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1. How tall is grass allowed to grow?

Grass is permitted up to 8" in height.  Once the grass exceeds 8" the City will cite the violation on the property by posting a sign.  If the grass is not cut within five days of the citation. The City will then cut the grass and bill the property owner.  If the bill is not paid within 10-days the bill will be assessed to property taxes.

2. What are my setbacks to build?

Setbacks requirements are dependent on the zoning district of the property.  The zoning district can be determined by locating the property on the zoning map.  The zoning ordinance specifies the setbacks based on zoning district.

3. Do I need a permit to build a shed?

Yes.  Any improvements to a property requires at minimum a zoning certificate.

4. Can anything be done about dead trees?

Yes. Dead trees are required to be removed according to the property maintenance code.  To report a dead tree contact Code Enforcement Officer Darryl Swafford.

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1. Why do you bill for EMS calls? Don't my taxes pay for those services?

The tax revenue collected by the City of Clayton goes towards the overall operation of all services the city provides, whereas the EMS billing revenue goes directly back to the Fire Department's budget. The cost to run a fire department and emergency medical service has risen over the years and billing for EMS calls helps off-set the expense

2. Were does the money go?

The revenue collected goes directly back into the Fire Department's budget and assists with purchase of equipment, personnel as well as training for the members.

3. What if I have any questions about my bill, whom do I contact?

For billing questions, contact:
Medicount
10361 Spartan Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45215
Ph: 800-962-1484

If you would rather, you can always contact the Clayton Fire Department with your questions at 937-836-3500.

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1. I want to rent the Janice Ward Center. What should I do?

Contact the City at 937-836-3500 and we will send an application to you, along with the rules and regulations. Or you can visit the Forms area on this web site to download an application. The Center has a kitchen and holds up to 75 people. Alcohol is not permitted. Please call us if you would like to view the facility.

2. Can I rent the Council Chambers for an event?

Yes. Please call City offices at 937-836-3500 for more information.

3. How do I reserve a Picnic Shelter at one of the parks?

Picnic Shelters at City parks are available on a first come, first served basis. We ask that residents who use the shelters clean up after themselves and be respectful of other guests who are also using the park facilities.

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1. Does the Fire Department fill swimming pools?

No.

2. Can I have a bonfire/recreational fire at my house?

Recreational fires are permitted in residential neighborhoods, but residents need to contact the Fire Department at 937-836-3500 to make them aware of the time and location of your fire.

3. I have received an E.M.S. bill. Who do I call?

If you received services from the Clayton Fire Department billing inquiries need to be made to:
Medicount
10361 Spartan Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45215
1-800-962-1484

4. Does the Fire Department do safety checks on infant seats?

The Clayton Fire Department currently doesn't inspect or install child car seats but recommends the child seat be installed by the manufacture's recommendations. If you would like a professional inspection or assistance with the installation of a child seat, contact AAA’s Troy office at 937-339-0112, which is located at 1041 S. Dorset Road, Troy, Ohio 45373.

You can also visit www.usa.safekids.org for more information.

5. Does Clayton Fire Department offer CPR or First Aid classes?

The Clayton Fire Department offers CPR and First Aid classes to residents, local businesses and other local organizations. The classes follow the American Safety & Health Institute guidelines. Participants who successfully complete the training will receive a certification card which is valid for two years. Because we need a minimum of five students to hold a class, there may be a waiting period before the class can start. Training will be held at Clayton’s Government Center or staff may be able to come out to your facility. If you have any questions, contact Battalion Chief Follick at 937-836-3500 ext. 151 or email afollick@clayton.oh.us 

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1. Where are permits & forms?

Visit the Permits and Forms page to find all permits & forms.

2. Question about trash service?

Visit the Trash Collection & Recycle page.

3. How do I contact a city staff?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

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1. What is the non-emergency phone number for police and fire?

We use Montgomery County Dispatch. They can be reached at 937-225-HELP (4357).

2. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

No, but you may not have more than two garage sales per year and they can not last longer than three days each. Signs are not permitted on telephone poles or traffic signs, and we ask that all signs be removed afterwards. No food or drinks can be sold to the public.

3. What is the License Bureau phone number?

The closest office is located at 8389 North Main Street in Randolph Plaza. They can be reached at 937-454-5222.

4. Where is the Title Bureau?

The Title Bureau offices are located at 8391 North Main Street in Randolph Plaza. Their phone number is 937-225-4480 ext 630. Office hours are:
Sunday and Monday-CLOSED
Tuesday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 8:00am to 1:30pm

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1. My car was towed. Where is it now?

Call Englewood Truck/Golden Eagle at 937-836-5109.

2. I need to be fingerprinted for work. What should I do?

The City of Clayton does not offer rolled ink fingerprinting or electronic fingerprinting, which is now required by the State of Ohio. Please contact the License Bureau.  The closest office is located at 8389 North Main Street in Randolph Plaza. They can be reached at 937-454-5222. 

3. I locked my keys in my car. Who do I call for assistance?

Due to the newer car technology, Clayton Police are no longer able to assist with locked keys in the car.  We advise you to call a locksmith.  However, if there is a child locked in the car, please call 9-1-1 and a Clayton Police Office can assist.

4. What should I do if I need to talk with an officer?

If this is an emergency situation, call 9-1-1. If it is for a non-emergency issue, please call Dispatch at 937-225-4357 and ask them to send an officer to meet you.

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1. I am selling my home, what inspections are needed?

The City of Clayton requires all homes sold within the City must first have an exterior inspections completed.  For more information visit pre-sale inspection page.

2. What is the procedure for a pre-sale inspection?

Once, an application is completed to preform a pre-sale inspection, the code enforcement officer will preform the inspection within 3-5 business days.  The inspection will review exterior only.

3. What if the pre-sale inspection fails?

If a pre-sale inspection fails there are two options.  The owner can make the repairs and the inspection can be repeated or the potential buyer can sign a 'transfer of responsibility' were they assume responsibility for the failed items and will make repairs within 6 months.

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1. How can residents assist in making the streets safer and easier to plow?

The best way for our residents to help us is to remove your vehicles from the streets during a snow event. It is always easier to plow and clear streets when there are no vehicles parked in the street. In fact, during the last snow emergency there were streets that crews could not plow because there were vehicles blocking the street. It is also helpful to our safety crew if residents dig out fire hydrants after a snow.

2. Who do I notify about a pot hole that needs to be repaired?

Call our offices at 937-836-3500 and provide as much detail as you can about the location of the pothole. You can also click the "Report a Concern" button in the bottom left corner to submit an electronic pot hole report.

3. What are the priority areas for snow plowing?

Your City crews have five routes that correspond to the five large snow plowing vehicles that we have. Each route includes main roads (Main St., Route 49, Route 40, Old Salem, etc...), collector streets and small streets and alleys such as cul-de-sacs. The first priority during any winter storm event is to keep the main streets open in each area so that emergency vehicles can travel to any area of the City. The next priority is to clear the next level of streets so that people can get in and out of the subdivisions. The final areas that we clear are the alleys and cul-de-sacs. We will always attempt to reach these areas within 24 hours after the storm has ended. We may come in and make a single pass through a cul-de-sac so that people can get in and out without the entire bubble being cleared. Once all areas are opened we will then go back and “push back” intersections and roads to make travel easier.

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1. Who needs to fill out an Individual City Tax Form?

Every individual who is at least 18 years of age and who resides or works in Clayton must fill out and file an Individual City Tax Form by April 15th.

2. What if I am a business?

Every business entity that conducts business in Clayton must fill out and file a separate Business Income Tax Return by April 15. If you are on the payroll of the business or receive distributions that are deducted from net profits then you still must fill out and file a Business Income Tax Return to report the income received by you personally.

