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Permits

Permits are required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, move or demolish any building or structure. To obtain a permit, please file a permit application at City Hall. A number of permit applications are available on our website. The cost of the permit is based on a fixed formula relative to the valuation of all construction and finish work. Projects such as storage sheds, fences, satellite dishes, pools (and hot tubs and spas), driveways, etc., require permits. Please contact us at 937-836-8624 for additional information or if you are in doubt as to the necessity of a permit.
 
Storage Sheds
Construction of a storage shed requires a permit. The maximum dimension of a storage shed cannot exceed 12 feet by 12 feet, with a total height of not more than 12 feet and no more height than 8 feet to eaves soffit from a concrete floor. All storage sheds must be installed on a slab (underneath the slab 4 inches of pea gravel, compacted, and the slab itself 4 inches of 4,500 PSI concrete) and anchored with concrete anchoring devices. In lieu of a concrete slab, pilasters may be used, consisting of concrete or treated lumber for ground contact as approved by a City of Union building inspector. Pilasters must be a minimum of 8 inches in diameter and 18 inches in depth. In addition, a wooden structure must be 7 inches above grade, if built of untreated lumber, to prevent rotting and wood-boring insects. If metal, the structure should be 2 to 3 inches off the ground to prevent rusting. Storage sheds cannot be placed closer than 10 feet to a main structure, or within 6 feet of any property line, or on any easements. Storage sheds cannot be installed closer to the street than the building set-back line. Please contact us at 937-836-8624 about your plans to replace or build a storage shed. Note: Additional restrictions may apply within the covenants of your development.
  
Fences, Walls and Hedges
Fences, walls, and hedges excluding chain link and farm fence may be permitted in any front yard, or along the edge of any front yard, provided that no fence or wall along the sides or front edge of any front yard shall be over 4 feet in height. Fences, walls, and hedges may be permitted along the edge of any side or rear yard provided that the fence or wall shall be not be less than 3 1/2 nor more than 6 feet in height. All hedges along the front yard and/or side yard adjacent to any sidewalks shall be set back at least 3 feet so that subsequent growth shall not obstruct pedestrian movements on the sidewalk. All structural supports of any fence shall be erected with such supports on the inside of the area to be enclosed, except as permitted in the following cases:

  • A fence visible from the public right-of-way, which is designed with a finished appearance on one side, shall be oriented so that the finished side faces such right-of-way.
  • A fence that adjoins the side or rear lot line of another lot may be erected with such supports on the outside of the area to be enclosed if the owners of the said adjoining lot or lots have provided a signed and notarized letter attesting to their approval of this situation.

Fence post holes must be at least 24 inches deep and inspected before concrete is added. Additional restrictions may apply within the covenants of your development. Corner and regular lots have different definitions of “front yard.”

Please refer to the City’s Property Maintenance Brochure 2017 for this definition.
 

Satellite Dish-Type Signals
Satellite dishes require a permit. Please stop by City Hall to obtain an application. The fee for the permit is $50, which covers the cost to review construction plans and specifications, as well as inspection of final construction. Additional restrictions may apply within the covenants of your development.
  
Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas
Swimming pools 24 inches or more in depth or greater than 150 square feet in surface area require a permit. All swimming pools must comply with the side yard requirements of the zoning district in which it is located (6 feet off the side and rear property lines or off any easements). The entire structure must be 6 feet from the property line, so if there is decking surrounding the top of the pool, the outside edge of the deck would need to be 6 feet from the property line. In Montgomery County, electric lines are not permitted above pools. The overhead service drop line must be at least 10 feet from the edge of the water. Underground lines must be at least 5 feet from the edge of the water. The swimming pool or the entire property on which it is located must be walled or fenced to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or from adjacent properties. Such fences or walls must not be less than 6 feet in height and maintained in good condition with a gate and a lock. Another option is a deck package in which the top rail of the deck is 6 feet from the ground and the ladder swings up and locks to prevent access to the pool. Building and plumbing permits (issued by Montgomery County) are required for all pools that use electric apparatus or equipment in conjunction with the cleaning, servicing, or operation of the pool. All permits require inspections and a final inspection before the pool is approved for use. The pool cannot be filled until the barricade and locks are installed. Hot tubs and spas are subject to the same regulations except that a locking cover may be used instead of a fence. There is no credit or waiving of sewer charges on filling a swimming pool. The cost is $1.75 per thousand gallons for water and $2.20 per thousand for sewer, for a total of $3.95 per thousand gallons. For example, a pool holding 10,000 gallons of water would cost $39.50 to fill. Remember to call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (1-800-362-2764) before you dig so utility lines can be marked. Additional restrictions may apply within the covenants of your development.

Driveways
Driveways require a permit. All driveway additions must have “approaches” added.

  • Approaches: base material, 2 inches pea gravel, compacted; 6 inches of concrete, 4000 PSI; expansion joints required at curb and sidewalk.
  • Concrete driveways: base material, 2 inches pea gravel, compacted; 4 inches concrete, 4000 PSI; expansion joints at garage or house.
  • Asphalt driveways: base material, 6 inches crushed limestone, compacted, 2 inches asphalt.

Please stop by City Hall to obtain an application. Additional restrictions may apply within the covenants of your development.