Homeowners and Do-it-Yourselfers Permit Information

Homeowners who have hired contractors should call 216.664.2884 to verify that their contractor is registered and should ask the contractor for copies of permits before work begins. Work should not be accepted prior to final inspection by a Building and Housing inspector. (Checklist)

Owner-occupants of one- or two-family homes may perform alterations or build homes without being registered as contractors, but are subject to the same regulations that apply to contractors for permits, plan examination and inspection.

Plan Examination and Approval Process

Once permit applications are made, plans are reviewed by the City for code compliance.  There is a charge of $15 per 1000 square feet of work and a minimum fee of $15 for reviewing plans for homes, garages, sheds, fences, and swimming pools. The review period varies according to the project’s complexity. In general, review of one- and two-family homes can be completed in three to five working days.

For more information see the permit guide.

Building and Housing Inspections

Contractors and do-it-yourselfers are responsible for scheduling inspections by calling the office number listed on the building permit. Inspections should be made after foundation excavation (before pouring concrete), after rough-in (before concealing work), and upon completion. NOTE: If faulty work is discovered, the inspector will issue a violation notice, and a specific period of time is allotted to correct the problem.

City of Cleveland Landbank Program

216.664.4127 - Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm - F: 216.420.7965

Landbank Database
Buildable Lot Application Form
Non-Buildable Lot Application Form

Buildable parcels are available for use in home, garage, or commercial building construction. Non-buildable parcels can be used to add driveways, enlarge current adjacent properties, add fencing, gardening, or landscaping, or to expand parking facilities.  The cost of the lot is dependent on its size and usage:

1. Non-buildable lots are sold for $1 to adjacent property owners
2. Buildable lots for yard expansion are sold for $10 per foot
3. Buildable lots requested for new housing consturction are sold for $100
4. Property for commercial use requires an appraisal to determine the sales price

The sale of all lots will also incur fees for recording costs.

Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH)

P: 216.621.7350 - F: 216.621.5269 - 4001 Detroit Ave., Suite 202, Cleveland OH

CASH Website

This program is a citywide partnership between the City and financial institutions that allows creditworthy homeowners to obtain low-interest rehabilitation loans.  The maximum term is 12 years and there are no income limitations for CASH loans.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program  (HWAP)

P: 216.664.2045 - Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm - 601 Lakeside Ave., Room 302

HWAP Flyer
HWAP Application Form

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) grants of approximately $3250 per unit are available through the State of Ohio for homeowners and tenants who meet HWAP income limits. Additional information is available through any of  these agencies:

Afford-A-Home (AAH)

216.664.4218 - Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm - 601 Lakeside Ave., Room 302

This program helps buyers purchase and repair Cleveland homes by offering low-interest loans and interest-free second mortgages of $5,000 or $10,000.–more

Repair-A-Home (RAH)

216.664.2045 - Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm - 601 Lakeside Ave., Room 302

This program helps homeowners repair Cleveland homes by offering low-interest loans ranging from 0% to 3%, determined by total household income. These loans are only for code related repairs, mechanical repairs or health and safety repairs.

216.443.2149 - HELP Flyer

This loan is available to all Cuyahoga County investers as well as owner-occupants and can be used to enhance properties with market values below $250,000. This lower interest program is not subject to income requirements.

Neighborhood Historic Preservation and Heritage Home Programs

P: 216.426.1000 - 3751 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115 

Cleveland Restoration Website

These programs are administered by the Cleveland Restoration Society. The loans are not subject to income guidelines and can be used for owner-occupied as well as non-owner occupied homes.

Paint Refund Program

216.664.2045  - Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm - 601 Lakeside Ave., Room 302

Paint Program Application Form

This citywide program, which opens yearly in May, offers refunds of up to $400 for paint and materials to homeowners and tenants who paint the exteriors of their homes. Income eligibility guidelines must be met for this first come, first served program.  Applicants are asked to contact the Division of Neighborhood Development at the above phone number, or the agency listed for their ward.

Bureau of Sidewalks

The Bureau of Sidewalks assures proper maintenance of the City’s public sidewalks; issues citations, violation notifications, and permits; and administers two sidewalk repair programs. -more

Cleveland City Hall
601 Lakeside Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Weekdays 8am-5pm

P: 216.664.2000
Relay Service: 711
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