Question:
Why are permits required?
Answer:
The zoning code is part of the overall codified
ordinances of the Village of Canal Winchester. The purpose of the zoning and building codes
are for the promotion of public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity and the
general welfare of property owners, residents and the public of Canal Winchester. These
codes regulate the use of all land and placement of structures within the village. To
implement and administer these codes, the village requires proper permits to be issued.
The actual types of permits may vary depending on the proposed activity to be undertaken.
Remember, when you get permits after the fact, the permit fees may be doubled.
Question:
Do I need a permit to install a fence or add a deck to my house?
Answer: Yes; contact the Planning and Zoning Division,
614-837-7501, to discuss your project and identify the applicable requirements.
A zoning permit is required and possibly a building permit too.
Question: I’m planning on having a yard/garage sale next month. What are the rules? How many signs can I put up?
Answer:
Village code permits only one yard/garage sale conducted on any parcel
in any 6-month period. The sale shall be limited to not more than 3 consecutive days or 2
consecutive weekends of two days each. No sale shall extend later than sunset. As for signage,
here are the rules: a) one 4 sq. ft. sign advertising the sale may be displayed on the premise;
b) three directional signs, each 4 sq. ft. in size, may be placed off the premise; c) these signs
may be displayed up to 24-hours prior to the sale; d) no sign shall be placed in the public
right-of-way; and e) all signs shall be removed within 24-hours after the sale ends.
Question:
How do I report a possible zoning code violation?
Answer:
You can call the Planning and Zoning Department
Question:
Why does it take so long to get a zoning code violation corrected?
Answer:
Zoning Code violations are addressed by the Planning and Zoning Division.
After a complaint has been filed, a staff member inspects the property in
question to confirm there is a code violation. If confirmed, the department mails a courtesy
letter to the property owner, and tenant if applicable, notifying them of their violation,
actions for remedy, and possible enforcement actions. The property is then re-inspected 14
days after the courtesy letter was mailed. If the violation has not been corrected, or steps
have not been taken to remedy the violation, the
division mails a certified letter to the
property owner, and tenant if applicable. The property is then re-inspected 5 days after verifying
the certified letter was picked-up. If the violation still persists and steps have not been
taken to remedy the violation, the department
then consults with the village Law Director on
enforcement measures, which may include a
court summons, fines or other penalties.
Question:
Where can get an application form?
Answer:
Download a form at
Publications and Reports
Question: I want to put a storage shed in my backyard. Do I need a permit?
Answer:
You need to get a zoning permit, Certificate
of Zoning Compliance, to confirm the shed meets the applicable requirements of
the village’s zoning code. The maximum size of the shed permitted by the zoning code depends
on the size of the property. Staff can review this and other code related items with you.
Once you have your approved zoning permit, depending on the type and size of storage shed
you may also need a building permit.
Question:
I’m interested in getting involved with the Planning and Zoning Commission. What should I do?
Answer:
The village is always looking for residents interested in participating on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Landmarks Commission or
the Street Tree Advisory Board. Members to these boards are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed
by Council.Persons
interested should submit a letter to the Mayor introducing themselves
and explaining why they want to serve on the commission or board.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, a 7 member commission that meets regularly on the 2nd Monday
of the month, makes planning and zoning decisions for the village including hearing resident
requests for variances.
The Landmarks Commission, a 7 member commission that meets regularly on the 4th Monday of the
month, hears requests for exterior changes to those properties located in the historic district
to ensure the preservation of our historic areas.
The Street Tree Advisory Board, a 5 member board, meets monthly working with the village’s Urban
Forester on street tree plantings in addition to tree and park issues.
Question:
I live in the historic district and I am planning on some exterior changes to my home.
What approval or permit do I need?
Answer:
If a property is located in the historic district, all exterior changes
(renovations or additions) must first be approved by the Landmarks Commission. The Preservation
Guidelines were prepared to assist you with your project. If you don’t have a copy, view
Publications and Reports
or stop in the Planning and Zoning Division Depending on the nature of the project,
a building permit may also be required.
Property owners are encouraged to discuss their upcoming project with the Landmarks Commission. This
provides a good opportunity to talk about the project and exchange ideas with the Commission.
The intent is to enhance the project within the overall character and scope of the historic district.
Question:
My neighbor has a boat parked beside his garage. Is this permitted?
Answer:
Recreational equipment such as boats, boat trailers and recreational
vehicles in a residential district shall be stored within an enclosed structure or, if stored outside,
shall meet all of the the following requirements:
1) stored behind the building line and not stored within a required
side yard or within 10 feet of the rear property line; and,
2) not more than1 piece of recreational equipment
shall be permitted to be stored outside on a parcel containing a single family or two-family dwelling ; and,
3) all recreational equipment stored outside shall be screened from view from all contiguous dwellings and
public rights-of-way by suitable screening, which shall consist of walls, fences, natural vegetation or
any combination thereof acceptable to the Planning and Zoning Administrator with an opacity of not less
than 75% and meeting the requirements of Section 1181.07; and 4) recreational equipment shall not be
occupied or used for living, sleeping, housekeeping, storage or business purposes.
It is legal to park these vehicles in residential districts for loading and unloading purposes for not to exceed 72 hours.
Question:
Can a commercial vehicle park in a residential area?
Answer:
Not more than one truck limited to being a two-axle, four-tired pickup, panel
or light truck and which has operating characteristics similar to those of a passenger car shall
be allowed per one dwelling unit. Trucks having dual tires on one or more axles designed for the transportation of cargo and including tractor-trucks, trailers and
semi-trailers shall not be permitted on a lot or parked on a street or alley in a residential area.
Question:
What is my property zoned?
Answer:
Under the Planning and Zoning page, click on maps then click on zoning map. The
village’s zoning map shows parcels. It does not identify addresses. So, you need to know where your
property is located. Your other option is to call the Planning and Zoning Division at 614-837-7501
and give us your address, or parcel number if you know that.
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