Zoning Appeals/City Planning Commission Schedule?
2. How do I get on the BZA/CPC agenda?
3. Can I put up a satellite dish?
4. Where can I place my air conditioner?
5. Where can I put my fence?
6. Are home-based businesses permitted in Shaker Heights?

Show All Answers

1. How do I open for business?
2. How do I obtain a food license?
3. How do I build out a commercial space?
4. Can I open my business without a Business License (Commercial Occupancy Permit)?
5. Does a Businesss License (Commercial Occupancy Permit) expire?
6. If there is more than one business in a building, do all of the businesses need separate business licenses (commercial occupancy permits)?

Show All Answers

1. How do I become a licensed contractor in Shaker Heights?
2. How can I find a contractor licensed with the City?
3. Can you recommend a contractor or repair person?
4. Are licensed contractors recommended or vetted by the City?
5. A contractor took payment, but failed to perform the work. What should I do?
6. What are the limits of liability for contractors licensed with the City?
7. Am I allowed to hire a contractor who does not appear on the City's list of contractors?

Show All Answers

1. Can I take out a permit and have a friend do the work?
2. How do I obtain a permit?
3. How much do permits cost?
4. What types of projects require permits? What doesn't require a permit?
5. Are drawings required?
6. I'm not doing anything structural ... do I need a permit?
7. I'm only replacing counters and/or cabinets ... do I need a permit?
8. I'm just putting back what was there ... do I need a permit?
9. Does my project require approval from the Planning Department or does it need to go before the Architectural Board of Review?
10. What if a contractor says I don't need a permit?
11. How do I request a Building Permit inspection?

Show All Answers

1. What is the building plan review? Does my project require it?
2. Do I need to submit drawings for my project? Do I need to hire an architect?

Show All Answers

1. What is a Charter Amendment exactly?
2. What are the Charter Amendments being proposed for the November 2023 ballot?
3. What changes would these proposed Charter Amendments bring?
4. What would the proposed Nonviolent Community Administrators Team do?
5. The proposed Charter amendment calls for unarmed mental health workers and medics to take over traffic stops and other types of police calls. Is that safe?
6. Doesn’t the City’s new Mental Health Response Team handle mental health-related calls already?
7. What would the proposed Civilian Police Oversight Board do?
8. Doesn’t the City already have a Chief DEI Officer?
9. What would the proposed Digital Public Records Repository entail?
10. The organizers claim that violent crime is rising dramatically in Shaker Heights. Is this accurate?
11. The organizers claim the proposed Charter amendments do not dictate laying off police officers. Why does the City believe it would be required to lay off these officers?
12. What are the costs associated with implementing these proposed Charter amendments? How did the City develop these costs?
13. The Charter amendment proponents say costs for implementing the proposed Charter amendments could come from the City’s reserve. Are there reserve funds available for this?
14. How has the police budget changed in recent years? The organizers have claimed it’s increased by $6 million?
15. Would all of the Charter amendments proposed by this group need to be implemented exactly as written, or is there room for interpretation? [Continued]

Show All Answers

1. How does the City communicate with residents?
2. I have a story idea for Shaker Life. How should I submit it?
3. How can I add information to the City's website calendar?
4. Can the City help me find a place a live?

Show All Answers

1. Where can I get help starting a Community Garden?
2. Who should I contact at the City about starting a Community Garden?
3. When should I contact the City about starting a Community Garden?
4. What questions do I need to think about when looking for a Community Garden site?
5. Should I have the site's soil tested?
6. How do I get water for my Community Garden?
7. What types of zoning regulations do I need to consider?
8. What else should I consider?
9. What are the steps for starting a Community Garden on City-owned property?
10. What are the steps for starting a Community Garden on privately owned property?
11. What costs are associated with starting a Community Garden?
12. How long will it take to get a Community Garden up and running?

Show All Answers

1. Why did the City create its own 100% renewable electric aggregation program?
2. When will the 100% renewable electric aggregation program be available?
3. What does 100% renewably-sourced electric mean exactly?
4. Who is eligible for the 100% renewable electric program? Who is not eligible?
5. How can eligible customers sign up for the 100% renewable electric program?
6. What if I receive the opt-out notice, but do not want to be in the electric aggregationprogram?
7. What if I do not receive an opt-out notice?
8. What if I want to enroll but am not eligible for the program because I am on a contract with another electric supplier?
9. Am I obligated to remain in the program if I enroll?
10. Why make it opt-out?
11. What will the cost be for this new 100% electric aggregation program?
12. Why not just stick with NOPEC? Doesn’t it offer a 100% renewable plan?
13. Won’t a 100% renewable electric program be more expensive?

