Cleveland does not maintain a blanket ban on feeding wildlife, but the city prohibits feeding that creates a public nuisance, attracts rats and other vermin, or contributes to unsanitary conditions under its property maintenance and health codes. Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations prohibit baiting or feeding white-tailed deer during certain seasons, and feeding black bears or other dangerous wildlife is generally discouraged. Bird feeders are permitted but must be maintained to avoid attracting rodents.
Under Cleveland Codified Ordinances property maintenance provisions, allowing food sources that attract rats or raccoons is a code violation. The Cleveland Department of Public Health enforces rodent abatement and may require removal of bird feeders or other attractants when a rat infestation is documented. Feeding of feral cats is regulated; trap-neuter-return (TNR) colony caretakers should coordinate with the city and animal welfare groups. Deer feeding is restricted by ODNR rules during hunting seasons. Feeding geese and waterfowl at city parks is discouraged by the Cleveland Metroparks due to ecological and health concerns. Intentional feeding of dangerous wildlife including coyotes is strongly discouraged and may trigger nuisance enforcement.
Violations of nuisance and rodent rules can result in abatement orders, removal of feeders, and daily fines under the property maintenance code. State deer feeding violations are enforced by ODNR wildlife officers.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Cleveland Codified Ordinances Chapter 209 (Prope...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, anchoring, lighting hours, and blower-motor noise are governed by H...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday lighting timing, brightness, or animation. Holiday displays are governed by HOA and condo association...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas piping, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Freestanding por...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no specific city ordinance restricting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Persistent severe smoke could be addressed unde...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland follows the Ohio Fire Code (OAC 1301:7-7), which incorporates the IFC. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containe...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cuyahoga County.
See how other cities in Cuyahoga County handle wildlife feeding.
See how Cleveland's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.