October 18, 2016 | Mark Higdon Exterior Property Maintenance Code (latest update) Frequently Asked Questions What kinds of issues are addressed by the Code? Overgrown grass, weeds and noxious vegetation Structural soundness and appearance of building exteriors Exposed junk, trash and rubbish Junk vehicles Conditions that are hazardous and/or cause a “blighting effect” How are possible code violations detected? Observations or complaints reported by the public Reports from other public agencies How can a possible code violation be reported? By placing a call to Franklin County Zoning at (614) 525-3094 Does the Code apply to both residential and commercial properties? Yes. Does the Code apply to issues inside houses or buildings? Only when poor exterior property maintenance adversely affects the interiors of houses or buildings (e.g. defective drainage causing foundation problems). Exclusively interior issues would be addressed by other agencies, such as the Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department and Franklin County Public Health (FCPH). How does the Code apply to trees? Where a dead or dying tree clearly based on one property poses a safety hazard to an adjacent property, code enforcement may approach the tree’s owner to abate the hazard. When hazardous trees are based indeterminably near an unmarked property line, code enforcement tries to bring neighbors together to pursue a shared solution. More information on tree law in the State of Ohio here, courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch. Does Sharon Township issue Building Permits or have it own Zoning Resolution? No. Building Permits for properties in the township are issued by the Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department. Zoning in the township is governed by the Franklin County Zoning Resolution. How can I keep my property Code-compliant? Keep grass mowed, good vegetation trimmed and building exteriors in good repair and finish. Avoid exposed accumulations of waste and rubbish and have trash receptacles at the curb only on collection day. Junk vehicles = blight and possible violation. Best not to have any. Prevent unhealthy and unsafe conditions from developing on your property. Be sensitive to the effect your property’s appearance has on its value and on that of others.