Show All Answers

1. Are the City's annual budgets and financial reports available to the public?
2. How are property taxes collected?
3. What is the Shaker Heights City income tax?
4. I have a question about my property taxes? How can I reach the Cuyahoga County Treasurer's Office on the phone?

Show All Answers

1. What are the regulations for outdoor burning, including a fire pit?
2. What is hydrant flushing and what do I need to know?
3. Should I worry when fire hydrants are buried under the snow?
4. How do I report a leaking or damaged fire hydrant?
5. Why is my fire hydrant not painted?
6. What kind of smoke detector/smoke alarm do I need?
7. Where should I put smoke detectors/smoke alarms?
8. Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
9. Where should I put a carbon monoxide detector?
10. Can the department help install my child's car seat?
11. How do I dispose of a fire extinguisher?
12. How do I dispose of a smoke detector?
13. How do I get a fire report?
14. How do I get an EMS report?
15. How do I schedule a station tour?
16. Do I need a permit for a temporary outdoor tent?

Show All Answers

1. What happened to the Health Department?
2. What services are available to residents from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health?
3. How can I obtain certified birth or death records?
4. Are there food pantries or other emergency food resources in Shaker?
5. What services are available for seniors?

Show All Answers

1. How does the City help seniors maintain their homes?
2. Does the City offer grants to help pay for fixing housing code violations?
3. What is the paint program?
4. What services are available for landlords?
5. How do I apply for tax abatement?

Show All Answers

1. Why does the City require an exterior inspection for owner-occupied properties every five years?
2. What is the owner-occupied inspection process?

Show All Answers

1. How do I sell my home?
2. What is a Point of Sale inspection?
3. How long will it take to complete a Point of Sale inspection?
4. How long is a Point of Sale inspection valid for selling a property?
5. Is there a fee for a Point of Sale Inspection?
6. What is the length of time between application for a Point of Sale Inspection and the date of the inspection? And, after the inspection is conducted, how long will it take to receive the report?
7. What if I would like an earlier Point of Sale inspection date?
8. Can a buyer assume Point of Sale violations?
9. What are the escrow requirements for selling a house with outstanding violations?
10. If I get a Point of Sale inspection and then decide not to sell my home, do I still have to correct the violations?
11. How can I get an extension of time to correct violations?
12. How will I know the inspector?

Show All Answers

1. I live in one unit of a two-family home and rent the other unit to a tenant. Since part of the house is owner-occupied, do I file the Housing Rental License form or use the exemption form?
2. I received a Certificate of Occupancy application form for my two-family home but I don’t have any renters. I live in one unit and the other unit is vacant. I have no plans to rent out either unit.
3. Why did I get a Housing Rental License (Certificate of Occupancy) application form again? I filled out a form last year.
4. What services are available for landlords?
5. Where can I get a Housing Rental License (Certificate of Occupancy) for my property?
6. I want to rent my property. What do I need to do?
7. Are short-term rentals (i.e. AirBnB, VRBO etc.) allowed in Shaker Heights?

Show All Answers

1. How long do I have to correct violations?
2. How can I get an extension of time to correct violations?
3. I disagree with one of the violations cited on my inspection report. What should I do?
4. I don’t understand one of the violations on my inspection report.
5. What if I can’t afford to correct all my violations?
6. What are the consequences if I don’t correct my code violations?

Show All Answers

1. Why are there vacant lots?
2. What is infill housing? Why does the City attract new housing?
3. A new infill house has been proposed for my block? How can I get more information?
4. What is the City's 2022 Neighborhood & Housing Plan?
5. What is tax abatement?
6. What is a City landbank?
7. What is the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) and the City Planning Commission (CPC)?
8. Where can I apply for a vacant lot to build a new home, or to acquire as a side lot to my existing owner occupied home?

Show All Answers

1. When must I appear before the Landmark Commission? What are the review procedures?
2. How can I learn more about the history of my home and/or about Shaker Heights?

Show All Answers

1. Are there any laws against kids playing in the street?
2. What are the ordinances regarding bicycle helmets and bicycle safety?
3. What are the ordinances pertaining to garage sales?
4. Can I store a vehicle that needs repair in my driveway?
5. What is the height a resident can allow grass to grow before it must be cut?
6. How do I find City of Shaker Heights ordinances.
7. Is there a noise ordinance?
8. What types of outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs are allowed in Shaker Heights?
9. What are the ordinances for yard signs?
10. What are the guidelines for renting a game truck for a private event, like a birthday party?
11. What are the guidelines for mobile food trucks on a public streets?
12. Do I need a license to operate an ice cream truck in Shaker Heights?

Show All Answers

1. What is a criminal activity nuisance?
2. What acts are considered violations under the criminal activity nuisance law?
3. May I appeal Criminal Activity Nuisance violations?
4. How are costs assessed and calculated?

Show All Answers

1. I recently responded to an ad for an apartment. When I arrived to see it, I was told it had been rented. But the landlord is still advertising the unit. Can I find out if this was discriminatory?
2. I have a physical disability and need to park close to my building's entrance. The manager told me that there is a waiting list for these prime spots and I have to wait my turn. Can they do this?
3. I own a two-family and am trying to rent out the upstairs unit. Can I state in the ad that only single people, or a married couple, can apply? My first floor tenant likes it to be quiet.

Show All Answers

1. Why should I compost?
2. How do I access the bins?
3. Where are the bins located?
4. What should I store my food scraps in?
5. What materials are accepted?
6. What material is NOT accepted?
7. Who services the bins? What's the schedule?
8. I already use the Rust Belt Rider service. Can I switch to this program?
9. Why is this program limited to Lomond? How are Lomond's boundaries determined?

Show All Answers

1. How do I sign up for the City's ENews?
2. How do I recycle in Shaker Heights?
3. What do I do with yard waste?
4. How can I learn about City-related construction projects?
5. What recreation amenities are available to residents?
6. How do I obtain a permit?

Show All Answers

1. Does the City have a natural gas aggregation program?
2. What is the current rate for natural gas?
3. How does the natural gas supplier set its rate?
4. Is the current rate for natural gas guaranteed to be the lowest rate available?
5. Can I cancel my engagement in the natural gas aggregation program if I find a lower price?
6. What if I want to enroll but am not eligible for the program because I am on a contract with another electric supplier?

Show All Answers

1. How do I build out a commercial space?
2. If a property doesn't have the proper zoning needed for my business, what can be done?
3. I am putting signage in my storefront window. Does this need to be reviewed?
4. Can I open my business without a Business License (Commercial Occupancy Permit)?
5. If there is more than one business in a building, do all of the businesses need separate business licenses (commercial occupancy permits)?
6. Does a Businesss License (Commercial Occupancy Permit) expire?
7. I only sell pre-packaged food and beverages. Do I need a food license?
8. I'm seeking a location for my business. Can you help?

Show All Answers

1. How can I learn more about classes and programs?
2. How do I register for programs?
3. If I register late, are programs pro-rated?
4. I’m on a waiting list for a recreation program. When will I find out if you can accommodate my child?
5. I’m not sure where my program is located?
6. Where can I learn more about camps, including costs?
7. Is financial assistance available?
8. What should my child bring to camp?
9. What’s the schedule for public skating at Thornton Park?
10. What are the admission fees for Thornton Park Ice Arena?
11. Can non-residents skate at Thornton Park?
12. When is the Thornton Park pool open?
13. What are the admission fees for Thornton Park pool?
14. Are swim lessons offered?
15. What is the inclement weather policy?
16. What is the refund policy?
17. View our Non-Endorsement Policy
18. What is the disability policy?
19. Why are classes sometimes cancelled? What other class policies are there?
20. Where can I get a catalog?
21. Can I kayak on the Shaker lakes?
22. Are there places to ice skate outdoors?

Show All Answers

1. How do I request permission to park overnight?
2. How do I report a problem with a streetlight, street sign or traffic signal?
3. How do I report suspicious activity?
4. How do I report a crime?
5. How do I report a public nuisance, like loud music, rowdy behavior, etc.?
6. How do I report a traffic incident?
7. How do I pay a parking/traffic ticket?
8. How do I get a police report?
9. How do I get fingerprinted?
10. Does Shaker Heights require dogs to be on leashes?
11. How can I get a background check?
12. What is a criminal activity nuisance?
13. How can I find out if my car was towed?
14. How do I get my towed car released?
15. Where can I find contact information and hours for the Shaker Municipal Court?
16. How do I pay court fines?
17. How do I report an individual who might need help?
18. What does the Police Department do with found property?
19. How do I get my property released?
20. What is the police auction?
21. How do I report an incident with a dog, including a dog attack, a dead dog or a missing dog?
22. Am I required to use a bike helmet in Shaker Heights?
23. What is a bike license and how can I get one?
24. How do I recover a stolen bicycle?
25. How do I safely dispose of prescription drugs?
26. I have a question about a warrant block?
27. How do I apply for or learn more about the Citizen Police Academy?
28. I am a member of the press. Whom can I contact with my media inquiry?
29. How do I post a bond?
30. How do I find out if someone is in jail?
31. I want to hire an off duty police officer?
32. I want to request a police officer speak at my event?
33. I am going out of town? Can you check my residence?
34. Does Shaker Heights ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving?
35. What is the false alarm ordinance?

