Find permit application forms and plan approval forms here.
Apply for and manage your licenses, registrations, and some permits.
A wide range of resources for home and property modifications.
Contractor registration; Browse a list of registered contractors
Code Compliance and Point-of-Sale Inspections
Register for your housing license; training/resources on best landlord practices.
The City of Lakewood’s Housing & Building Department works to ensure that all homes, rental units, and commercial buildings in the city are safe, well-maintained, and compliant with local codes. The department plays a key role in preserving property values, protecting public safety, and supporting the quality of Lakewood’s neighborhoods.
The department issues permits for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs. Staff review plans to ensure projects meet state and local building codes before work begins.
Property owners who rent or lease residential units must obtain and renew housing licenses each year. Licensing helps maintain high housing standards and ensures compliance with safety and maintenance requirements.
Inspectors conduct point-of-sale, rental, and complaint-based inspections to verify that properties are in safe, habitable condition. The department enforces housing and building codes related to structural safety, exterior maintenance, and sanitation.
All contractors working within the city are required to register annually. This ensures that work is performed by qualified professionals who meet Lakewood’s licensing and insurance requirements.
The department provides in-person and online services to make it easy for residents, landlords, and contractors to apply for permits, schedule inspections, and manage compliance. Staff are available to assist with applications, payments, and questions about housing and building regulations.
Through inspections, permitting, and education, the Housing & Building Department helps keep Lakewood’s neighborhoods strong, attractive, and safe for everyone.
Lakewood City Hall
12650 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 529-6270
housing.building@lakewoodoh.gov
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Find the City Zoning Map here. You can also contact the City Planning & Development Department (216) 529-6631 or by email at: planning@lakewoodoh.gov.
The city is prohibited from steering people to any specific contractors. However, contractors are supposed to register annually with the City and have proof of insurance.
Visit our Find a Contractor page to view and filter all registered contractors.
It is still recommended that references be obtained from all contractors prior to agreeing to have any work performed.
Registration is required every calendar year. Visit our Contractor Registration page to learn more about registering your business with the City of Lakewood.
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors which are not wired directly to the building’s power supply must be operated in a plug-in outlet which is fitted with a plug-restraining device, provided the outlet is not controlled by any switch other than the main power supply. Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors with a digital read out are preferred. Single use, battery-powered carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are not acceptable.
Lakewood Code requires tamper resistant smoke detectors in all rental units. As for placement of detectors it is recommended to have one in the living room away from the kitchen, one in the hall between the bedrooms and one in each sleeping room. As for the type of detector many people believe in the photo electric, however it is recommend that you purchase the type of detector with a ten (10) year battery. Experience in Lakewood has been that most injuries and deaths occurred when the battery was removed from the detector and not replaced.
Any work that is located in the public right of way (city sidewalks, street aprons, tree lawns, in the street, etc) requires permits and inspections from the Building Department. Please call (216) 529-6272 with any questions.
Because of the age and limited capacity of the city’s sanitary sewer system, the City of Lakewood by code requires the elimination of storm water from entering the sanitary sewer system. A dye test verifies that storm water is not being directed into that system. Visit our Dye Test FAQs page to learn more.
This procedure is intended to incrementally detect and eliminate this primary cause of overflows of the sanitary system which pollute our waterways. It also is intended as a proactive approach to prevent a United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) finding against the City of Lakewood which would likely require the construction of massive water storage tunnels similar to the Mill Creek and Euclid Creek Interceptors that the North East Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) has been forced to build at a cost of several billion dollars paid for through higher sewer rates.
Areas where mold has grown should be thoroughly dried and cleaned. The moisture source must be eliminated in order to eliminate the occurrence or reoccurrence of the mold problem.
A permit is required for the containment, removal and disposal of asbestos. The City of Cleveland Department of Health Division of Air Quality is the enforcement agency on behalf the Ohio EPA. Visit the City of Cleveland Air Quality Page for more information.
All contractors are now required to have lead abatement training. For questions call Cuyahoga County Board of Health at (216) 201-2001, extension 1262.
You may report this problem to the City Water Department (216) 529-5941. A representative will evaluate the issue to determine the best course of action.
To prevent such occurrences, it is recommended that as part of routine maintenance of your property that your storm and sanitary sewers be cleaned from the street to the building periodically. Visit our Find A Contractor page to locate a registered sewer contractor.
In addition, dye tests can also uncover issues in your sewers and water lines. Visit our Dye Test FAQs page for more information about Dye Tests.
Visit the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority website to find CMHA housing.
Property values can be disputed through the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision. This is also the resource for tax bill errors or disputes.
Visit Cuyahoga County’s Property Search page to search for a property owner’s information. You will need the property address to search.
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The “Before You Dig” number is 811. You may also dial (1-800) 362-2764.
Learn more by visiting the Ohio Utility Protection Service website.
To report high grass or snow-covered sidewalks, use our Report-A-Problem page. You may also email the Division of Housing and Building or call (216) 529-6970.
Please contact the Division of Water and Wastewater Collection by phone at (216) 529-6820 or by e-mail at: water@lakewoodoh.gov.
LakewoodAlive operates a Snow Removal Program for seniors. Please visit LakewoodAlive’s Snow Removal Program page for more information You can also refer to our Find A Contractor page for registered contractors that perform such services.
Disputes over lease obligations are civil matters strictly between tenants and landlords. Contact the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Tenant Information Line at (216) 861-5955 or visit the Legal Aid Society page for additional information.
Chapter 5321 of the Ohio Revised Code specifies the procedure to place money into escrow.
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland offers a Rent Deposit Brochure with more information on how to put your rent into escrow if your landlord is not meeting their obligations.
The Lakewood Municipal Court may also provide assistance. Call (216) 529-6700 or visit their page for an application for Rent Escrow.
Yes, an individual needs to register with the Building Department in accordance with Lakewood Codified Ordinance Chapter 741 – Peddlers, Vendors and Solicitors. The permit is issued to the individual, NOT the organization. Each individual from an organization that will be knocking on doors must register as there is a criminal background check done before a permit is issued.
NOTE: Non-profits (e.g. Girl Scouts, school programs) and Canvassers (e.g. politicians) are exempt from the need to obtain a permit.
First of all, if you are concerned for your safety, you should never hesitate telling the individual to leave and that you are calling the police.
Second, you should always ask for identification from the individual first. Write their name down and the organization they are representing. Do not give them any personal information or copies of any of your invoices or bills. Ask them to provide you with information on their organization so that you can check it out and follow up with them if you are interested.
Third, if the caller is from a utility company (i.e. gas or electric) and you have a complaint about the interaction please call the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the oversight organization for organizations providing utility services in Ohio to report your complaint:
PUCO – Customer Complaints – (1-800) 686-7826.
Yes, the City of Lakewood has a Do-Not-Knock Registry. Visit the Do-Not-Knock page to sign up.
You must renew your registration each year. If you receive solicitors and you have signed up for the Do Not Knock Registry you may report it to the Law Department at: law@lakewoodoh.gov and be sure to include your Name, Address, Name of the Individual that came to the door and the name of the organization they represented.
If, however, the solicitor was representing a utility company, report it to the PUCO at: (800) 686-7826.
