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Planning & Development

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1. When is a zoning permit required?

For residential properties, if you are building or replacing any structure on the property, including but not limited to a fence, deck, shed, pool, new home, garage, retaining wall, patio cover or any addition to a primary or accessory structure a zoning permit is required. 

Zoning permits are not required for interior remodeling, at grade patios, garage sales, temporary signs or driveways.

For commercial properties a zoning permit is necessary when occupying a new space, installing or replacing signage, building additions, façade renovations, parking lot renovations, construction or replacement of any new structures.

Zoning permits are not required for interior remodeling that does not change the overall square footage of a tenant space. 

Please follow up with Greene County Building Regulation, 937-562-7420 to obtain any building, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC permits. 

2. How do I obtain a zoning permit?

You can apply for a permit in the online permit center or you can print out a paper application and deliver it to the Planning & Development Department. 

3. How much does a zoning permit cost?

Zoning permit fees can be found in the fee schedule.

4. How do I apply for a permit on the website?

You can access the online web portal and follow the step-by-step instructions to complete and pay for a zoning permit online. Once the permit is approved you can schedule inspections through the portal. 

5. Where do I get my building permit?

The City of Beavercreek only issues zoning permits. Building permits, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, are issued by Greene County Building Regulation. They can be reached at 937-562-7420.

6. May fences be placed on the property line?

Fences are allowed to be placed up to the property line, but may not cross the property line. You can apply for a fence permit in the Online Permit Center.

Property line disputes are not settled by the City of Beavercreek.

7. What type of permit do I need for a garage?

A detached garage requires an Accessory Structure Permit . An attached garage requires a Residential Zoning Permit. You can apply for either in the Online Permit Center. 

8. Can I build a garage and then a home?

No. Detached garages are accessory structures, the home must be built first.

9. Do I need a permit to install a patio?

A permit is not required if it is poured concrete or brick pavers at grade. If it is above grade or is a covered patio, a Residential Zoning Permit is required which can be applied for in the Online Permit Center.

10. Do I need a permit to construct a handicap ramp?

Yes. A Residential Zoning Permit is required, but no fee is charged. You can apply for the permit in our Online Permit Center. 

11. Do I need a permit to replace a fence, shed, deck, or pool?

Yes, replacing existing structures will require a new permit. You can apply for a zoning permit in the Online Permit Center. 

12. Do I need a permit to have a garage or yard sale?

No. But signs advertising the sale may only be placed on private property and must be removed once the sale is over.

13. Do I need a permit to run a business from my home?

No. But the standards outlined in section 158.133 of the Zoning Code (PDF), Home Occupations, must be met. 

14. What do I need to start a business in an existing commercial building?

You will need to complete a Certificate of Use Compliance application in the Online Permit Center. Once you have received approval, you can apply for an Occupancy Permit from Greene County Building regulation. If signs will also be installed or replaced, the Permanent Sign permit must be completed for each sign. 

15. What do I need to get a permanent sign for my business?

Section 158.145 of the Zoning Code (PDF) must be met for all new signage. Complete a permanent sign permit application in the Online Permit Center and include a copy of a site plan (for ground signs only) showing the exact location of the sign and a rendering of the sign containing exact measurements to indicate sign size. 

16. What are the restrictions on temporary ground signs?

A commercial establishment can choose from 1 of the following 2 options per calendar year for a temporary ground sign or for an A-frame sign. Please note that some developments are not permitted to have any temporary signage. Permits for temporary signage can be obtained through the Online Permit Center:

• Two temporary signs per calendar year for a maximum of 15 continuous days
• One temporary sign each calendar year for a period of 30 continuous days

There must also be a period of 30 days between each sign placement.

17. What do I need to know about political signs?

Download a Political Sign Permit (PDF) to learn more.

18. When do I need to get a zoning inspection?

An inspection must be performed by the zoning inspector after a zoning permit is approved and at least 24 hours before the structure is built or installed. 

19. What do I have to do to get an inspection?

• Call the Planning and Development Department at 937-427-5512, 24 hours in advance to schedule an inspection or visit the online permit center.
• For any structure requiring an inspection, either the post holes or footers must be dug, or stakes or spray paint should be used showing the locations of the structures.

20. What does the inspector look for?

During an inspection, the inspector will look to see that the approved permit matches what is being installed or constructed:

• The dimensions of the structure are the same as on the permit.
• The location of the structure is the same as on the permit.
• Setbacks are correct and are the same as on the permit.

If you have any questions, a staff member in the Department of Planning & Development  is available to assist you Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. or you can call the department at 937-427-5512 for additional information.

21. For how long is my zoning permit valid?

Approved zoning permits are valid for 6 months (180 days) from the date of issue.