Decks, Fences, Sheds, & Pools

As we move into the spring and summer months, many homeowners consider improvements to their properties, such as decks, patios, swimming pools and fences. The purpose of this section is to provide information that should be considered before applying for permits.

Beginning January 1, 2025, all building permits will be issued by the Medina County Building Department.  Contact information for the County Building Department is noted below:  

Website:   https://www.medinaco.org/building-department/

Phone:      330-722-9220

Think You May Need Zoning Permit?

A zoning permit is still required for most residential projects.  See Permits - How to Get for more information.   

View How To Obtain Residential Permits (PDF) for more information.

Call Before You Dig

View Ohio Utility Protection Service or call OUPS at 811 or 800-362-2764.

Easements

An easement is a right that an owner of real property grants to others allowing them the use of a portion of their real property for a specific purpose. The most common type of easement is for underground utilities which typically run across the front of a building lot. Most easements are created at the time a subdivision is platted creating the building lots, so many times property owners are not even aware of their existence.

In addition to the standard utility easements, many of the subdivisions that have been platted in recent years have other easements that run along the sides and rear property lines of individual building lots. Sometimes easement may not be adjacent to property lines but actually cut through a front or rear yard. These easements are typically for storm water drainage courses, sanitary and storm sewers, storm water detention basins and pedestrian walkways.

It is important for property owners to be aware of easements on their lots because they can affect the ability to construct additions, decks or erect fences and pools as easements are essentially "no-build" zones on the property.

Even though a particular building project complies with all zoning and building code requirements, if any portion of it would be located in an easement, permits will not be issued since no buildings or structures can be located in an easement area without the consent of the easement’s grantee. For additional information, the City recommends that you contact your legal representative.

For more information, view Easement Agreement.