Zoning

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Zoning Permit?
    A Zoning Permit must be completed and submitted to the Zoning Office for approval. Generally, any construction that requires a Building Permit will also require a Zoning Permit. Zoning permits are required for new construction, additions to existing buildings, swimming pools, sheds, detached garages, fences, decks and signs. This list is not exclusive, but does indicate the most common projects that will require a Zoning Permit. Zoning Permits are usually not required for interior remodeling projects or maintenance projects such as a new roof.

    How do I get a Zoning Permit?
    Application for Zoning Permit forms are available at the Zoning Office or on our website. Go to the Permits, Variances and Fees page.

    How long does it take to get an approved Zoning Permit?
    An approved Zoning Permit is usually available within 2-3 business days from the day it is submitted provided that all of the information is correct and the project meets the ordinance requirements.

    How much does a Zoning Permit cost?
    For the fee schedule, go to the Permits, Variances and Fees page.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • When do I need a Building Permit along with a Zoning Permit?
    A Building Permit is required when an applicant is building an addition to their house or business, a detached garage, a swimming pool and, in some cases, a deck. A Zoning Permit is needed before a Building Permit can be issued by Greene County Department of Building Regulation. Go to the Greene County Department of Building Regulation website.

    Where do I get a Building Permit?
    To obtain a Building Permit, go to the Greene County Department of Building Regulation website.

    Do I need a permit to build a fence, wall, deck, patio, detached garage or shed?
    Yes, a Zoning Permit is required.  Contact the Zoning Department for more information.

    Do I need a permit to replace a fence, wall, deck, patio, detached garage or shed?
    A Zoning Permit is required when the structure on the property is being moved, new materials are being used or the footprint of a building is being expanded or contracted.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • When do I need a Zoning Permit for a sign?
    A Zoning Permit is required for permanent and some temporary signs. Signs that are exempted from the ordinance and do not require a permit include governmental signs for public safety, installation of a flagpole to fly an American flag, real estate signs and political signs.

    What are the regulations for garage sale, contractor, real estate and political signs?
    Garage Sale: One sign may be placed on the property where the garage sale is being held. Lead-in signs at street corners or on other properties are not permitted and will be removed.

    Contractor: One sign may be placed on the property where the contractor is working for a maximum 30 days per calendar year.

    Real Estate: One real estate sign may be placed on the property which is for sale. Corner lots with two street frontages may have two signs, one sign for each street frontage. Lead-in signs at street corners or on other properties are not permitted and will be removed.

    Political Signs: Signs are permitted on private property in residential and business districts. Political signs must be placed outside the limits of the public right-of-way on private property. In neighborhoods where sidewalks are present, the sign should be placed on the property side of the sidewalk, not the street side. In neighborhoods that do not have sidewalks, the sign should be placed a minimum of 15 feet off the edge of the pavement or roadway. Sign sizes shall not exceed 12 square feet total sign area in residential districts and 32 square feet total sign area in business districts. Political signs should be removed 10 days after an election. Please contact the Zoning Office for additional information.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • What is a Variance?
    A variance is a request to “vary” the law in order to provide relief from existing regulations that may impose undue hardship or practical difficulty by their strict interpretation. Variances are granted by the Bellbrook Board of Zoning Appeals through a public hearing process. Please contact the Zoning Office for more information regarding the variance process.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • What is a Conditional Use?
    A conditional use is a special or unique use which is not classified as a permitted principal use but may be allowed if it conforms to applicable standards and conditions. Conditional uses are granted by the Bellbrook Board of Zoning Appeals through a public hearing process. Please contact the Zoning Office for more information regarding the conditional use process.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • What is considered a nuisance issue?
    The most frequent nuisance issues include inoperable and/or unlicensed vehicles, junk or trash that may attract pests, grass/weeds in excess of eight (8) inches, or a structure that is damaged or left vacant and open for unauthorized access. This list is not comprehensive and only points out common nuisance issues.

    How do I submit a complaint about a nuisance issue?
    A complaint about a nuisance issue or property may be submitted by completing a Complaint form. Forms are available on the Property Maintenance Complaints page.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • What are vehicle parking requirements in residential districts?
    Two car spaces are required for each dwelling unit. All new driveways must be comprised of a hard surface (asphalt, concrete or brick pavers). All vehicles must be parked on a hard surface, not in the grass.

    Go to the Zoning Code Article 5, One Family Residential District, regulating residential accessory parking.

    What is considered a junk vehicle?
    A junk vehicle is considered to be inoperable and/or unlicensed/unregistered.  Vehicles may not be in a state of disassembly or disrepair in public view.  A vehicle may be dismantled and work may be performed on such vehicle in a garage or building.  Junk vehicles in public view may be towed after notice from the city.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • How many cats and dogs am I allowed to keep on my property?
    No individual property in the city may keep more than four (4) animals which are over the age of four (4) months and which are either dogs or cats. An excess number of dogs and/or cats on premises that exist as of the effective date of the ordinance (May 26, 2010) may remain without penalty until the permitted number of dogs and/or cats is achieved on the premises. No additional dogs and/or cats may be added to any such lot or premises until the number of dogs and cats is reduced to three (3) or less.

    Which animals or pets are not allowed to be kept in the city?
    Prohibited animals or pets include horses, cows, pigs, goats, or chickens on any parcel of property, except in agricultural zoning districts on parcels over five acres.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for my business?
    New businesses or existing businesses that do not have a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or existing businesses which re-locate within the city limits must first obtain a Zoning Permit. Business owners should take the approved Zoning Permit to the Greene County Department of Building Regulation, who will issue the CO upon a final fire inspection by the Bellbrook Fire Department. Go to the Greene County Department of Building Regulation website.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • What is the difference between a parcel number and a lot number?
    Parcel numbers are assigned by the county auditor and lot numbers are assigned by the developer of the land.  Every property has a parcel number, but only properties with a platted subdivision have lot numbers.

    How far from the center of the road is the front property line?
    Typically, the front property line is 25 feet from the centerline of a subdivision road or 10 feet from the edge of the road.  It may be larger on major roads such as State Route 725.

    How do I find my property lines?
    Metal pins are placed at the corners of a property.  Property pins are typically a 36 inch long metal rod usually at or below the ground surface.  Pins can be found using metal detectors or by contacting a survey company.

    Are there burning restrictions?
    Yes, the Bellbrook Fire Department is responsible for enforcing the city's open burning regulations.  Go to the Bellbrook Fire Department Open Burning Requirements page.

    Who is responsible for neighborhood covenants and restrictions?
    The City of Bellbrook has no authority or involvement in neighborhood covenants and restrictions.  Typically, the covenants and restrictions are included with a development by the developer/builder.  The neighborhood's Homeowners Association is responsible for enforcement of the covenants and restrictions.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion