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Architectural Board of Review
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How do I get on the ABR agenda?
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Under what circumstances must I appear before the Architectural Board of Review?
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What is the Architectural Board of Review schedule?
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Board of Zoning Appeals
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Can I put up a satellite dish?
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What are the BZA/CPC procedures to get on an agenda?
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What is the Board of Zoning Appeals/City Planning Commission schedule?
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Where can I place my air conditioner?
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Where can I put my fence?
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Home Business
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Are home-based businesses permitted in Shaker Heights?
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Miscellaneous
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Does Shaker Heights have a Strategic Investment Plan?
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What are the plans for Shaker Town Center?
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What color may I paint my home?
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What shingle colors may I use on my home?
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Preservation - Tile Roofs
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Do clay tiles break easily? How resistant are they to mold and lichens?
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How long do tile roofs last?
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How long have tiles been used in Shaker?
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I have an older tile roof that needs repairing. Will new tiles be compatible?
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What colors can I use?
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What is the cost of tiles relative to other materials?
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What style of house looks best with a tile roof?
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Will the lighter colors discolor easily?
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Preservation - Window Replacement
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If I do decide to replace, which is better, wood or vinyl?
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Is a permit required if I decide to install new windows?
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Several of my windows are showing signs of wear and tear in various places. Does the entire window have to be replaced?
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With the vast array of styles available, how do I know which is the most appropriate for my home?
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Shaker Median Trail
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Can the path be moved closer to the tracks?
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Do plans for emergency services include use of a gator (golf cart) as is used for the Beachwood Trail?
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Does the City follow recommendations of the Cuyahoga County Greenspace Plan?
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How close to the road will the path be located?
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How much of the median land belongs to RTA?
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How will motorized vehicles be kept off the trail?
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How will Police patrol?
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How will snow be removed from the Green Road lot?
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How will you provide more screening for the Green Road RTA parking lot?
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I've heard that a soccer field is proposed for the Shaker median. Can you provide more information about that?
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If the path is 8 ft. wide, how much damage will occur on each side while it is being built?
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Is the trail too close to Shaker Boulevard at several points?
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What are the City's removal plans during heavy snow?
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What are the hours and rules for use of the path?
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What are the safety plans at street crossings?
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What assurances can be given that there will be no additional construction in the Shaker median – i.e. bathrooms, condominiums, etc.?
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What is the budget for construction of the trail?
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What is the history of the path?
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What is the schedule for construction?
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What maintenance will the City conduct?
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Where will trail users park?
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Will an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be done?
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Will existing paths near the back of Shaker plantings be used?
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Will the path avoid new plantings across from 22000 Shaker, including bushes?
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Will the path cut through the woods and wet areas?
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Will the playing field across from 22300 Shaker Boulevard be preserved?
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Will the trail be ADA accessible?
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Will the trail be lighted?
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Will the trail cause an increase in crime?
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Will the trail disturb natural animal patterns and endangered animals or plants?
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Will trail plans incude amenities such as trash cans, benches, lights, signage, parking instruction, doggie bags?
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Will trees be removed in the process of creating the trail?
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Architectural Board of Review
How do I get on the ABR agenda?
Please call 491-1430 for complete information.
Under what circumstances must I appear before the Architectural Board of Review?
All exterior changes or additions require ABR approval.
What is the Architectural Board of Review schedule?
Please call 216-491-1430 or look at the schedule. The board meets on the first and third Mondays of the month. The meetings are held in the morning and begin at 8:00 AM.
Board of Zoning Appeals
Can I put up a satellite dish?
Yes, it can be placed on the house, behind the highest peak of the roof, not visible to the street. Please call 491-1430 for complete information.
What are the BZA/CPC procedures to get on an agenda?
A complete submission, including several specific details and plans must be submitted by the submission deadline. Please call 491-1430 for complete information.
What is the Board of Zoning Appeals/City Planning Commission schedule?
The Board meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Please see the schedule or call 491-1430 for complete information.
Where can I place my air conditioner?
Generally, in the rear yard screened from view or in the front yard completely screened by shrubs. Please call the Planning Department or see the Air Conditioning Equipment guidelines for complete information.
Where can I put my fence?
