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Heritage Architectural Review Board

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1. Where is the Town Center District?

The Town Center District is defined by “Bagley Road to the North, Eastland Road to the East, Prospect Road and Henry Street to the West and South Rocky River Drive south to the City limits, and all properties that lie along, within, or are immediately adjacent to these boundaries.”

2. What is considered a change to a property in the Town Center District?

Change means any alteration, demolition, removal or construction. In addition a change is any new construction. A change does not include the ordinary maintenance or repair when no change in material, design, texture or outer appearance is involved.

3. What do I need to do to appear before the Heritage Architectural Review Board?

In order to appear before the Heritage Architectural Review Board, you will need to submit: 

• An application to appear before the Heritage Architectural Review Board
• Drawings of the proposed change
• Letter of intent
• Photographs of the existing site
• Material and color samples (may be submitted in advance or brought to the meeting)
• Submit a fee of $35 
• Site / Plot plan

View Appearing Before the Board for more information.

4. Why do I need to submit 12 copies?

The 12 copies are distributed to the 7 members of the Heritage Architectural Review Board, the Mayor, the Zoning Administrator, the City Engineer, the Director of Public Service and the Director of Public Safety.

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Housing & Community Services - Lock Box & Smoke Detectors

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1. Who is eligible for the lockbox and smoke detector program?

Residents who are disabled or 60 years old or older and own and occupy their home.

2. How much does it cost?

If your total household income is $28,000 a year or less, the lockbox and smoke detectors are free. If you make over the income qualification, the cost of the lockbox is $25 and the cost of the smoke detectors would be about $13 each.

3. What is a lockbox?

A lockbox is a small metal box that is used to store items such as a house key and important medical information about the homeowner. The Berea Police and Fire Divisions will keep a master key that can open all the lockboxes in Berea.

4. Where will the lockbox be installed?

The firefighters will determine the location when they arrive at your home. What if I already have smoke detectors? The purpose of this program is to install smoke detectors in homes that do not currently have them. If you feel as though your smoke detectors may need new batteries, the Fire Division can test them for you and replace batteries if needed.

5. How does the program work?

1. The eligible participant will complete a residential Safe Senior Application and Waiver of Liability (PDF). The application will need your contact information as well as your medical conditions and emergency contact numbers.
2. Along with an application, you must turn in a proof of income if you make under $28,000 a year.
3. Once the application is approved, the Berea Fire Division will contact you to set up a time when they can meet with you to install the lockbox.
4. The participant will provide a spare house key to the Fire Division, which will determine where the best location is to install the lock box.

6. Whom do I contact for an application or for more information about the program?

View and complete the Safe Senior Application and Waiver of Liability (PDF).

If interested, please complete the application and return it to:
Attn: Megan Pochatek
Housing, Community and Senior Services
11 Berea Commons
Berea, OH 44017

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Parks and Recreation

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1. How can I find out what facilities are available to rent?

Visit our Facility Rentals page to find out what parks and facilities are available for rent.

2. How do I purchase a pool pass?

Learn how you can purchase a pool pass online.

3. What types of programs are available for my kids?

We have programs available for all ages. Visit our Programs & Registration page for more information

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Planning Commission: Driveway Widening

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1. Do I need Planning Commission approval to widen my driveway?

Yes. If you intend to widen your driveway past the width of your garage, you will need Planning Commission approval before the Building Department may issue you a building permit. 

2. What do I need to do to appear before the Planning Commission?

In order to appear before the Planning Commission, you must submit 12 copies of the following items:

• Application to Appear before the Planning Commission
• Letter of intent
• Photos of the existing site
• Site plan

You must also submit a check for $35 made payable to the City of Berea.

3. Why do I need to submit 12 copies?

The 12 copies are distributed to the 7 members of the Planning Commission:

• City Engineer
• Director of Public Safety
• Director of Public Service
• Mayor
• Zoning Administrator

4. Is this a variance?

No. Section 751.04(b) of the Traffic Code requires that Planning Commission approval widening a driveway past the width of the garage. Specifically, 751.04(b) states: “For the purposes of this section, a driveway is limited to the width of the garage extending to the public right of way. Any further extensions of the parking area must be approved by the Municipal Planning Commission.”

5. The Planning Commission approved widening my driveway. When can I obtain my building permit and begin construction?

Because this approval is not a variance, you may obtain your building permit immediately after Planning Commission approval. Once you have your building permit you can begin construction. Please note, you will need to schedule a pre‐pour inspection once the forms are in place and before any concrete is poured. 

You will also need to schedule a final inspection once the driveway is complete.

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Planning Commission: Signs

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1. Do I need Planning Commission approval to install a new sign?

Yes. The City of Berea Charter requires that all signs to be permanently displayed must be approved by the Planning Commission.

2. Do I need Planning Commission approval to install a new temporary sign?

No. You will still need a permit to install a temporary sign but this permit can be approved by the Building Department. In recent years many people have used temporary signs (banners, flags, yard signs, etc.) on a continual or permanent basis. 

