To make the effort worthwhile and the result magnificent, take advantage of Shaker's City Services. Information on historic preservation of an older home is available on the Planning Department's Housing Preservation page and in Community Links under Historic Preservation. Qualified rehabbers can receive special incentives through the Shaker Renovator Program.

Residential Improvements

So, you’re planning an improvement project for your home. What do you do first?

First, find out whether the project is something you can tackle yourself. The Resource Center, located at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, 3450 Lee Road, is a good place to start your research. You may also wish to take a look at the Homeowners Guide to Maintenance.

Once you’ve determined whether you want to do the work yourself or hire a professional, you may want to find out what sort of financial help is available to you. The City has a number of financial incentive programs you will want to learn about. 

If you decide to hire a contractor, you will want one who is registered with the City. Lists of registered contractors are updated regularly. The City cannot recommend contractors for you, but always suggests that you:

We are happy to help you develop a scope of work. Call 216-491-1370 to talk to a rehab specialist.

The Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) can also assist homeowners by locating reliable home repair contractors. The site features a guide to hiring and working with contractors, as well as a checklist of questions to ask. Click on the Resource Library link.

To identify other local contractors, contact the Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Residential Permits

The next important question to ask is: Will this project require a permit?

There isn’t always a simple answer to this question. Because certain repairs may or may not require a permit, it's best to check with the Building Department, 216-491-1460. In general, if the project involves adding or changing something to your home that might be subject to building code review, it will need a permit. Certain common household projects do not require a permit. 

Architectural review may be needed and approval granted for exterior projects even when no permit is required. To determine whether review by the Architectural Board is required, see the guide to common residential permits and required approvals or contact the Planning Department, 216-491-1430. 

Buildings that are located in an historic district or that have been designated local landmarks will require review by the Landmark Commission. Contact the Planning Department for additional information, 216-491-1436.

If your project requires a permit, take a look at How to Obtain a Permit. It clearly explains how to apply for a permit and how to make sure the project goes through the appropriate approval channels: the Architectural Board of Review (ABR), the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), or the Landmark Commission.

To make sure the project is performed to the State’s building codes, licensed building officials will inspect the permit work. Learn about the City's Inspection services. This enforcement ensures that the work meets Shaker’s standards for safety and quality.  

Commercial Improvements

Zoning and Permitting Process

The Planning and Building departments will help as you prepare to build-out your new space, renovate your existing space, start new construction, arrange signage and make other capital investments.

You may reach the Building Department at 216-491-1460 and the Planning Department at 216-491-1430. Economic Development staff can also assist you with these processes by ensuring that you contact the appropriate department at the right time.