3. If I live in Clayton and work in another city that taxes my income aren’t I exempt from Clayton’s taxes? If so, why doesn’t it state that on the Declaration of Exemption?

No, you are not exempt. Effective January 1, 2016 the resident tax credit is reduced from 100% to 50%. Residents working outside the City and paying employment tax to another taxing community who estimate they will owe at least $200.00 in municipal tax (after subtracting withholding to the City and any credits), must file a declaration of estimated tax and make quarterly payments.

4. Do I need to fill out an Individual City Tax form if I work or live in Clayton and my employer is withholding taxes for me?

Yes. We need both the taxpayer and the employer to provide this information to the city to accurately create taxpayer records and to make sure that you are getting proper credit for amounts withheld from your paycheck. Your employer will file a separate withholding return and you need to file an Individual City Tax form.

5. If my employer withholds Clayton taxes for me do I need to make a separate payment when I file an Individual Tax form?

Yes. Effective January 1, 2016 the resident tax credit is reduced from 100% to 50%. Residents working outside the City and paying employment tax to another taxing community who estimate they will owe at least $200.00 in municipal tax (after subtracting withholding to the City and any credits), must file a declaration of estimated tax and make quarterly payments. Instruction on how to fill out the income tax forms can be found at Central Collection Agency (CCA) or by calling 937-227-1359.

6. Does the City have an income tax?

On May 6, 2003 Clayton voters overwhelmingly approved Issue 18, allowing the City to implement a 1.5% income tax (effective January 1, 2004).

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1. Are tree limbs accepted for trash pick-up?

Tree limbs and branches can be put out with your regular trash. The cannot be any longer then 4 feet long and if there is a lot, they need to be bundled. Grass and smaller limbs can be bagged and put out with the trash.

2. When is large / bulk item pick-up?

Large / Bulk item pick-up is alongside your regular trash, but you must notify Republic Services 2-3 days in advance and advise them of the item and size so they will know what size truck and how many personnel to send. Please note, fabric furniture and mattresses will need to be wrapped in plastic in order to be picked up.  Republic Services can be reached at 937-268-8595.

3. Who do I call for a replacement / broken trash toter?

Contact the offices of Republic Services at 937-268-8595

4. Who do I call for trash service?

Republic Services contracts trash service or all Clayton residents.  You can reach them at (937) 268-8595

5. Who do I call to set up local telephone service?

The AT&T website offers residents a list of available AT&T services, detailed product information and the ability to place an order.

SBC services provides local telephone service to Clayton residents and businesses east of Taywood Road. To set up service, call 800-660-1000.

Frontier is the local company for all residents and businesses west of Taywood Road. Their service number is 855-287-5932.

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1. Do I need a permit for a Swimming Pool?

Swimming pools do require a permit called a zoning certificate with Clayton.  By definition in the Clayton Zoning Ordinance, swimming pools are anything 2’ or deeper.  Here is a summary of the zoning regulations:

1. Swimming pools must be placed in the back yard, setback minimum 15’ from house, side and rear property lines.  
2. Swimming pools must be enclosed by a 5’ tall fence, with a locking gate; for above ground pools you can use fencing around the top of the pool to comply with this requirement.
3. If you plan to build a deck it should be included with the permit application and depending on design will often need approval from Montgomery County Building Regulations.

Regulations may be found in Section 1121.02(D) of the planning and zoning code at http://clayton.oh.us/177/Codified-Ordinances

Zoning Certificate application may be found at /DocumentCenter/View/5216/Zoning-Certificate-Application_Residential

*The Clayton fire department does not fill pools.

Have further questions? Contact Seth at sdorman@clayton.oh.us or (937) 836-3500 ext.114

Zoning Certificate Application

2. Do I need a permit for a Fence?

If the fence is residential then no permit is required, however we do have regulations for residential fencing.

