The Zoning Department, a division of the Planning Department, is responsible for the enforcement of local ordinances regulating the development and use of property in the city. This includes inspection and approval of any new construction on residential, commercial and industrial property and abatement of violations of city code.
Zoning Compliance Officer: Bobbie Carper (330) 689-2701
If the Zoning Compliance Officer is unavailable, please contact the Planning Dept. at (330) 689-2819
ZONING FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Do I need a permit ?
- I'm moving my business into an existing building. Do I still need a permit ?
- What is my property zoned ?
- Where can I build ?
- Who is responsible for finding property pins ?
- If I need help from Zoning, when is the best time to stop in ?
- When is the best time to stop at City Hall to obtain permits or applications ?
- Who do I contact if I have a complaint or request on zoning issues ?
Do I need a permit ?
Virtually all new construction, including fences, sheds, pools, decks and additions require a ZONING permit. BUILDING permits are also required for a majority of projects. Please refer to the Planning Permits Page for more information.
I'm moving my business into an existing building. Do I still need a permit ?
Yes. All businesses need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy & Zoning Certificate from the Building Department prior to opening. We welcome your business to Stow, and it is essential that we maintain an accurate record of our businesses. Another benefit of this process is that, in case of an emergency, the City’s safety personnel can be better prepared knowing the business use and any storage activities. Please refer to the Commercial Building Permit Process flow chart for the necessary steps.
There are two easy ways to find out what a property is zoned. First, the Zoning Maps of the city can be used to locate the property, and in most cases you can determine the zoning directly from the maps. If, however, you are unable to determine the zoning from the maps, you can call the Zoning Department with the address or location and they will assist you. If the property in question does not have an address associated with it you, may be asked to describe the location of the property in relation to the nearest street intersection.
Setbacks vary depending on the zoning district and what type of structure is being built, i.e. commercial building, house, shed, pool, etc. Please refer to the Selected Zoning Requirements for a summary of the regulations. If you have any questions, please contact the Zoning Department at (330) 689-2701 or the Planning Department at (330) 689-2812.
Who is responsible for locating my property lines?
The property owner is responsible for knowing the location (s) of their property lines. If the property lines cannot be located, the property owner will need to hire a licensed surveyor to locate the property pins which delineate property boundaries.
If I need help from Zoning, when is the best time to stop in ?
The Zoning Compliance Officer is usually in the office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and again from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Inspections are conducted during the rest of the day. You may always call (330) 689-2701 to schedule an appointment for a specific time.
When is the best time to stop in at City Hall to obtain permits or applications ?
Permits can be picked up from City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Applications and permits can be obtained from the Building Department (first floor), or the Planning Department (second floor). The Building Department is also open to accept applications or to distribute permits from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Who do I contact if I have a complaint or request on zoning issues ?
The Zoning Compliance Officer, Bobbie Carper, handles all zoning violations and complaints. Her phone number is (330) 689-2701. If the Compliance Officer is not available, you may call the Planning Department Secretary, Pamela Daerr at (330) 689-2812, and she may be able to either provide you with the information you will need or transfer you to the appropriate person you will need to talk to. All city departments and employees have voice mail so you may opt to leave a detailed message with your name, number and time you called along with your question or complaint.