Show All Answers

1. Can you recommend a contractor or repair person?
2. How do I start a home construction project?
3. A contractor took payment, but failed to perform the work. What should I do?
4. How do I find property maintenance standards?
5. How can I find someone to repair or replace original materials on my house?
6. How do I find the Ohio Building Codes?
7. Do you have the plans for my home?
8. How often should chimneys be cleaned?
9. I’m concerned about a property in my neighborhood and would like to file a complaint. Do I have to give my name?
10. I’m concerned about lead in my Shaker home?
11. What are the construction hours?
12. What color may I paint my home?
13. What if water washing is not appropriate for cleaning my historic masonry?
14. What shingle colors may I use on my home?
15. How do I know if my slate roof needs maintenance?
16. How do I know when my slates are beyond repair?
17. Why should I preserve my home's slate roof?
18. If I do decide to replace windows, which is better, wood or vinyl?
19. Several of my windows are showing signs of wear and tear in various places. Does the entire window have to be replaced?
20. With the vast array of window styles available, how do I know which is the most appropriate for my home?
21. Are licensed contractors recommended or vetted by the City?
22. I received a sidewalk repair notice?
23. Does my project require permits?
24. Should I get utility line protection insurance?
25. Why is my water discolored?

Show All Answers

1. Who owns the trees and the treelawn?
2. Whose responsibility is it to maintain the treelawn?
3. Whose responsibility is it to maintain trees on the treelawn?
4. Who pays for the trees that are planted on the treelawn?
5. Is there any way residents can get a larger or older tree planted if their tree-lawn tree is scheduled to be replaced?
6. When issues arise on the treelawn such as damage, danger posed by a tree, or when other questions arise, whom should I contact?
7. There is a downed limb blocking the sidewalk, street or driveway apron. Can the Public Works Department help?
8. Where can I get wood chips from the City?
9. How much mulch should I apply around a tree?
10. The neighbor's tree branches are hanging in my yard. Can I trim them?
11. What is the City's tree maintenance program?

Show All Answers

1. What causes a public sanitary sewer main backup?
2. What causes a private sanitary sewer lateral backup?
3. What causes a public storm sewer main backup?
4. What causes a private storm sewer lateral backup?
5. How do the footer drains work?
6. What causes footer drain backups?
7. Should I install a backwater prevention valve?
8. Should I consider a special rider added to my homeowner's or renter's insurance policy?
9. What are resident responsibilities?
10. What are City responsibilities?
11. What if a problem occurs?
12. Should I use copper sulfate?
13. Is there a list of contractors licensed with the City?
14. Whom should I call for help?

Show All Answers

1. Why do we need a snow parking ban?
2. How will I know if the snow parking ban is in effect?
3. Why do I have to shovel my sidewalk?
4. Will students who drive to school have to leave class if snow exceeds two inches during the school day?
5. What if I am having a party and the parking ban goes into effect?
6. What if I don't move my car?
7. What is the City's policy for plowing sidewalks?
8. Who clears the sidewalks around the schools?
9. What are the restrictions regarding where snow can be deposited (by shovel, snowblower or snow plow)?
10. Why isn’t salt applied between midnight and 4 a.m.?
11. Does the City prohibit the operation of powered snow removal equipment (e.g., snow blowers) between 9 pm and 7 am on weekdays, and 9 pm and 9 am on weekends, as it does other domestic power tools?

Show All Answers

1. My garbage/recycling was missed this week. What should I do?
2. How do I recycle in Shaker Heights?
3. What kind of garbage can should I use?
4. How do I request recycling buckets?
5. Why does it seem that lately more and more materials are not recyclable?
6. Why do plastics have numbers inside recycling symbols if they’re not recyclable?
7. Can some materials not allowed in a residential recycling bucket be recycled elsewhere?
8. How can I keep up with changes to recycling?
9. What are the hours and location of the Service Center?

Show All Answers

1. What is brush?
2. Why did the City not collect my yard waste bag?
3. What do I do with yard waste?

Show All Answers

1. Where are the City's electric vehicle (EV) charging stations?

Show All Answers

1. Are short-term rentals (i.e. AirBnB, VRBO etc.) allowed in Shaker Heights?