Regulations may be found in Section 1121.02(I) of the planning and zoning code at http://clayton.oh.us/177/Codified-Ordinances

Have further questions? Contact Seth at sdorman@clayton.oh.us or (937) 836-3500 ext.114

Planning & Zoning Code

3. Do I need a permit for a Deck?

Do I need a permit for a deck at my home? To help answer some of your questions, decks do require a permit called a zoning certificate with Clayton.  

You do not need a building permit if you can answer yes to all of the following:

• 200 Square feet or less in size
• 30" or less above grade (deck walking surface to grade/ground)
• The deck is not the front entrance door
• The deck is detached from the house

Zoning Certificate application may be found here

Directions on how to obtain aerial for the ‘Site Plan’ http://clayton.oh.us/DocumentCenter/View/2802/MC-Website---How-to-use-GIS

Have further questions? Contact Seth at sdorman@clayton.oh.us or (937) 836-3500 ext.114

Zoning Certificate Application

4. Do I need a permit for a Shed?

What do I need to do to install a shed? To help answer some of your questions, sheds or accessory structures as the Clayton Zoning Ordinance calls them, do require a permit called a zoning certificate with Clayton. 

Here is a summary of the zoning regulations:

• Only two detached accessory structures are permitted on a single lot. Only one of those structures may be greater than 200 sq.ft.
• Structures must be placed in the back yard and a minimum of 5’ from the rear or back property lines. In addition, accessory structures must be placed outside of any recorded easements and in no case may impede the natural flow of water.
• Accessory structures may be permitted up to 864 sq.ft. in size, however if the rear yard exceeds 20,000 sq.ft. the structure may potentially be enlarged up to 1800 sq.ft. (see formula in code).

Do I need a permit to replace my current shed?  Yes.

Regulations may be found in Section 1121.02(C) of the planning and zoning code at http://clayton.oh.us/177/Codified-Ordinances

Zoning Certificate application may be found at http://www.clayton.oh.us/DocumentCenter/View/1125

Directions on how to obtain aerial for the ‘Site Plan’ http://clayton.oh.us/DocumentCenter/View/2802/MC-Website---How-to-use-GIS

Have further questions? Contact Seth at sdorman@clayton.oh.us or (937) 836-3500 ext.114

Zoning Certificate Application

5. Do I need a permit for a Garage Sale?

Clayton does not issue permits for garage sales however we do have regulations. Garage sales are permitted 3-consecutive days twice a year. Below is a link to all the Clayton Zoning Ordinance regulations

Regulations may be found in Section 1121.02(G) of the planning and zoning code at http://clayton.oh.us/177/Codified-Ordinances

*Clayton does not have a community wide garage sale.

Have further questions? Contact Seth at sdorman@clayton.oh.us or (937) 836-3500 ext.114

Planning & Zoning Code

6. May I have Chickens?

In late 2016, the City of Clayton decided to start permitting ’Farm Animals’ in residential zoning districts.  Large Farm Animals such as horses, goats, pigs are now permitted on parcels of land 5-acres or larger.  Small Farm Animals such as chickens, turkeys are now permitted on parcels of land 2-acres or larger without a zoning certificate so long as the following regulations are met.  If someone is interested in Small Farm Animals on less than 2-acres there are a list of requirements the property must meet in order to allow Small Farm Animals.  You must first apply for a zoning certificate and the approval is renewed annually.  For a list of requirements please visit 1121.02(E) Agricultural Uses in Residential Districts.  The most difficult standard to meet is found in the general offense code Section 505.12 which requires animals to be kept at least 100 feet from any inhabited dwelling other than the owners.  To apply please fill out a zoning certificate application and submit with the application a ’site plan’ and ’letter of intent’ addressing all requirements in 1121.02(E) & 505.12.  Any questions please contact Seth Dorman, City Planner at (937) 836-3500 ext. 114 or sdorman@clayton.oh.us

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