Living in and loving a Shaker home can be a major undertaking. 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.
Residential
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 Shaker 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 monthly. Shaker residents have had positive experiences with these contractors and are willing to provide references. The City cannot recommend contractors for you, but always suggests that you:
- Check references
- Look at prior work
- Get at least three bids
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.
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 is advisable 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.
If your project requires a permit, the publication entitled “How to Obtain a Permit” will be important to you now. 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) or the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
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
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.
