Building & Housing

What's New

• City Council has approved the first of three phases of updates to our Point of Sale process. Learn more.
• Applications for permits, license and Point of Sale must be submitted online. No paper applications accepted.

About Us

The Building & Housing Department is the gateway for all construction activity and property maintenance inspections in the City of Shaker Heights.  The department has both Residential and Commercial Building certifications as recognized by the Ohio Board of Building Standards.

Our mission is to partner with property owners to ensure the City’s homes and buildings are constructed and maintained in a way that protects the health and safety of the building’s occupant’s while guarding against blight.

Through strategic initiatives aimed at targeting troubled properties, the department works toward improving property values and creating high quality neighborhoods. Additionally, the department is responsible for managing the city’s Land Bank program. Through the landbank program, the City partners with residents, builders, and developers for the repurposing and redevelopment of city owned vacant lots. 

The Department’s role is to ensure the long-term competitive position of the City’s housing stock using partnerships with the public and private sectors to leverage investment in the City. Learn more about new housing options in the city.

How Do I?

• Get a permit?
• Schedule an inspection?
• Start my construction project?
• Sell my home (Point of Sale)?
• Open for business in Shaker Heights?
• Get an extension on my property violations?
• Find a contractor?

Find more frequently asked questions for the Department of Building & Housing in our FAQs.