Your Avon, OH Questions Answered
Fall 2024 Questions and Answers
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Q: How do I schedule curbside chipping service?
A: You must complete the online request form at cityofavon.com, under the Service Department, Curbside Chipping, or you can call the Service Department at 440-937-5729 to be added to the list for pick up.
Q: Is there a size limit on branches that are left at the curb for chipping?
A: Yes, branches must be manageable in length and no bigger than 6" in diameter. We do NOT pick up rotten wood, treated wood/fence posts, root balls, anything with poison ivy, tall ornamental grass, or any mixed in debris that is not part of the actual tree.
CITY COUNCIL
Q: What is the difference between an ordinance and a resolution?
A: An ordinance is a law or regulation enacted by a municipal (city) or county government. It has the force of law within the jurisdiction of the local government that passes it. Ordinances typically deal with issues of local governance, such as zoning, public health, safety regulations, noise control, and other matters affecting the local community. A resolution is a formal expression of the opinion, will, or intention of a legislative body (such as a city council, county board, or other similar bodies). Resolutions are used to address temporary or specific issues that require the position or action of the governing body but do not have the force of law.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Q: Doesn't my neighbor have to take care of his or her own stormwater drainage?
A: Excess rainfall or snowmelt is permitted to follow the "lay of the land" when it starts to flow overland. That means that overland water flow is permitted to flow off one property and on to an adjacent property. A downstream property owner is not permitted to build a dike and not accept the water flows from higher elevation lands. An upstream property owner is not required to, and obviously in reality cannot, make the overland water flow disappear so that a downstream neighbor does not have to deal with it. However, that does not mean that downstream property owners do not have rights too. Upstream property owners could be held liable for downstream property damage or other civil liabilities if the upstream property owner significantly or unreasonably changes the amount of water, the water's flow rate, or the water quality without managing such changes in ways that protect downstream properties and follow applicable federal, state, and local laws. More information on Ohio Drainage Laws can be found at the Ohio EPA www.epa.ohio.gov website and the Ohio Department of Agriculture website, www.agri.ohio.gov.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Q: How do I find out information about my parcel?
A: The Planning Department receives calls from developers, real estate agents, and residents looking to find information regarding their parcel. The Lorain County Auditor's site is an excellent resource to find this information. Visit www.loraincountyauditor.com/gis/ and do a Basic Search. You will need either the Parcel Number, Owner Name or Address to find the parcel. Once the parcel is located, you will click on Printable Property Report. The property report will give you information on parcel number, acres, school district, and taxes to name a few.
Q: Why do we have so many pizza places, donut shops, houses?
A: Every property owner has rights to develop their property. These rights, along with the Avon City Zoning Ordinances, spell out what can or cannot be developed on the property. Zoning is the process of dividing large tracts of land into zones (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) in which certain land uses are permitted or prohibited. If a use is presented that meets the lot requirements as well as the zoning for the use, the city cannot deny the development. To find out what your parcel is zoned, visit www.cityofavon.com-Departments - Zoning - Maps - Overview Map. The map lays out the entire city and what zoning districts they are in. The legend at the bottom right of the drawing should assist with identifying the various colors on the map.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Q: How do you reserve the Avon Isle, Avon Lions Community Center or a Park Pavilion for a private event?
A: To reserve the Avon Isle, please call 440-937-6107. Avon Lions Community Center and Park Pavilions can be reserved online at avonrec.activityreg.com
Q: Do you need a fishing license to fish at Northgate or Eagle Point Ponds?
A: No, you do not need a fishing license. Please note that we practice catch & release at all city ponds.
Q: Can I purchase my pool membership online?
A: Yes, if you are a resident renewing your pass from the previous year and there are no changes to your membership. If you are a resident purchasing for the first time you will need to visit the Avon Parks Department on Schwartz Road to make an in-person purchase. Proof of residency is required. Please visit www.avonpool.com for required documents.
SENIOR CENTER
Q: Can non-residents of Avon participate in Senior Center events?
A: Yes! Anyone, no matter where they live, can participate in Senior Center events. The only two areas where Avon residency is a requirement is in our transportation program and our durable medical equipment loan program.
Q: Is there a membership fee?
A: No, there is no membership fee. We publish a newsletter every other month and charge $15 annually for mailing. If someone prefers receiving the newsletter as an email, we offer that free of charge. For a single issue, we have individual printed copies available in the office for $2.
Q: Why can't the drivers assist and/or push a client into their appointments in a wheelchair?
A: We are an unassisted curb to curb (not door-to-door) service. Drivers cannot leave the vehicle to provide physical assistance. Passengers must be able to ambulate to our vehicle. If not, they need to have an escort if they need assistance. Drivers are not allowed to enter private homes.
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
Q: Why are there different colored flags in my yard or neighborhood and why wasn't I notified?
