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1. Are there any laws against kids playing in the street?

Children are not allowed to play or ride in the street unless it has been barricaded for a block party.

2. What are the ordinances regarding bicycle helmets and bicycle safety?

All bicycle operators and passengers over the age of five must wear properly sized ANSI or SNELL approved helmets with fastened chinstraps. (Section 381.07) Bicyclists who ride on the street are required to have a front white-light lamp and rear red lamp. (Section 1173.06)

3. What are the ordinances pertaining to garage sales?

Residential garage sales should conform with these guidelines from the City’s zoning code:

• Location: All garage sale items must be located behind the front building setback line. This translates to the rear yard or behind the front (face) of a front facing, attached garage. A garage sale may not be located in the front yard.
• Duration: A garage sale may not last longer than two (2) days and may not be repeated more than four (4) times a year.
• Permit: There is no permit or license required from the City for a garage sale.

For additional information, call the Planning Department at 491-1430. Please refer to the Zoning Code for full ordinance requirements.

4. Can I store a vehicle that needs repair in my driveway?

Such a vehicle may be parked in a driveway for no more than 15 days. Thereafter, any non-functioning vehicle must be stored out of sight in a garage or other enclosed building. See Sections 1151.16, 1151.17, and 1262.15(c) of Codified Ordinances.

5. What is the height a resident can allow grass to grow before it must be cut?

Grass over six inches tall is a violation of the Housing Code and is classified as a nuisance. The City may issue a notice once in a growing season to the owner of a property that any violations of the ordinance may result in the City cutting the grass and sending the owner an invoice for the City’s cost, which will be, at minimum, $100. If the invoice is not paid, the amount is placed on the property taxes for that owner. (See Sections 1412.03 and 1411.25, and Chapter 107 of Codified Ordinances.)

6. How do I find City of Shaker Heights ordinances.

Access them at Codified Ordinances.

7. Is there a noise ordinance?

Many types of noise disturbances are not permitted in Shaker Heights. View the complete ordinance. This includes the operation of any mechanically powered tool, other than a snow blower, between the hours of 9 pm and 7 am, Monday to Friday or before the hour of 9 am on Saturday and Sunday.

8. What types of outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs are allowed in Shaker Heights?

Only two types of outdoor swimming pools are permitted in Shaker Heights:

1. Below grade pools (i.e. in-ground). 
2. Children’s swimming pools that are a maximum of two feet deep and ten feet in diameter.

Hot tubs are also permitted in Shaker Heights, either below or above grade. Hot tubs may not exceed eight feet in exterior diameter (and seven feet in interior diameter) or four feet in depth or height as measured from finished grade. Hot tubs that exceed these size requirements are considered swimming pools.

View the ordinance (1262.17) for outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs in Shaker Heights.

9. What are the ordinances for yard signs?

Please note: No signs are permitted on the tree lawn or on public property (i.e. parks, medians, RTA stations). Signs placed in the right of way (tree lawn) or on public property will be removed by the City.

Residential lawn signs are allowed in the front yard setback 20 ft. from the sidewalk (toward the house). In addition:

The following rules for signs are from the Codified Ordinance Section 1250.04A:

• Residential lawn signs are allowed in the front yard setback 20 ft. from the sidewalk (toward the house).
• Signs cannot be more than 6 sq. ft. in size for an individual sign
• You may have more than one sign, but they cannot total more than 12 sq. ft. in size.
• Signs in the window or on the house have the same size requirements.
• Signs may be in place for 45 days at a time. After that, they should be removed or replaced.
• As noted, signs on the tree lawn or on public property (i.e. parks, RTA stations) are not permitted.

10. What are the guidelines for renting a game truck for a private event, like a birthday party?

No special permit or license is required to rent a mobile game truck for a private event. The game truck must be parked on the street frontage immediately adjacent to the property where the private event is being held. The game truck may only park on the street during the event and must be parked in full compliance with all parking laws of the City.

11. What are the guidelines for mobile food trucks on a public streets?

Mobile food trucks may operate on a public street when part of a special event, including a block party. The organizers of the event must indicate their plans for the mobile food truck on either the Special Event Application form or the Block Party Registration form, depending on the type of event being planned. Food trucks must follow the guidelines outlined in 546.01 – 546.03, and 1111.05 of the City’s ordinances.

Please note that mobile ice cream trucks must have a Mobile Ice Cream Vendor License to do business in any manner in the City—whether on the street selling ice cream or at a special event.

12. Do I need a license to operate an ice cream truck in Shaker Heights?

Yes. Ice cream trucks operating within City limits must annually obtain a Mobile Ice Cream Vendor License from the Shaker Heights Police Dept. and also follow all guidelines outlined in 546.01 – 546.04 and 1111.05 of the City’s ordinances. In addition, the operator of an ice cream truck must have a valid Mobile Food License issued by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health or another authorized Health Department while operating in the City.