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Planning Department

Show All Answers

1. What do I need a Zoning Permit for and how long does it take?

There are several types of projects zoning permits are required for, so it is always best to call the Planning Department at 419-354-6218 to inquire about your specific project. Examples of the types of items that need zoning permits include:

• Accessory building
• Accessory dwelling units
• Addition
• Alteration
• Change in roof pitch
• Change-in-use
• Conditional use
• Decks
• Driveway
• Fence
• Hot tub
• New construction
• Patio
• Pool
• Sign
• Stairs, etc.

Permit fees ranges between $5 to $50 and a complete fee sheet is listed on the Planning Department Fees page. Permit applications are available in the office, on the Planning Forms page or via email. A scaled sketch is required showing the proposed construction and measurements from all property lines. In some cases, the Planning Department might have a prior sketch that could be copied and the proposed new construction shown on the copy. Permit applications take about 7 days to process, and can be dropped off at the Planning office with the required fee and sketch or mailed to:
Planning Department
305 N Main Street
Bowling Green, OH 43402

Also, your construction project may require a building permit, in addition to a zoning permit, from Wood County Building Inspection. The City recommends calling Wood County Building Inspection directly to inquire about a building permit at 419-354-9190.

2. Do I need a permit for a temporary shed, or a shed on skids?

Yes; any accessory structure over 100 square feet built or placed on a build-able lot in the City of Bowling Green requires a Zoning Permit (PDF). There is a $25 one-time application fee.

3. Does my contractor need to be licensed?

There is no requirement for a license in order to obtain a Zoning permit, however:

• Any work done in the City Right-of-Way requires a permit through the Public Works Department
• The Wood County Building Inspector inspects all building construction for the City of Bowling Green and may require a licensed contractor

4. Do I need a permit for an inflatable swimming pool?

Yes; the City defines a swimming pool (PDF) as any structure designed to contain at least 18 inches of water. Any such structure, whether permanent or temporary, requires a permit. A new permit is not required every year, only if the pool changes in size or location. The fee for a Zoning Certificate (PDF) for a pool is $25.

5. Do I need a permit for a hot tub?

Yes; Hot tubs are not required to comply with minimum setback requirements for accessory structures.  However, hot tubs must be enclosed with a locking lid or cover or enclosed with a solid fence at least 4 feet high with a self-closing gate.  Please see Section 150.55 Accessory Uses (G) (2) for hot tub regulations.

6. I am replacing an existing fence. Do I need a permit?

Yes; please see Section 150.79 of the Codified Ordinances for fence regulations, and view our Fence Handout (PDF). The fee for a Zoning Certificate (PDF) for a fence is $25.

7. How close to the property line can I put my fence?

A fence can be built adjacent to the property line, however; it is your responsibility to ensure the location of your property line. The City will not get involved in disputes concerning property line locations. It is recommended that you hire a licensed professional surveyor in order to find the exact location of your property lines.  Also, please note, the "good" side of the fence is required to face outward toward adjacent lots, per section 150.79 of the Codified Ordinances.

8. Is there a copy of previous site plan for my property in your office?

There may be copies of previous site plans in the files of the Planning Department, however; we do not guarantee the accuracy of the drawings. Depending on the desired work, you may want to have your property surveyed by a licensed professional surveyor to ensure the proper location of the work being done.

9. How close can my patio / driveway / sidewalk be to my property line?

A patio for residential use, typically concrete, brick, pavers or other masonry material construction at existing grade level, cannot be located in any of the required setbacks.  The required setbacks are based on the zoning of the property, ranging from; a side yard setback anywhere between 0 feet to 10 feet, a rear yard setback between 20 feet and 30 feet, and a maximum total lot coverage (how much of the lot can be covered in structures or paving) of 50% to 80%. If a patio is 100 square feet or less, a zoning certificate is not required.  The fee for a Zoning Certificate (PDF) is $25. However, if any of the work is proposed to be in the City Right-of-Way, a permit is also required through the Public Works Department.

10. Are there certain things that I am restricted from building on my property in my subdivision?

Some subdivisions have covenants or restrictions that are recorded in the Recorder's Office located in the Wood County Court House. The City does not enforce those items.

11. Do I have different rules since I live on a corner lot?

Yes; a corner lot has two front yards, which does place more of a burden on them as far as not being able to build in the front yard setbacks.

12. I am replacing the sign face at my business location, with no increase in the sign dimensions. Do I need a new permit?

Yes. The fee for a Zoning Certificate (PDF) for a sign is $50.

13. How many signs are allowed for a commercial business?

Each commercial business is permitted no more than three signs.  The application fee for a Zoning Certificate (PDF) for a sign is $50.Please see Section 150.82 to 150.84 of the Codified Ordinances for further details.

14. Who do I make the check out to? Does the Planning Department accept credit cards?

All checks submitted to the Planning Department need to be made out to "The City of Bowling Green". The Planning Department will accept exact cash or checks only.

15. How soon after an application has been submitted can I begin work?

Work cannot begin until you have an approved application. The application is required to be signed by four different departments; once all of the departments have signed the application, the permit can be mailed to your address, emailed to you, or you may come in and pick it up. At that time you are permitted to begin the work. In the event that the work requires a permit from the Wood County Building Inspector, you will be required to give them a copy of your approved Zoning Permit.

16. Can I park my car in my yard?

Parking in the City of Bowling Green is permitted on a hard, dustless surface only, with the exception of a pre-existing (prior to 1975) gravel drive. Please see Section 98.17 and Section 150.72 (F) of the Codified Ordinances. Parking violations are subject to citations.

17. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

You do not need a permit to have a garage sale on your property. However, if you plan to place signs in the public right-of-way (generally the area between the street and the sidewalk), you do need a permit. The Municipal Administrator's Office has an application for temporary signs in the City Right-of-Way.

18. Is it a law that I have to have the address displayed on my home or business?

Yes; please see Section 152.12 of the Codified Ordinances for more information.

19. My dog lives outside and the neighbors have informed me that he barks all of the time, am I violating any laws?

Potentially; please see Section 90.03 of the Codified Ordinances to learn more.

20. I am selling my home - am I allowed to place a sale sign between the curb and the sidewalk?

No; please see Section 150.82(N) of the Codified Ordinances, which states that no temporary signs are allowed in the City right-of-way.

21. I received a citation from a Code Enforcement Officer. What do I do next?

Please follow the instructions on the citation. Do not call the Planning Department, we are not able to provide you with any information or assist you with any questions. You can also visit the Civil Offense Payout Information page to learn more.

22. I am replacing an existing structure. Do I need a permit?

Yes; Replacement of a structure does require a permit. City Ordinances can change over time and a new structure is required to comply with the current City Ordinances.

23. How can I add to my driveway or parking on my property?

For a one-unit or two-unit dwelling, a driveway may not exceed a width of 10 feet or the width of a garage to which it leads, whichever is greater.  Otherwise, a driveway and/or parking cannot be located in the front yard. All driveways must be setback from all side and rear lot lines by at least 3 feet, except where a driveway adjoins a driveway of an adjacent lot.  Additionally, there is a maximum total lot coverage (how much of the lot can be covered in structures or paving) of 50% to 80%, which depends on the zoning of the property.  Lastly, a lot cannot have more than one “parking pad”, which is defined as a “ground-level parking area of 1,200 square feet or less, not including the access driveway.”

The fee for a Zoning Certificate (PDF) is $25. However, if any of the work is proposed to be in the City Right-of-Way, a permit is also required through the Public Works Department.  See Section 150.72 for details.  The visuals below are meant to show what is not allowed and allowed for parking and driveways: