Frequently Asked Questions

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Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

A snow emergency is declared by the County Sheriff's Department. The levels of snow emergencies are:

• A level 1 snow emergency means that roadways are hazardous, with blowing and drifting snow. Roads are also icy. Drive very cautiously.
• A level 2 snow emergency means that roadways are hazardous, with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
• A level 3 snow emergency means that all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways may subject themselves to an arrest.

The director of roads and services determines if there are hazardous road conditions. If so, township trucks will be called out.

Sugarcreek Township road crews plow only the roads that are classified as township roads, which does not include all of the roads within Sugarcreek. For specifics please view the List of Roads in the Township and the Responsible Agencies.

A Property Maintenance Code is a tool used by governments to improve the condition of properties that have fallen into disrepair. While traditional zoning and nuisance abatement regulations may help in many areas, a Property Maintenance Code regulates building condition and safety. Common examples of property maintenance issues that can be addressed with a Property Maintenance Code include missing siding, gutters hanging off a structure, and the presence of badly peeling paint. Property maintenance regulations enable a community to spur owners to address these issues, for both residential and commercial properties.

Key to the preservation of property values and the maintenance of neighborhood integrity and attractiveness is property maintenance. The Township simply had no mechanism to address the issue of building condition and maintenance. Adopting a Property Maintenance Code, in conjunction with existing zoning and nuisance abatement, gives the Township the tools necessary to address these issues.

Many other communities in the region have them, especially in cities and villages; however they exist in some of the larger townships in the area.

The township adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which is a universal tool for the effective enforcement of property maintenance and housing violations. This code provides for the enforcement of both commercial and residential properties, and is a model code that is used by communities throughout the nation.

The intent of Sugarcreek Township’s Property Maintenance Code is to maintain the exterior of properties and building occupancy, and to address those areas not currently covered in the Township’s zoning and nuisance regulations. Typical examples of violations would include the prohibition of boarded up windows, gutters or downspouts that are not secured to a structure, missing siding, shingles falling from roofs, shutters not secured to a home. Less typical violations may include overcrowding, plumbing and heating fixtures not properly maintained, and infestation.

The code is enforced through the Planning and Zoning Department, much like existing zoning and nuisance violations. The township does not seek out violations, but does accept anonymous complaints, as it currently does with the aforementioned regulations. After a complaint is received, a property would be inspected to determine if any property maintenance, zoning, or nuisance violations exist.

Properties in violation of the code, like with nuisance and zoning violations, would be notified via mail of the violation and provided with a time frame to make the repairs. We typically ask that the repairs be made in thirty days, or that an owner at least contact the Township during that time period to discuss their repair timeline. Like with other codes, the Township will work with the property owners who need additional time, provided there is progress made on the violation. In situations where no improvements have occurred within the allotted time frame, a 2nd notice would be sent, to be followed (if necessary) by a citation to court. An appeals process also exists through the Township Board of Zoning Appeals (fees do exist for this option), if an owner does not agree with staff’s interpretation of the code. The Township will work with property owners to the greatest extent possible if progress is being made on violation abatement.

Like with other codes, the Township will attempt to work with owners on a case by case basis. If a financial hardship exists that limits the ability of a property owner to take action, the Township will work with a property owner and other organizations (government, non-profit, and for profit) to seek volunteers to help abate a situation. However, this can only occur with a property owner’s support, and organizations or businesses that are willing to assist.

You need to apply for a Zoning Certificate from Sugarcreek Township. You will need two (2) copies of your site plan, two (2) copies of your construction drawings, and a completed Zoning Certificate Application. There is a $35 charge. You may need to apply for a Building Permit from the Greene County Department of Building Regulations too. If the deck is more than 24" off the ground, you will be required to have a Building Permit. It is recommended that you call the Department of Building Regulations, 937-562-7420, to discuss your specific project. Remember, a Zoning Certificate is always required from Sugarcreek Township even if a Building Permit is not required from Greene County. You may also need to acquire approval from your Homeowner's Association.

You need to apply for a Zoning Certificate from Sugarcreek Township. You will need two (2) copies of your site plan, two (2) copies of your construction drawings, and a completed Zoning Certificate Application. There is a $25 charge for buildings 200 SF or less. There is a $40 charge for buildings over 200 SF. You may need to apply for a Building Permit from the Greene County Department of Building Regulations too. If the shed is greater than 200 SF in area, you will be required to have a Building Permit. It is recommended that you call the Department of Building Regulations, 937-562-7420, to discuss your specific project. Remember, a Zoning Certificate is always required from Sugarcreek Township even if a Building Permit is not required from Greene County. You may also need to acquire approval from your Homeowner's Association.

It depends on Zoning District. In R-1A, R-1B, and R-PUD Districts, the combined total area of all existing and proposed accessory structures cannot exceed 25% of the total area of the main building on the parcel (including the attached garage but excluding the basement). In the R-1A, R-1B and R-PUD District, a maximum of two accessory buildings or structures shall be permitted on an individual lot. Accessory buildings and structures that shall be counted as part of this limitation include detached garages, storage/utility sheds, detached decks, gazebos and similar structures, and above ground pools (but not inground pools). Contact us for information on accessory structure allowances in the E and A-1 Districts.

Yes. In the R-1A, R1-B and R-PUD Districts there is a limitation of two accessory structures per lot. A fence is not considered an accessory structure for the purposes of this limitation (and neither is an inground pool).

You need to bring in two (2) copies of your site plan showing the location of the proposed fence and complete an application for a Zoning Certificate. Fences do not need to be approved by the Greene County Department of Building Regulations. Fences located in front yards are limited to 42" in height with a permitted open to closed portion ratio not to exceed 1-3/4:1 (privacy fences are not permitted in front yards). Fences in side and rear yards are limited to 6' in height (privacy fences are permitted in side and rear yards). Please contact the Sugarcreek Township Planning and Zoning Department for additional guidance on your specific project. You may also need to acquire approval from your Homeowner's Association. Note: Corner lots are considered to have two (2) front yards.

It is recommended that you have the property surveyed if you are unsure exactly where your property lines are. It is not a requirement that you have the property surveyed.

This is dependent upon the height of the shed. On lots of less than five acres, accessory structure height is limited to 18' and the required minimum setback is 8' from the side and rear property lines. On lots of five acres or more, accessory structure height is limited to 24'. Accessory structures over 18' in height must be setback a minimum of 15' from the side and rear property lines.

Any swimming pool, or any permitted area of the property on which it is located, shall be so walled for fenced by approved material and construction a minimum of 48" high to prevent uncontrolled access from the street or adjacent properties. For above ground pools the sidewall of the pool may serve as the safety wall provided the sidewall of the pool is at least 48" high measured from grade at the base of the wall. On lots in the A-1 District, containing five (5) acres or more, in lieu of a wall or fence an automatic pool cover meeting ASTM F1346-91 standards (or as modified) may be installed.

No. Sheds are only permitted in rear yards.

It usually takes 1-3 business days to process a Zoning Certificate for a residential use. Same day service is possible, subject to staff availability and the completeness of the application.

Yes. Sugarcreek Township requires that grass be maintained at a height below 12". Please contact us so that we can make an inspection and proceed with our nusiance abatement process.

You cannot build in an easemetn without permission from the easement owner.

Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm and closed on all federal holidays

yes, a call box has been placed on the wall next to the door with a direct line to the communication center at Greene Central.

No, both the police and fire departments will still respond to all calls within Sugarcreek Township.

Yes, just contact the communication center at 937-848-6161 to notify them that you are in need of a vacation house check.