How We Can Help You
- Make sure you know what you have to get before you apply for a permit
- Get assistance with forms, filing instructions, fee schedules and regulations
- Plan your permit applications to meet filing deadlines and your project or event timelines
- Get a list of sidewalk/driveway construction and sewer tapping contractors licensed in Sylvania
Inspections to ensure that structures meet all required building, electrical and service codes for properties within the City limits are conducted by the Lucas County Building Regulations Department. Applicable projects include new residential/commercial construction, additions, interior remodeling, accessory buildings and decks.
Before an applicant can obtain a Building Permit from the Lucas County Building Regulations Department, a Zoning Certificate must be obtained from the City of Sylvania Zoning Administrator.
Plans for construction or remodeling of commercial buildings and apartments must be reviewed by the Sylvania Township Fire Department before a Zoning Certificate can be issued.
Schedule of Rates and Fees
City of Sylvania Schedule of Rates and Fees
Zoning Permits
This division issues zoning permits required for new dwellings, additions, accessory buildings, remodeling existing buildings, swimming pools, signs, commercial building and remodeling. Plans for construction or remodeling of commercial buildings and apartments must be reviewed by the Sylvania Fire Department before a zoning permit can be issued.
A City of Sylvania zoning permit is required before an applicant can obtain a building permit from Lucas County Building Regulations.
Permits are required for the construction of public sidewalks and driveway approaches and can be obtained in the zoning office.
Application and Permit for Construction and/or Repair Sidewalk, Driveway, Curb Cut, Curb Closure
Sidewalks, Driveways and Curbs (includes fees, notice requirements, inspections, etc.)
Zoning Permit (Certificate of zoning for new dwellings, additions, accessory buildings and remodeling existing buildings)
Drawing Requirements (Additions and Accessory Building in Residential Districts)
Swimming Pool Ordinances
No person, firm or corporation shall locate, construct, or install any swimming pool or make any alterations thereto without a permit issued by the Zoning Administrator, and without all other permits required by the County. – City of Sylvania Ordinance 1325.02
Every outdoor public swimming pool in the City is required to be completely enclosed by fencing not less than six feet in height. – City of Sylvania Ordinance 1325.04
Codified Ordinances – Section 1325 Swimming Pools
Swimming Pool Permit
Fence Permit – Please use the Zoning Permit and select Other as your purpose of permit.
Lot Splits and Transfer of Title
The division of a parcel into two or more parcels, any one of which is less than five (5) acres, is a subdivision that requires the approval of the Planning Commission before a deed can be recorded. Applications for Approval of Transfer of Title are heard at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Planning Commission.
Demolition Permit
No demolition of any structure in Sylvania constructed more than 65 years prior to the request for Zoning Certificate for demolition shall be issued without the owner first posting on the exterior of the structure a sign stating the intent to demolish the premises 30 days prior to the commencement of demolition.
Demolition Utility Disconnection Process & Recommendations
Demolition Permit
Event Permits
Permits are required for any type of scheduled outdoor assembly or public event using public space (parks, streets, etc.) in the City of Sylvania. Applications can be downloaded here and mailed, faxed or delivered to the zoning office. Applications must be received five working days before the scheduled event.
Block Parties
A Block Party Application shall be submitted to the director of public safety for approval for anyone wishing to conduct a block party on City streets. Applications must be received five working days before the scheduled event.
Tag Day or Solicitor/Peddler Permit
A Tag Day Application shall be submitted to the director of public safety for approval for anyone wishing to solicit/collect charitable contributions. The applicant must obtain permission from private property owners if this activity is conducted on private property. If this activity is conducted on public property, the applicant also must obtain a Canvassing/Soliciting Permit from the City Police Department. Applications must be received five working days before the scheduled event.
Solicitor/Peddler Permit Application
Tag Day Application
Donation Container Permit Application
Parades
A Parade, Festival, Event or Assembly Application shall be submitted to the director of public safety for approval for anyone wishing to schedule an outdoor event using public spaces (parks, streets, etc.) in the City. Applications must be received five working days before the scheduled event.
Parade, Festival, Event or Assembly Application
Mobile Food Trucks
In order to operate a mobile food truck in the City of Sylvania, each food truck operator shall meet five requirements. Please click on the link below for instructions on how to meet those requirements and file the application. If you have any further questions please call our Zoning Administrator at 419-885-8948.
Mobile Food Truck Application/Rules
Downtown Electrical Use Permit
Section 311.02 of the Sylvania Codified Ordinances (Street Obstructions)
Sign & Street Banner Permits
You must have a permit to hang banners or post or install signs on private and public property. All permanent signs must be approved by the Board of Architectural Review. Regulations on signs, as well as downloadable applications, are available below.
Board of Architectural Review Application
LED Sign Application
LED Sign Policy
Street Banner Application/Permit
Sign Application/Permit
Chapter 1166 Sign Regulations
Contractor Licenses
Contractors performing public sidewalk and driveway approach construction or sewer tapping in Sylvania must be licensed in the City of Sylvania. The zoning administrator maintains a list of all contractors licensed to do sidewalk construction and sewer tapping in the City of Sylvania.
Sewer Tapper Bond Form
Sewer Builder Contractor’s License
Sewer Service Connections Rules & Regulations
Sidewalk and Driveway Permit Form
Sidewalk/Driveway Contractor’s Bond Form
Sidewalk/Driveway Contractor’s License Application
Municipal Codes
Part Nine – Streets, Utilities and Public Services Code
Part Eleven – Planning and Zoning Code
Part Thirteen – Building Code
Questions or Concerns
Contact the zoning administrator if you have a complaint or concern regarding code violations with any type of signs, sidewalk/driveway work or other zoning permit-related activity.
When we receive a complaint, the zoning administrator makes a visual inspection and talks with the property owner. If there is a violation of the codified ordinances, we notify the property owner by certified mail. The zoning administrator then makes a follow-up inspection to make sure the project was completed in compliance with orders.
