Permit Requirements: Cleveland vs Lakewood
How do permit requirements rules compare between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH?
Cleveland and Lakewood have similar restriction levels.
Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga County
Cleveland requires a building permit for fences over six feet in height, and for any fence used as a required barrier around swimming pools. Fences up to six feet in residential rear and side yards generally do not require a permit but must still comply with zoning setback and height rules under Cleveland Codified Ordinances (CCO) Part III, Title VII. Commercial and industrial fence installations require permits regardless of height.
View full Cleveland rules →Lakewood, OH
Cuyahoga County
Lakewood requires a fence permit, under LCO 1306.62, before installing, replacing, or modifying any fence; only fence repairs less than 8 total feet in length are exempt. Applicants must submit a building permit application, site plan, owner property-line acknowledgement, and a neighbor notification letter.
View full Lakewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cleveland | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Required for fences over 6 feet | - |
| Residential Max (no permit) | 6 feet rear/side yards | - |
| Front Yard Max | Typically 4 feet | - |
| Authority | Dept. of Building and Housing | - |
| Historic Review | Landmarks Commission if applicable | - |
| Permit required by | - | LCO 1306.62 (Chapter 1153 Permit Required) |
| Repair exemption | - | Repairs <8 total feet in length |
| Required submittals | - | Application, site plan, owner property-line form, neighbor notice |
| String-line marking | - | 5 calendar days before permit issued |
| Contractor rule | - | Must be registered with City of Lakewood |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cleveland FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Cleveland?
A building permit is required for any fence taller than 6 feet and for all swimming pool barrier fences. Shorter residential fences in side and rear yards generally do not require a permit but must still meet zoning height and setback rules.
Which side of the fence faces my neighbor?
Under Cleveland's fence regulations, the finished (smooth) side of the fence must face the adjacent property or street, with posts and rails on the owner's side.
Can I install a fence in a Cleveland historic district?
Yes, but you must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Cleveland Landmarks Commission in addition to any zoning or building permit required.
Lakewood FAQ
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Lakewood?
Yes. Under Chapter 1153 and LCO 1306.62 a permit is required before installing a new fence, replacing a fence, or changing its location, height, material, type, or style. Only repairs less than 8 total feet in length are exempt.
What do I have to submit for a fence permit?
A Building Permit Application, a site plan showing property lines and the proposed fence, a signed Owner Acknowledgement of Property Line form, and a neighbor notification letter mailed to abutting owners. New fences must also have the line marked with string on temporary posts for 5 calendar days before issuance.
Can my contractor pull the fence permit?
Yes, but the contractor must be registered with the City of Lakewood and it is their responsibility to apply. Pulling a permit for an unregistered contractor violates LCO 1306.69 and is punishable by fines, jail time, and loss of registration.
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