The Building Department performs two kinds of Inspections:

1. Residential/Commercial Permit Work (performed by either a contractor or homeowner)
2. Commercial Property Maintenance

Inspectors evaluate the work that has been performed looking for compliance with the State Building Code. They are licensed building officials. Enforcement of these State Codes is crucial to maintaining safety and superior quality in Shaker's architecture. An in-depth review of the regulations that govern building inspections can be found in Chapter 1307 (Inspections) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Shaker Heights. 

Residential/Commercial Permit Work

All work that requires a building permit (home improvements and permits) must be inspected for compliance with the building code. Contractors who register with the City are required to have that work inspected. The City expects the contractor to coordinate the inspections with the homeowner. If the inspection does not occur, the contractor can be held in violation of the registration agreement and legal action may be taken. Permits issued to homeowners are subject to the same legal action if an inspection is not scheduled and conducted. 

Commercial Property Maintenance

The City is committed to preserving the quality and character of its commercial buildings. Commercial buildings and properties are subject to both interior and exterior inspections every two years. The inspection program ensures that all commerical buildings and businesses are free from health and safety hazards.   Safe and well-maintained buildings protect property values and contribute to the community's overall stability.   An in-depth review of the regulations can be found in Chapter 1319 (Commercial Property Maintenance Code) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Shaker Heights, (Ord. 99-42).

Housing Inspections

The Housing Inspection Department inspects all residential properties for compliance with standards of health, safety and general maintenance.

These requirements are established in the City’s Housing Code (Chapter Fourteen of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Shaker Heights) and are necessary to make all residential structures:

• Safe
• Sanitary
• Free from fire hazards
• Free from conditions that might blight or have a deteriorating influence on the neighborhood and the community.

Regular inspections preserve our homes, promote upgrades, and enhance property values.

There are three types of inspections:

Point of Sale

Sellers of residential real estate are required to obtain a Point of Sale inspection and to present that report to any prospective purchaser prior to the execution of a contract of sale.

• The fee for the inspection is $150 for single family or individual condominium units.
• The fee for two-family homes is $200.
• The fee for apartment buildings is $150 for the first dwelling and $50 for each additional unit.

The inspection is a comprehensive interior/exterior evaluation (interior inspection guidelines, exterior inspection guidelines). If violations are identified, they may be passed onto the buyer. However, an escrow account must be established and funds, equal to 150% of the estimated cost of repairs, must be deposited to pay for the cost to correct all violations (Point of Sale Fact Sheet).

Once a Point of Sale inspection is conducted, any identified violations must be corrected, even if the owner determines to take the property off the market.

Systematic

Rental

All rental properties receive an interior/exterior inspection every 3 years. In addition, rental owners are required to annually obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. (See Certificates of Occupancy under Forms & Permits.)  The fee for the Certificate of Occupancy is $50.00.

Owner-Occupied

All owner-occupied homes receive an exterior inspection every five years. The inspection schedule divides the City into five neighborhood-based sections. The current five-year cycle is as follows:

Complaint

The Department takes and investigates all complaints, including those in which the complainant prefers to remain anonymous. If a condition is found to constitute a code violation, a notice will be issued to the property owner.

In the absence of health and safety violations, the standard compliance time for housing code violations is 90 days. Reinspections are conducted shortly thereafter. If all violations have been corrected, compliance is confirmed in writing. Extensions of time will be granted if progress on repairs is satisfactory, but incomplete. Property owners are encouraged to contact the Housing Inspection Department if extenuating circumstances delay the correction of violations, or if assistance is needed on repair options.