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1. Can the township help me settle a dispute over property lines?

The township cannot resolve property line disputes as this is a civil matter. To best resolve the conflict, it is recommended that you have a survey done by a private, registered land surveyor.

2. Does the township have a property maintenance code?

No, the township does not have a property maintenance code, but the township has adopted nuisance regulations which require a limited amount of property maintenance.  These regulations prohibit:

• Accumulation of debris including garbage, trash, junk and other discarded materials
• Excessive vegetation including grass and/or weeds in excess of 12 inches in height on a property one acre or less in size
• Inoperative motor vehicles which are wrecked, disassembled and/or unable to operate under their own power and have been in such condition for a period of 30 or more days

Dangerous structures include any structure deemed to be dilapidated, unsafe, and/or unsecured by the Hamilton County Building Department, the Township Fire Department and/or the Hamilton County Department of Public Health.

3. If I file a zoning or nuisance complaint, am I required to provide my name?

Yes.  The Department of Community Development does not accept anonymous complaints or complaints containing false information.  When filing a complaint either by phone, letter, in person, or by using the Citizen Service Request platform, you must at a minimum provide your name, address, phone number and/or email address. Due to the sensitive nature of some violations and public record laws the township must adhere to, if you file a complaint and there is a request for the information, all information related to the complaint (including the required information) will need to be released, so please take that into consideration when you file your complaint.

4. If I see a zoning or nuisance violation, how do I report it?

The township encourages residents to report any witnessed zoning and/or nuisance violations.  You can report the violation by calling the Department of Community Development or you can submit the Nuisance/Zoning Complaint online form.  Please note that we do not accept anonymous complaints or complaints containing false information.

5. What are the fees for my Zoning Certificate Application?

Zoning Certificate Application fees vary depending on the type of work being undertaken or proposed. Visit the Zoning Fee Schedule (PDF) for a detailed list of fees. Questions concerning fees should be directed to the Department of Community Development.

6. What are the most common zoning and nuisance violations?

The most common violations include:

• Construction improvements including building additions, fences, sheds, decks, and detached garages, without first obtaining a Zoning Certificate
• Excessive vegetation and debris on properties less than one acre in size
• Parking vehicles on unpaved surfaces (approved pavement materials include concrete, asphalt and pavers; gravel is not an approved pavement material)
• Recreational vehicles including: trailers, campers and boats being stored in front and/or side yards

7. What is the contact information for the Department of Community Development?

Visit our Community Development staff directory to find contact information for the department and individual members.

8. What is the process for obtaining a Zoning Certificate?

You must complete and submit a completed Zoning Certificate Application along with all required supplemental information (listed on the application). The completed Zoning Certificate Application and materials must be submitted to the Department of Community Development Division of Planning/Zoning.  Application can be obtained at the Office of Community Development or downloaded on the applications page.

9. What kind of projects do not need a Zoning Certificate?

• Commercial Projects: interior renovations that do not increase floor space and/or do not increase required off-street parking
• Residential Projects: interior renovations that do not increase floor space or the number of dwelling units, flat work (including concrete/asphalt/paver patios, walks and driveways outside of the right-of-way), and walls less than 4 feet in height

10. What kinds of projects needs a Zoning Certificate?

• Commercial Changes: anytime a new business or use occupies an existing building or building unit
• Commercial Projects: new office, commercial and industrial buildings, additions to buildings, accessory structures and signs
• Residential Projects: new homes, home additions, deck and porches (if raised off of the ground), accessory structures (sheds, fences, garages), and swimming pools

11. What rules apply to residential fences?

16.1 Residence District Fence Regulations

The restrictions set forth below shall apply to all fences, excluding dumpster/trash handling enclosures, for all Residence Districts.

A.    Non-Corner Lots

1.    Rear Yards. Fences shall not exceed six feet in height and may be solid or open in nature.

2.    Side Yards. Fences shall not exceed four feet in height, and not less than 50 percent open.

3.    Front Yards. Fences shall be used for decorative or accent purposes only and shall not confine or enclose any portion of the front yard. Fences shall not exceed four feet in height, and not less than 75 percent open.

B.    Corners Lot

1.    Rear Yard. Fences shall not exceed six feet in height and may be solid or open in nature.

2.    Side Yard. Fences shall not exceed four feet in height, and not less than 50 percent open.

3.    Front Yards

a.    For the front yard that include the façade of the residence with the front door and/or other significant or distinguishing architectural features, as determined by the Delhi Township Community Development Direct, fences shall be used for decorative or accent purposes only and shall not confine or enclose any portion of the front yard. Fences shall not exceed four feet in height and be not less than 75 percent open.

b.    For the front yard that does not include the façade of the residence with the front door and/or other significant or distinguishing architectural features, as determined by the Delhi Township Community Development Director, fences shall not exceed four feet in height, be not less than 50 percent open, and shall not extend more than half of the distance into the required front yard.

16.4 Fence Materials and Design

A.    Approved Fence Materials. Approved fence materials include stone, brick, wood, chain-link, aluminum, vinyl, and iron. Synthetic products or other materials as approved by the Delhi Township Community Development Director may also be used.

B.    Razor and Barbed Wire Fences. Razor and barbed wire fencing are prohibited except as follows or unless provided herein. Razor and barbed wire fencing may be utilized to enclose radio, television, or microwave transmission or relay towers provided that the razor/barbed wire strands are not less than eight feet above grade and be a minimum of 30 feet from any residential property line.

C.    Fence Design. Fences shall be designed and installed with the most finished side out, away from the subject lot, so that most finished side faces the adjacent lots and any right-of-way, or so that both sides are equally finished.

D.    Maintenance. Fences shall be maintained in good repair, be structurally sound, and be attractively finished at all times by the owners and/or occupant of the lot on which they are located as well as the space between such fence and the lot line of any adjoining property.

E.    Animal Enclosure Fences. Kennels, pens, hutches, coops, dog runs, etc., constructed solely for the purpose of confining animals, including household pets shall be located in the rear yard and at least 10 feet from every property line.

12. When do I need to get a building permit?

In addition to the need for a township zoning permit, most improvements also require a building permit. To verify if your improvements require a building permit, please contact Hamilton County Building and Inspections at 513-946-4550.