A: Different utilities use colored markings and flags indicating where their cables and pipes are buried. As required by law and prior to any digging or surveying that is to occur near these lines, the utilities must be called out to paint markings or place flags showing these locations, sometimes even up to the home's connection point. Utility companies have legal easements automatically giving them the right to be on private property. There may be dozens of different crews out in numerous sections of the community on any given day. The City is, therefore, unable to provide each resident with notice before the crews start work. To find out why your property or neighborhood has been located, you can contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (Ohio 811) at 1-800-362-2764 or simply dial 811. Color codes: RED - Electricity, BLUE - water, GREEN - Sewer, ORANGE - Cable and Communications, YELLOW - Gas
Q: What is and why do you recommend residents sign up for Eye On Water?
A: Eye on Water is an application and web portal that allows water users to monitor their water usage for free. Eye on Water offers easy to understand graphs and configurable water leak notifications to help residents limit costly water waste. Understanding your water usage habits can help in eliminating over usage, especially for those with an underground irrigation system. While the Utilities Department does our best to notify residents when a meter has flagged a leak, setting up personal notifications through Eye on Water is the quickest and most efficient way to get alerted. Please visit www.eyeonwater.com today to get signed up.
POLICE
Q: How do I report a noise complaint?
A: Call our non-emergency number (440-934-1234) to speak with a dispatcher to report any noise disturbances. An officer will be sent out to evaluate the situation and take any appropriate action. Noise disturbances fall under Avon Codified Ordinance 648.10, which can be viewed under our Useful Links section. For general consideration, noise disturbances are prohibited between the hours of 9 p.m. - 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Q: How do I get a copy of an incident report or crash report that has already been filed?
A: You can obtain copies of incident reports and crash reports directly through our website (www.avonpd.com), through the Avon PD APP under the Public Records section, or by contacting our Records Department directly at 440-934-7860 or lastly by email at records@avonpd.com
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Q: Does the Building Department have a copy of our site plans?
A: In most cases for newer properties, we do or we recommend going to the county auditor's web site. Site plans are needed for permit projects like fences, sheds, driveways, deck or other outdoor improvements.
Q: Is it cheaper to obtain a homeowner permit?
A: No, permits are based on structured fees by ordinance and square footage. We often caution homeowners if they are being approached by contractors to obtain a homeowners permit, they are liable for all work, and the contractor may not be licensed and insured. If the owner wants to save the cost of the contractor charging for paperwork processing for permits, they need to list the contractors that will be responsible for the project. Before someone tells you that no permit is needed or they are going to be working on your property - VERIFY. Reputable companies will not hesitate to show proof of insurance.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Q: Can we have campfires in our backyard?
A: Open burning refers to the burning of any materials that contaminate directly into the air without passing through a stack or chimney. Requirements
- Campfires, outdoor fireplaces and UL listed equipment, whether used for cooking food, pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth, recreational, or other similar purposes shall be of minimum size for their intended purpose.
- Campfires and other recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material and camp and weather conditions should be such that the fire is unlikely to be spread.
- The fire must be fueled with clean, seasoned firewood or any natural gas or its equivalent that burns at similar emission levels.
- Fires to dispose of waste are not permitted.
- All fires must be attended until fully extinguished.
- Typically, open fires should not exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
Q: Can I shoot fireworks in Avon in my backyard?
A: Consumer fireworks are permitted to be discharged in the City of Avon, however, they are only permitted on the following days throughout the year: New Years Day/Chinese New Years Day/May 5th/The last Monday in May, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day/June 19th/July 3rd, 4th, & 5th/The first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before and after the 4th of July/The first Monday of September, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day/Diwali/December 31st. In addition to being restricted to the listed days, fireworks may only be discharged from private property, with the property owner's authorization. They may not be discharged in roadways, public properties to include parks, or any other area within the city. More details concerning fireworks can be found under Avon Codified Ordinance 672.10.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Q: Who do I call regarding my property tax bill?
A: Call the Lorain County Auditor at 440.329.5207
Q: Who do I call regarding my municipal income tax account?
A: Call the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) at 800.860.7482 or for online help you may go to RITAohio.com
ZONING DEPARTMENT
Q: How tall can grass be?
A: Tall grass- C.O. 650.05 Grass and Weeds - grass cannot exceed a height of 8 inches.
Q: Are campers or travel trailers allowed to be parked in residential areas?
A: Camper/Travel Trailer parking - C.O. 1292.017 Major Recreational Equipment - no major recreational equipment or mobile home shall be parked or stored on any lot in a Residential District, except in a carport or enclosed building or behind the nearest portion of a building to a street. However, such equipment may be parked anywhere on residential premises for not more than twenty-four hours during loading or unloading. No such equipment shall be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes when parked or stored on a residential lot or in any location not approved for such use.