Temporary signs are designed and intended to be displayed for a short period of time. If you need signage on a continual basis, you should consider installing a permanent sign.

3. Do I need Planning Commission approval to change the face of my sign?

Yes. The Planning Commission must approval changing the face of a sign.

4. What do I need to do to appear before the Planning Commission?

In order to appear before the Planning Commission, you must submit 12 copies of the following items:

• Application for a Sign Permit
• Application to Appear before the Planning Commission
• Color elevations
• Hardship letter (if you need a variance)
• Letter of intent
• Photos or some other type of rendering of what the sign will look like including the sign dimensions
• Site plan (if the sign is freestanding)

You must also submit a check for $50 made payable to the City of Berea. 

5. Why do I need to submit 12 copies?

The 12 copies are distributed to the seven members of the Planning Commission, the Mayor, the Zoning Administrator, the City Engineer, the Director of Public Service and the Director of Public Safety.

6. How do I know if I need a variance?

A variance may be necessary because of the size, location or height of the sign. In order to determine whether you need a variance, please submit the following information to the Zoning Administrator for a preliminary review: the address where you would like to install the sign:

• Length of the front wall of your building
• Proposed height of the sign
• Proposed location of the sign including the setback from the right of way for free standing signs
• Proposed size of the sign (in square feet)

7. When can I install my sign once a variance has been approved by the Planning Commission?

Once a variance has been approved by the Planning Commission, there is a 20‐day waiting period before a building permit to install the sign may be issued to you.

8. Is my property in the Town Center District?

The Town Center District is defined by “Bagley Road to the North, Eastland Road to the East, Prospect Road and Henry Street to the West and South Rocky River Drive south to the City limits, and all properties that lie along, within, or are immediately adjacent to these boundaries.”

9. What does it mean if my property is in the Town Center District?

If your property is in the Town Center District, any proposed sign must first be reviewed by the Heritage Architectural Review Board before the Planning Commission can review the sign. For further information about the Heritage Architectural Review Board, please view the Heritage Architectural Review Board Page.

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Planning Commission: Variances

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1. What is a variance?

A variance is a modification of the strict terms of the regulations of the Zoning Code. A variance may only be granted by the Planning Commission.

2. What do I need to do to have Planning Commission consider my variance request?

In order to appear before the Planning Commission for approval of your driveway widening, you must submit 12 copies of the following items: 

• Application to Appear before the Planning Commission
• Hardship letter
• Photos of the existing site
• Site plan

You must also submit a check for $50 for residential variances and $75 for variances for all other properties made payable to the City of Berea.

3. Why do I need to submit 12 copies?

The 12 copies are distributed to the 7 members of the Planning Commission: 

• City Engineer
• Director of Public Safety
• Director of Public Service
• Mayor
• Zoning Administrator

4. If Planning Commission approves my variance request, when can I start construction?

Once a variance has been approved by the Planning Commission, there is a 20‐day waiting period before a building permit may be issued to you.

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Police Department

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1. What should I do if I think that there is a house in my neighborhood where drugs are being sold?

Please contact the Police Department and report your suspicions. Information that you will be asked may include the days and times when the activity Is most prevalent; the description arid/or names of any resident of the house and the descriptions of any vehicles that they drive. It is not necessary for you to identify yourself, but It will be helpful if you do, so that the police officers can contact you with any additional questions that they have. Police officers do not release any information regarding people reporting drug violations to the suspects or include that information in any of their investigative reports.

2. What do I do if I am involved in a traffic accident?

Remain at the scene and either use a cell phone to call the police or ask someone to call the police. Give an accurate location of where the accident occurred. It also helps us If you can advise whether anyone was injured or whether any hazardous conditions exist such as power lines down or fire. The more Information we have the better job we can do of ensuring that all emergency equipment needed Is dispatched immediately.

3. What do I do it I witness a traffic accident?

Remain at the scene and the Investigating officer will Interview you when they arrive.

4. What do I do if I am the victim of, or witness to, a hit and run accident?

Again, stay at the scene and try very hard to get a license number, vehicle description, and driver description for the hit and run vehicle. The license number is the most important aspect of the description. We caution you against chasing a hit and run vehicle, especially if your vehicle is damaged.

5. What should I do if I witness a crime in progress?

Notify the police immediately. Try to be as accurate as possible by noting any vehicle descriptions and license numbers, suspects' descriptions and actions and descriptions of victims. If the victims or suspects leave the scene before the police arrive, note their direction and method of travel.

6. What should I do if I am the victim of a crime?

If it is an emergency, call 911. Otherwise call 440-826-5870 to report the crime. The dispatcher will collect the necessary Information and assign an officer as needed.