Generally, it can be placed in the rear yard and be up to 6-feet tall. Landscape screening is required when visible to the street. Please call 491-1430 for complete information.
Home Business
Are home-based businesses permitted in Shaker Heights?
Yes they are. Click here for guidelines regarding home businesses.
Miscellaneous
Does Shaker Heights have a Strategic Investment Plan?
Yes, click here to view.
What are the plans for Shaker Town Center?
Please see the Strategic Investment Plan document for general plans.
What color may I paint my home?
The City does not regulate paint colors. However, "Shaker Village Colors," a publication describing historic home colors, is available at no charge in the Planning Department office.
What shingle colors may I use on my home?
Please see the pre-approved shingle colors for general shingle color guidelines. Please call 216-491-1430 for complete information.
Preservation - Tile Roofs
Do clay tiles break easily? How resistant are they to mold and lichens?
No, they don’t break or chip easily. The tiles, which are manufactured in Ohio from local clay, are made of dense materials which can be fired at a very high temperature, making them very hard and durable. They have very low moisture absorption, which means they are excellent in a freeze-thaw climate and also resistant to mold and lichens.
How long do tile roofs last?
Tiles can easily last over 100 years. New tiles have a 75-year limited warranty.
How long have tiles been used in Shaker?
As tiles were one of the earliest acceptable roofing materials, they are found on houses built as early as 1910. The past two decades have also seen an increase in the use of tiles.
I have an older tile roof that needs repairing. Will new tiles be compatible?
Tiles made today are manufactured from new larger molds that do not match the dimension of the tiles that would be found on older Shaker homes. Tiles matching the old dimensions are still manufactured but are more expensive. The City wants to create a database of every property in Shaker Heights with a tile roof so a local distributor may order special runs of the old tiles at a more affordable price. Please contact Planning (216-491-1430) for further details.
What colors can I use?
Many colors were used originally, including dark green and dark red. The Architectural Board of Review must review and approve the color (and design) before a permit to install a tile roof can be issued. Board members can also help in the color and selection process.
What is the cost of tiles relative to other materials?
The cost is comparable to slate. While more expensive than asphalt, which lasts approximately 15-20 years, tiles have the advantage of longevity. Tiles also have aesthetic value, adding to the appeal of the house.
What style of house looks best with a tile roof?
With the large selection of tile designs and colors, most of Shaker’s houses could look great with a tile roof. Not all tile styles may be appropriate; the architectural style of the house will help dictate the style most appropriate for that particular house. The Architectural Board of Review can help with selection. The Board’s approval is also required before a new roof can be installed.
Will the lighter colors discolor easily?
No. The color is guaranteed for the life of the tile, which is 75 years. They are ceramic-fired (like dishes are), which makes them colorfast.
Preservation - Window Replacement
If I do decide to replace, which is better, wood or vinyl?
Wood windows are the soundest option. They are structurally strong, weather well against the elements (many houses still have their original windows, which are averaging 70 years old), and they allow flexibility with exterior and interior color schemes. If a homeowner decides to install vinyl windows, the visual impact on the house can be great. The color selections are limited and the frames of the windows are wider, as vinyl is not as strong as wood. The wide frames make the new windows look very heavy and can create an unbalanced proportion to the appearance of the house. Shop around. Window replacements, regardless of material, can be an expensive project. Paying a little more up front for quality materials, flexibility in color and increased details will ultimately add value to your home.
Is a permit required if I decide to install new windows?
Yes. Depending on whether your windows will be replicating the existing ones or whether you are changing styles and sizes, you will need approval from either the Planning Department or the Architectural Board of Review.
Several of my windows are showing signs of wear and tear in various places. Does the entire window have to be replaced?
Not necessarily. Often only the defective parts of a window may actually need repair or replacement. Consult with contractors who specialize in older window repair before replacing the entire unit. The Planning Department can provide names of appropriate contractors, although we cannot make individual recommendations.
With the vast array of styles available, how do I know which is the most appropriate for my home?
