Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I go for a zoning permit?
Perkins Township Community Development Office
2610 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 609-1435
Do I need a zoning permit?
Zoning permits are needed for:
a) new use of the land;
b) new use of buildings;
c) expansion of a structure or useable exterior part, including erection, moving, expansion or diminished floor area.
What do I need when I apply for my zoning permit?
What are the fees for a Residential zoning permit?
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New Home $125 + $0.05 per sq. ft.
Single or Multi-Family
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Addition and Alteration $50 + $0.05 per sq. ft.
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Shed deck or porch $65
199 sq. ft. or less
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Shed deck or porch $75
200 sq. ft. or greater
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Fences $35
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Swimming Pool $25
Above Ground
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Swimming Pool $75
In Ground
The above fees apply to residential structures that meet the standards of the Zoning Resolution and do not require a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
For Commercial permits the Zoning Permit fee structure is as follows:
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New Commercial Building $200 + $0.07 per sq. ft.
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Addition no change to use $100 + $0.07 per sq. ft.
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Change of use no change to footprint of building $25
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Site Plan Review $100
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Transient Vendor & Solicitor $150 for 90 days
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Temporary Store $100
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Temporary Construction Trailer $25
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Temporary Construction Trailer $25
Signs
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Signage Review $100 + $0.10 per sq. ft.
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Signage Face Change $25
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Electronic Message Board Annual Fee $25
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Temporary Signs (Banners) $75 up to 6 months
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Portable Signs (changeable copy) $150 per 3 months
What are the zoning standards regarding a fence?
1) Residential
a) Side and Rear Fences: Fences constructed within a side or rear yard shall not be higher than
six (6) feet.
b) Planting, Fences and Walls in Front Yard: No fence, wall or hedge shall rise over three (3) feet in
height on any required front yard. No fence, wall or hedge planting shall interfere with
visibility from a driveway.
c) Fences on recorded lots having a lot area in excess of five (5) acres and a frontage of at least
two hundred (200) feet and acreage or parcels not included within the boundaries of a
recorded plat, in all residential districts are excluded from these regulations.
d) Fences on lots of record shall not contain barbed wire, electric current or charge of electricity.
e) Fences which enclose public or institutional parks, situated within an area developed with the
recorded lots shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height measured from the surface of the ground
and shall not obstruct vision to an extent greater than twenty-five (25%) percent of their total
area.
2) Commercial
a) Fences in commercially zoned districts shall be limited to a height of eight (8) feet and be of
sturdy construction, of uniform design, painted and/or otherwise well maintained.
b) Fences in commercially zoned districts shall be set back at least twenty-five (25) feet from the
road right-of-way.
c) The use of barbed wire on fences in a commercial district shall require approval of the Zoning
Board of Appeals and the following conditions shall be met:
i) Barbed wire may be used on security fencing, but shall be limited to three (3) strands.
ii) Barbed wire shall not project beyond the property line.
iii) Barbed wire shall not be used less than eight (8) feet from grade.
3) Industrial
a) Fences in industrially zoned districts shall be limited to a height of eight (8) feet and be of
sturdy construction, of uniform design and painted and/or otherwise well maintained.
b) Fences in industrially zoned districts shall be set back at least twenty-five (25) feet from the
road right-of-way.
c) Barbed wire may be used on security fencing in the Industrial District, subject to the following
regulations:
i) Barbed wire shall be limited to three strands.
ii) Barbed wire shall not project beyond the property line.
iii) Barbed wire shall not be used less than six (6) feet from grade.
Do I need a zoning permit for a shed?
What are my setbacks?
Setbacks are the distance a structure is required to be from the property lines. Setbacks vary from Zoning District to Zoning District. Contact the Community Development office for specific setbacks for a property.
What is my property zoned?
The zoning on your property depends on the property’s location. An interactive map is available by clicking here. If you are unable to determine your zoning district by the map, contact the Perkins Township Community Development office by:
Phone: (419) 609-1435
Visit the office: 2610 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870
Email: mmurray@perkinstownship.com
It is easiest for staff to determine the zoning district if you provide an address or parcel number.
How do I report a potential zoning violation?
To report a zoning violation, you may call the Community Development Office at (419) 609-1435, fax (419) 609-1410, submit an online complaint complaint by clicking here, or email mmurray@perkinstownship.com Be sure to include the location of the property and a description of the alleged violation. Anonymous complaints can be made by phone.
When a complaint is received, it is turned over to the Zoning Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer. In some cases, while the activity on the property may be annoying or unattractive, it may not always violate the Zoning Resolution. In that case the property owners must work out the issues privately.
