Building & Housing Department

Permit Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 216.681.2415
Phone: 216.681.2009
Phone: 216.681.2092
Fax: 216.681.2386

The Division of Building & Housing works closely with residents and contractors to ensure safety and quality in new construction and repairs. By issuing permits, examining plans and monitoring construction throughout the city, Building & Housing promotes a structurally sound and architecturally pleasing environment. Of importance are permits, which protect residents from sub-standard materials and improper building methods. They also help maintain standards in building design. Please be sure be you or you’re Contractor(s), checks with the Building Department before staring any repair or construction work. It is the homeowner’s responsibility, ultimately, to see that permits are obtained. The contractor or in limited cases the homeowner may purchase the permits from the Building Dept. in City Hall, 14340 Euclid Rm#222. If your work is being contracted, in most cases the contractor must obtain the permit(s). Permit(s) must be posted during the period of construction.

NOTE: If a permit is not obtained, a Stop-Work Order or Violation Notice will be issued; fees will triple plus a hundred dollar fine per East Cleveland Codified Ordinance 1301.18 & 1301.99 a court summons may be issued for non-compliance and for repeat offenders.

Building permits are required for the following: To demolish, alter, or make major repairs to any existing building structure, or any portion of that structure, or to build any new structure/addition. (Plans for new structures or exterior design changes must be approved by the Architectural Board of Review before a permit can be issued) Roof, Window replacements, new siding (except for small areas of replacement), decks, new steps (or rebuilding steps), all require permits. Any electrical (other than minor violation corrections), plumbing, heating, air conditioning work Any concrete or asphalt work involving replacement or asphalt resurfacing, or any paving work (brick walks, etc.) In general, permits are required for most construction activities except minor repairs, exterior/interior painting, gutters and downspout installations.

AGAIN, IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT

The City must register contractors and Sub- Contractors. Since term “contractor” includes sub-contractors, they cannot legally work under a “homeowner permit”. Registration protects you by requiring the contractor to provide liability insurance and a bond to ensure fiscal responsibility, the completion of your project, and code-conforming work. Homeowners are required to obtain general permit(s) to personally perform work upon their established residence, provided that is a single-two family dwelling. You may not, however, make any connection to a public utility system (sewer or water line hook-ups) Inspections are part of the permit process. All work for which a permit is required must be inspected to ensure it meets code. Electrical, plumbing and heating work must be inspected prior to enclosure in walls, floors or ceilings. It is also a good idea to have the final inspection(s) made before final payment to a contractor. As the homeowner, you can set up the appointment for inspection by calling the Department at (216) 681-2415 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. –4: 00 p.m.

ALL CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND TAKEN TO AN APPROPRIATE LANDFILL. THE CITY’S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND/OR BFI WILL NOT PICK UP CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS. THIS SHOULD BE A PART OF YOUR CONTRACT. IF DOING YOUR OWN WORK, CHECK THE YELLOW PAGES UNDER “LANDFILLS” OR “RUBBISH AND GARBAGE REMOVAL,” AND MAKE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS

Download a copy of the permit application online. NOTE: If a permit is not obtained, a Stop-Work Order or Violation Notice will be issued, fees will double and a court summons may be issued for non-compliance. Contractor Registration/Bond Forms The forms/information sheets listed below may be downloaded. Contractor application Bond forms Permit Applications Please note: The Bond Form must be submitted to your insurance company and filled out with the required signatures. The Bond Form must be signed by the owner of the business and the originals submitted along with a Certificate of Liability Insurance, for contractor registration.