Before undertaking any project, look at your house critically. Notice the fine details of craftsmanship and compare the new product against what is currently installed on your home. How drastic is the proposed change? There are a large number of window manufacturers that fabricate new wood windows that replicate those fine profiles found on older windows. Another important thing to do is determine the architectural style of your house. Most Shaker houses fall into one of three broad architectural styles: English, French and Colonial. Traditionally, the windows are the same color as the trim on the house. The City has a free publication, Shaker Village Colors, that describes these styles of architecture (along with other common styles) and shows the appropriate color schemes for these styles of houses.
Shaker Median Trail
Can the path be moved closer to the tracks?
The designers have located the trail a safe distance from the RTA tracks and Shaker Boulevard. RTA has a 42’ easement for the tracks. We cannot build within that easement. In addition, the grade drops closer to the tracks. Safety of children walking or biking close to the tracks was also considered.
Do plans for emergency services include use of a gator (golf cart) as is used for the Beachwood Trail?
The Fire Department (EMS) will walk from Shaker Boulevard into any emergency along the trail. The City will not use a gator.
Does the City follow recommendations of the Cuyahoga County Greenspace Plan?
The proposed median trail implements a small portion of the 2002 Greenspace Plan, which calls for an “Inner Ring Loop” and creating connections between the east side suburbs and downtown. The Greenprint vision plan identifies the Shaker Boulevard median as a trail link location.
How close to the road will the path be located?
The trail is never closer than 10 ft. to the road. The vast majority of the trail is located more than 10 ft. from Shaker Boulevard. In many locations, it is 100 or even 200 feet from the road. No barriers or guardrails are proposed. The trail is close to the road near the soccer fields (a 10-ft. tree lawn separates trail and road): ~ 600 ft. distance; and at the RTA parking lot (approx 12-15 ft. separation): ~ 400 ft distance.
How much of the median land belongs to RTA?
None of it. It all belongs to the City. RTA leases the land.
How will motorized vehicles be kept off the trail?
The path will have signs that say “no motorized vehicles.” This is a severe violation that will result in arrest. It will be difficult to get onto the trail due to existing signs, poles, etc.
How will Police patrol?
Normal patrols will continue. However, the Police will not patrol the trail with specialty vehicles.
How will snow be removed from the Green Road lot?
RTA will revise the patterns for snow plowing so that snow is stored elsewhere in the lot.
How will you provide more screening for the Green Road RTA parking lot?
The revised plans show a new row of planters on the north side of the trail for additional screening. A row of smaller plantings, such as daylilies, may be planted under the Hawthorne trees.
I've heard that a soccer field is proposed for the Shaker median. Can you provide more information about that?
The field is part of the City’s recreation facilities and is not owned by the schools. There will be an at-grade crosswalk and traffic signal located across from the Middle School. One field will be constructed at this time. The design of the field is just getting underway through another process. However, the basic International Federation of Football Association standard field dimensions are 150-300 ft. wide by 300-390 ft. long. Proposed field size is approximately 170 ft. wide by 260 ft. long. The length can likely be extended, but width is restricted by existing natural conditions, RTA tracks, Shaker Boulevard and safety considerations.
If the path is 8 ft. wide, how much damage will occur on each side while it is being built?
Typically 2-4 ft. on either side of the trail. Total disturbed area will be 12-14 ft. along the course of the 8 ft. wide trail. The impacted area will be restored, leaving a grass shoulder on either side of the trail, similar to the Beachwood trail.
Is the trail too close to Shaker Boulevard at several points?
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities recommends a minimum distance of 5 ft. between a road and a bike path. Distances of 5 ft. or less should have a suitable physical barrier. The Shaker median proposed trail is never less than 10 ft. away from Shaker Boulevard in any spot.
What are the City's removal plans during heavy snow?
In the event of heavy snow, snow cleared from the roadway may fall on and cover the trail where it is closer than 10 ft. from the road. Under those circumstances, the City will plow that portion of the trail. In normal snowfall, snow from the roadway should not be an issue.
What are the hours and rules for use of the path?
No motorized vehicles will be allowed and the path will be closed at night. Additional rules and hours will be set by the Community Life and Health Committee.
What are the safety plans at street crossings?
All crossings will have a painted crosswalk in a special color. A pedestrian signal will be added at the Warrensville crossing. There currently is a pedestrian signal is at the Green Road crossing. A new traffic and pedestrian signal and crosswalk will also be installed on Shaker Boulevard, between the new soccer field and the Middle School. The Police Department will evaluate the timing for optimal safety. A few trees will be removed at Green Road so motorists will have better visibility of the path.
