Code Compliance & Enforcement
Land Use and Long Range Planning’s Code Enforcement staff is responsible for ensuring compliance with a broad range of regulations including zoning, health, parking, public nuisance, illegal signs and other City codes that are intended to protect public health and safety.
Our main goal is to ensure the overall quality of life in our community by bringing potential code compliance issues to the attention of our residential and business property owners. Whenever possible, Code Enforcement officers make contact with the property owner or person responsible for the code issue prior to issuing a notice of violation.
We hope that this information found here will make it easier for you to cooperate with the City in maintaining the high quality of your neighborhood or commercial area. If you would like more information about Code Enforcement, or have suggestions for improving our code enforcement services, please call us at 614-410-4600 or email the Code Enforcement Team.
Frequently Asked Code Enforcement Questions
Violations
How does the City know when a violation exists? A possible violation can be received either by phone, in person, or in writing (letter or email), or City inspectors may, in the course of their duties, observe a potential violation. Once received, the reported violation is investigated before any official action is taken; if no actual violation is observed no further action is taken.
How am I notified of a violation? The person and/or property owner responsible for the violation is notified by letter, issued a citation, or notified by phone.
What if I have questions about a violation? You may call Code Enforcement at the City of Dublin at 614-410-4600 to discuss and explain the specifics of any violation.
How many days do I have to correct a violation? In most cases once a violation notice is received the property owner has ten days to correct the violation. Code Enforcement may grant additional time if unusual circumstances require.
Are re-inspections done to see if the property has complied? Yes, usually within five business days following the date of expected compliance.
When is legal action taken? If after re-inspection the violation has not been corrected, legal action may be initiated and the complaint processed by the City Prosecutor.
Do I have other options if I cannot or do not wish to comply? If the violation is related to the City’s Zoning Code, you would have the option of applying to the Board of Zoning Appeals to either 1) appeal the determination that a violation exists; or 2) requesting a variance from the requirement.
Signs
Are permits required for signs in the City of Dublin? Yes, a permit must be obtained to display any signs within Dublin city limits. Exceptions are residential real estate and governmental signs.
Where do I obtain a permit? A permit must be obtained from Land Use and Long Range Planning, 5800 Shier Rings Road.
Where am I not allowed to place signs? Signs are not permitted within the City rights-of-way, or on trees, utility poles or street signs. Signs on vehicles, trailers, neon signs and signs with changeable copy (expect gasoline station prices) are not permitted in Dublin.
What happens to signs placed in restricted areas? Any improperly placed sign will be removed by Code Enforcement and stored at 5800 Shier Rings Road for a period of not more than 30 days.
Are there any restrictions on the signs themselves? Signs are limited to three colors per sign. They are also not permitted to have any moving elements, or have the appearance of moving elements. Other restrictions regulated by the City’s Zoning Code also apply, such as size, height, and lighting.
Fences
Is a permit required to Put up a Fence? Applications for a Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval will be required for commercial and residential fences not related to the construction of a swimming pool through Land Use and Long Range Planning. The application for the Certificate requires a scaled and dimensioned site plan showing the location and details of the proposed fence, similar to what is required now for patios and small decks. This Certificate review will allow the City to ensure the fence meets the applicable development requirements before construction and is properly installed. A separate building permit is not required, unless the proposed fence exceeds six feet in height. Once the fence is installed an final inspection must be completed. To schedule an inspection please call 614-410-4673.
Patio
Do I need a permit to build a residential patio? A permit is required to construct a residential patio. An application for a Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval must be submitted and approved prior to beginning work on a patio. Once the patio is installed a final inspection must be completed. To schedule an inspection please call 614-410-4673.
Patio
Do I need a permit to build a residential patio? Yes, a permit is required to construct a residential patio. A Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval must be submitted and approved prior to beginning work on a patio. Once the patio is completed an inspection must be completed. To schedule an inspection please call 614-410-4673.
Tall Grass and Weeds
Dublin is known for its well kept neighborhoods and business areas. It is the aim of Land Use and Long Range Planning to ensure that our city remain attractive. To this end, from March 1 through October 31 of each year Code Enforcement officers regularly travel the city to observe vacant and/or undeveloped property. During this period, grass and weeds may not exceed a height of 6 inches. Not only does this ensure that the area is properly maintained, it also prevents maturing seeds from spreading to adjacent properties. Should grass or weeds exceed 6 inches, the property owner will receive a notice from the City, with a reasonable time to bring the property into compliance.
Should the property not be brought into compliance, the City will arrange for a private contractor to mow the property at the owner’s expense, which can be costly.
Not-for-Profit Soliciting
All not-for-profit organizations must register with Code Enforcement and obtain a registration certificate to sell any product or seek funds or donations door to door. Larger groups may apply for a group permit. In this case, individual registration certificates will be distributed to group members. All registration certificates must be carried with the individual at all times. Registration certificates explain the group’s purpose and give a physical description of the corresponding individual member. For more information regarding this subject, contact a Code Enforcement officer at 614-410-4600.
Sports Equipment
Where is sports equipment permitted? Portable basketball hoops and backstops are not permitted in the street or easement. They may be placed on the property between the sidewalk and the house.
Recreational Vehicles
Recreational vehicles may be stored on a residential property provided they are fully enclosed by a structure that cannot be entered or seen from an adjacent street.
Deed Restrictions
Does the City enforce private deed or homeowner’s association restrictions? The City is not legally permitted to enforce any private deed or homeowner’s association restrictions. Before improving any property it is a good idea to check and ensure that no private restrictions apply to the property that might prevent or limit site or home improvements.