Remember Codes During Property Fix-ups

By Rod Holloway

As the weather warms, it gives me more time to stroll through the neighborhood with my deputy dog Annie and check on compliance to our Village Building and Zoning Codes. If you are contemplating work on your house or in your yard, please read some of the most common issues below. It is much better to call and discuss in advance than risk rework or throwaway on your project. The fees the Village charges are designed to offset the administrative costs for permitting and inspections. Last year the building department lost over $15,000.

Building Code Issues

Windows and Doors: Replacement windows and doors require building permits. If the window or door is the same size and requires no structural changes then the process is very simple and inexpensive, especially as the rate is flat for one or a hundred windows; a total of $95. The Village will inspect to ensure the glass type and style of window are appropriate for their location, are properly sealed to the house, as well as confirm no structural changes have been made. If you are enlarging, reducing, adding, or removing windows, additional details may be required to process the building permit. As a note, skylights are treated as windows.

HVAC: All HVAC contractors know they need a permit for their work including an electrical permit via IBI, but often times don’t apply. Getting a permit will ensure that a “like” replacement of an AC condenser or furnace can be safely connected to the existing (old) house wiring. Please discuss this with your HVAC contractor before signing over the big check. The fee to the Village is $95 per component (furnace or AC), combined $145. Our inspector will confirm code compliance of the install. If you have an emergency, we can work with you to get the inspection done after the permit is filed.

Siding: Simple repairs of damaged trim, sections that leak, etc. do not require a permit in the Village, but when you are replacing entire sides of the residence it is time to file. As part of the inspection the Village will look for signs of damaged to the structure and ensure the underlayment barrier is properly installed. For a $80 fee you get piece of mind that your contractor is doing the job per code.

Remodels: Continues to be a BIG issue of compliance. Every month I confront at least five homeowners or contractors to review the scope of the job and confirm whether a permit should be in place. Simple retiling of a bathroom, changing of fixtures in a bathroom or kitchen do not require permits. If your contractor is adding/deleting walls, adding/deleting plumbing, changing use of a space, running new electrical wires, please review the job with the Village. The vast majority of the remodel permit costs are

Council Representatives

Mayor Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org

Rob Bartlett rbartlett@mariemont.org

Susan Brownknight sbrownknight@mariemont.org

Leah Geldbaugh lgeldbaugh@mariemont.org

Marcy Lewis mlewis@mariemont.org

Kelly Rankin krankin@mariemont.org

Randy York ryork@mariemont.org in the $200-400 range, which provides several inspections to ensure the job is done per code and allows me to confirm when contacted by realtors, home inspection, or insurance companies. Please ask the building department whether a permit is required and not your contractor.

Zoning Code Compliance

Paver Patios: As mentioned in a previous Town Crier, we have updated the ordinance to be more friendly in locating patios on your property. Once the application is received a zoning analysis is completed. Any features like pergolas, arbors, trellis, gazebos, etc. need to be reviewed as well as impacts to water run-off of the paved area. The fee for a simple patio on grade is $95.

Temporary Signage: As a mostly residential Village, our town is full of temporary signage. Examples include real estate, contractor, student athlete, holiday announcement signage, etc. Please

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Crossword answers from page 13

Codes (from previous page) remember that in all cases, to be “temporary,” the sign should only be displayed for the duration of the event that it is broadcasting. If greater than 30 days, chances are the sign is not temporary and not permitted in our residential districts.

Invisible Fences: Invisible fences were added in our fence ordinance last year. The primary reason to regulate was to ensure that wiring is fully contained on the owners property, have appropriate setbacks for public sidewalks and abutting properties as well as insuring control boxes are not in the front yard. There is also a timeframe for training flags to ensure they are removed in a reasonable amount of time. The fee for all fencing permits is $95 as the work to confirm locations and design are similar for both physical and invisible barriers for the Village resources. In no cases will the Village make any repairs to systems that are installed in the right of way.

Synthetic Turf: An ordinance was enacted last year to ensure the Village had rules governing installations. Installations are only permitted in the rear yard and must have a landscape plan submitted with the application. The health of surrounding trees and drainage are some of the considerations reviewed when the application is received. Corner and street-to-street lots may have additional location restrictions. There are also maintenance expectations for the synthetic turf ordinance. The fee for this permit is $120 as additional checks are required to insure the proper location and design standards are followed. Please call 513-271-3315, option #4 to discuss permit needs.

Mariemont Police are Hiring

The Mariemont Police Department is currently hiring for the position of full-time police officer.

Annual rate of pay: $88,496.19 (Salary top out after 3 years) Application deadline: May 31, 2023 (Applications must be turned in to the Mariemont Police Department, located at 6907 Wooster Pike Cincinnati, OH 45227).

Applications and details are available on Mariemont Police website at www. mariemontpolice.com/recruitment

Hands on physical therapy specializing in treating acute and chronic pain for the whole family

Private Pilates reformer training, PT and non-PT based options

Summer Activities In The Village

Flying Pig Marathon Weekend – May 5-7

Garden Club Plant Sale – Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the front lawn of the Municipal Building. Includes perennials and annuals, herbs, vegetables, and fresh hanging baskets from the Club’s longtime nursery partner in Batesville, Ind. There will also be gently-used garden items for sale. In honor of the Mariemont Centennial, the Village flower the daffodil has been planted at the curving rock wall at Hopkins Park, and more will be planted this coming autumn.

Kiwanis Golf Outing – Sunday, May 21 at California Woods Golf Course

Farmers Market – every Sunday, May 21 through October 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mariemont Elementary School parking lot, 6750 Wooster Pike.

Pool and Tennis Opens - May 27. Go to mariemont.org/lifestyle/swimming/ to register.

Memorial Day Parade/Outstanding Citizen Announcement – May 29. Parade begins at elementary school, winds through Mariemont, and ends with a ceremony at the Village Offices lawn on the corner of Wooster Pike and Crystal Springs. Village Offices closed.

MariElders Online Auction – June 5-12

Fireworks – July 3. Begins at dark at Dogwood Park (Bell Tower).

Safety Services Night – Date TBA

Taste of Mariemont – August 27 at the Concourse on Miami Bluff. For more info, check the Village website at www.mariemont. org throughout the summer.

Kiwanis Art & Craft Fair – Sunday, Sept. 10 at the greenspace across from the Inn

1N5 Warrior Run – Saturday, October 14 at 5:15 p.m., starting and ending at Dogwood Park.