What assurances can be given that there will be no additional construction in the Shaker median – i.e. bathrooms, condominiums, etc.?
There are presently no plans to develop the median strip. The current Council, however, cannot bind a future Council’s plans. The presence of the path will help prevent development.
What is the budget for construction of the trail?
The budget is $500,000. The design/build bid was $490,000. In an effort to be fiscally responsible and remain within the budget provided by City Council, the south side option was selected, because it could be completed within the $500,000. The contractor is looking at alternate methodology to free up some of the budget for amenities.
What is the history of the path?
The trail has been discussed for many years. In 2002 the County Greenspace Plan recommended the trail. In 2004 and 2005 the City conducted the Recreation and Leisure Assessment. A citizen task force guided this process. There were 3 large public meetings. At the second public meeting, residents ranked priorities: 1. fields; 2. improved pool; and 3. walking, hiking and biking trail. In 2006 the Walkable Communities Workshop examined Shaker Boulevard/Warrensville Center access. In 2007, Council appropriated $500,000 for a multi-purpose trail in the Shaker median.
What is the schedule for construction?
Construction will begin by August 1, giving Public Works 6 weeks prior to leaf season to conduct clearing for the trail. The trail should be complete by mid-October.
What maintenance will the City conduct?
Trash will be picked up from cans and along the trail. Asphalt maintenance will not be needed for 5 to 7 years. At that time, a 1 in. top course could be added.
Where will trail users park?
As one goal is to preserve the natural beauty of the area, there will be no new parking lots constructed. Several lots exist adjacent to the path: Beachwood trail parking lot, Green Road RTA parking, Warrensville Center RTA parking and at the Middle School. The path is ADA accessible from the Green Road and Beachwood lots. ADA accessible curb cuts will be installed at all intersections with the path. The entire path is also ADA accessible.
Will an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be done?
No, the Environmental Protection Agency only requires federal agencies to prepare an EIS to thoroughly assess the environmental impacts of "major federal actions that could significantly affect the human environment." The proposed median trail is not a federally-funded project (which would require a 10 ft. width), nor are significant impacts anticipated.
Will existing paths near the back of Shaker plantings be used?
The trail will follow existing footpaths and maintenance access roads where possible.
Will the path avoid new plantings across from 22000 Shaker, including bushes?
These plantings by Mr. & Mrs. Kovel will be marked as a preservation area and protected by fence during construction. The trail will cause no harm to them.
Will the path cut through the woods and wet areas?
Yes, the path will cut into the woods in some areas. We will avoid all wet areas.
Will the playing field across from 22300 Shaker Boulevard be preserved?
Most of the open space will still be available for use as open area.
Will the trail be ADA accessible?
Yes, the entire path will be ADA accessible.
Will the trail be lighted?
No lights are planned.
Will the trail cause an increase in crime?
The Police Department reports that there is no evidence to support this. Other trails have not increased crime. There are no crime issues at the Cleveland Heights trail or the Southerly Park trail.
Will the trail disturb natural animal patterns and endangered animals or plants?
Shaker Lakes Nature Center staff looked at the proposed trail location. It is their opinion that this will be a minimally impactful project if low, wet areas are avoided and if minimal clearing is done. Fall is the best time to construct the trail, as this is non-breeding season for most animals. Deer may be temporarily flushed from the immediate areas while construction is underway, but will return once construction is complete.
Will trail plans incude amenities such as trash cans, benches, lights, signage, parking instruction, doggie bags?
Trash cans and signage will be installed. We are looking at construction cost saving measures to add benches and doggie bags. No lights are proposed.
Will trees be removed in the process of creating the trail?
The trail is laid out to avoid large trees and significant plantings. Undergrowth and invasive species will be cleared. Some small trees which are invasive species will be cleared such as: buckthorne, honeysuckle, and ash. Some small trees, around 6” caliper, may also be cleared. A few larger trees, 12 in. caliper, will be cleared in order to move the path back where the guardrail was eliminated. In most cases, the path will avoid trees.
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