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1. I'm building a deck. What kind of approvals do I need?

You need to apply for a Zoning Certificate from Sugarcreek Township. You will need two (2) copies of your site plan, two (2) copies of your construction drawings, and a completed Zoning Certificate Application. There is a $35 charge. You may need to apply for a Building Permit from the Greene County Department of Building Regulations too. If the deck is more than 24" off the ground, you will be required to have a Building Permit. It is recommended that you call the Department of Building Regulations, 937-562-7420, to discuss your specific project. Remember, a Zoning Certificate is always required from Sugarcreek Township even if a Building Permit is not required from Greene County. You may also need to acquire approval from your Homeowner's Association.

2. I'm building a shed. What kind of approvals do I need?

You need to apply for a Zoning Certificate from Sugarcreek Township. You will need two (2) copies of your site plan, two (2) copies of your construction drawings, and a completed Zoning Certificate Application. There is a $25 charge for buildings 200 SF or less. There is a $40 charge for buildings over 200 SF. You may need to apply for a Building Permit from the Greene County Department of Building Regulations too. If the shed is greater than 200 SF in area, you will be required to have a Building Permit. It is recommended that you call the Department of Building Regulations, 937-562-7420, to discuss your specific project. Remember, a Zoning Certificate is always required from Sugarcreek Township even if a Building Permit is not required from Greene County. You may also need to acquire approval from your Homeowner's Association.

3. What is the biggest size storage building that I can put on my lot?

It depends on Zoning District. In R-1A, R-1B, and R-PUD Districts, the combined total area of all existing and proposed accessory structures cannot exceed 25% of the total area of the main building on the parcel (including the attached garage but excluding the basement). In the R-1A, R-1B and R-PUD District, a maximum of two accessory buildings or structures shall be permitted on an individual lot. Accessory buildings and structures that shall be counted as part of this limitation include detached garages, storage/utility sheds, detached decks, gazebos and similar structures, and above ground pools (but not inground pools). Contact us for information on accessory structure allowances in the E and A-1 Districts.

4. Can I build a shed, an above ground pool and a fence in my yard?

Yes. In the R-1A, R1-B and R-PUD Districts there is a limitation of two accessory structures per lot. A fence is not considered an accessory structure for the purposes of this limitation (and neither is an inground pool).

5. I want to build a fence in my yard. What do I need to do?

You need to bring in two (2) copies of your site plan showing the location of the proposed fence and complete an application for a Zoning Certificate. Fences do not need to be approved by the Greene County Department of Building Regulations. Fences located in front yards are limited to 42" in height with a permitted open to closed portion ratio not to exceed 1-3/4:1 (privacy fences are not permitted in front yards). Fences in side and rear yards are limited to 6' in height (privacy fences are permitted in side and rear yards). Please contact the Sugarcreek Township Planning and Zoning Department for additional guidance on your specific project. You may also need to acquire approval from your Homeowner's Association. Note: Corner lots are considered to have two (2) front yards.

6. I am building a fence. Do I have to have my property surveyed?

It is recommended that you have the property surveyed if you are unsure exactly where your property lines are. It is not a requirement that you have the property surveyed.

7. How close to the property line can I place my shed?

This is dependent upon the height of the shed. On lots of less than five acres, accessory structure height is limited to 18' and the required minimum setback is 8' from the side and rear property lines. On lots of five acres or more, accessory structure height is limited to 24'. Accessory structures over 18' in height must be setback a minimum of 15' from the side and rear property lines.

8. How tall does a fence surrounding a pool need to be?

Any swimming pool, or any permitted area of the property on which it is located, shall be so walled for fenced by approved material and construction a minimum of 48" high to prevent uncontrolled access from the street or adjacent properties. For above ground pools the sidewall of the pool may serve as the safety wall provided the sidewall of the pool is at least 48" high measured from grade at the base of the wall. On lots in the A-1 District, containing five (5) acres or more, in lieu of a wall or fence an automatic pool cover meeting ASTM F1346-91 standards (or as modified) may be installed.

9. Can I build a shed in my front yard?

No. Sheds are only permitted in rear yards.

10. How long does it take for Sugarcreek Township to issue my Zoning Certificate, once I apply?

It usually takes 1-3 business days to process a Zoning Certificate for a residential use. Same day service is possible, subject to staff availability and the completeness of the application.

11. My neighbor's house was foreclosed and the grass is a foot tall. Can the township address this issue?

Yes. Sugarcreek Township requires that grass be maintained at a height below 12". Please contact us so that we can make an inspection and proceed with our nusiance abatement process.

12. Can I build in an easement?

You cannot build in an easemetn without permission from the easement owner.