7. What should I do if I am stopped by the police for a traffic a violation?

Pull to the right shoulder of the road, place your vehicle in park, and turn off the Ignition. Remain In your vehicle with your hands on the steering wheel while the officer approaches unless the officer directs you to do otherwise Tell your passengers to remain with their hands in plain view. Do not reach for the glove compartment or reach around inside the vehicle or on your person to retrieve your driver's license until you are directed to do so by the officer. Do not exit your vehicle at any time during the stop unless you are ordered to do so by the officer.

8. I received a traffic citation. What are my options as far as taking care of the citation?

The officer wrote a court date and time at the bottom of the ticket. You my appear at the Berea Clerk of Courts office any time before that date and pay your fine or you may appear in Court on that date and stand before the Magistrate to plead your case.

9. A squad car passes me with its lights and siren on as if it is on an emergency run, then they turn their lights and siren off. Was this officer on a legitimate emergency run?

The officer was on an emergency run and was most likely advised to slow down or terminate their response by radio. The police department has strict regulations governing when an officer is allowed to operate the emergency lights, siren, and drive faster than the normal flow of traffic What happens many times is that an officer is dispatched on an emergency run and other officers arrive first and advise that other officers can slow down or terminate their response altogether. This is done to protect the safety of the motoring public.

10. What type of calls would an officer use his/her emergency lights and siren?

Calls that are life threatening in nature such as personal injury traffic accidents, medical emergencies, fires, serious felony crimes in progress, calls where deadly weapons are involved and incidents where other officers are requesting emergency assistance.

11. Does the Berea Police Department have a policy that governs vehicle pursuits?

We have a very strict policy that governs vehicle pursuits and weighs the benefits of apprehending offenders against our top concern, which is protecting public safety. Police officers are equipped with tire deflation devices that can be used to stop an offender's vehicle. These devices have proven valuable in protecting lives on several occasions involving pursuits that were initiated by other law enforcement agencies.

12. What should I do If I have problem with a stray animal in my neighborhood?

You may call the police department and report the problem. We will respond any time of the day or night if the animal is aggressive or dangerous. It will be very helpful if you can tell us where the animal's owner lives so that we can speak with them concerning the problem and/or take enforcement action if needed.

13. What should I do if a stray animal bites me?

Seek medical attention immediately if the injury is serious in nature. If a doctor treats you they are required by law to report the bite. Call the Police department as soon as possible to report the bite. Please try to give the investigating officer as much information as you can, including the animal's description and the name and address of the owner if it is known.

14. I have an animal that I can no longer keep because it is causing problems in the home. Will the police department pick it up and take it to an animal shelter?

No. Your animals are your own responsibility to care of.  An option is to contact your veterinarian and see he/she can assist in finding a home for your pet.

15. What is an OVI?

OVI is an acronym for Operating a Vehicle Impaired. Formerly known as DWI, DUI, OMVI, or drunk driving, the Ohio General Assembly changed the statute to OVI in January 2005 to more accurately reflect the actual scope of the offense since it doesn't necessarily require "driving" or that the "operation" be in a "motor vehicle."

16. What does "Physical Control" mean?

Ohio's Physical Control Statute, O.R.C. 4511.194, became effective on January 1, 2005. Physical Control is similar to an Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI charge in that it deals with being in a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs of abuse with one exception, Physical Control does not require that the vehicle have ever been driven or even started.

The best example of a Physical Control violation is the person who staggers out of the tavern and decides to "sleep it off" in their vehicle. Often times what happens is the person starts the car, either to run the air conditioner or the heater, so the vehicle is actually running, then goes to sleep. However, one need not have the car running or even have the keys in the ignition in order to be in violation of O.R.C. 4511.194 - Physical Control. Under the statute, having the keys within reach will satisfy the definition of having "physical control."

17. What are the parking regulations in Berea?

There is no permitted parking on the streets in the City of Berea between 3 to 6 a.m. There are signs posted stating as such on all major thorough fares into the city. Anyone parking on the streets between these restricted hours will receive a parking citation. These citations carry fines of $20 if paid in the first 72 hours, then $30 thereafter.

If an emergency or extenuating circumstance arises, you must call the Berea Police Department at 440-826-5870 and request emergency overnight parking. Your name, residential address where the car will be parked in front, license plate number, Make, Model, color, contact phone number, and reason for overnight parking must be given.

All parking citations received in the city may be mailed in the envelope attached or paid at the Berea Police department window. Two or more unpaid parking tickets will result in said vehicle plate number being placed on a "tow list." If the vehicle in violation is found on the city streets it will be towed and impounded until the citations have been settled.

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Police Department - Feral Cat Complaints

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1. What can I do about the stray cats in my neighborhood?

The only way to reduce the number of feral cats is to spay and neuter. Unfortunately many pet owners allow their cats to roam outside even though it is not permitted. Any cats able to roam freely that are not fixed will reproduce. 

Animal shelters already care for and try to find homes for thousands of lost, injured, abandoned and relinquished pet cats. Berea Animal Control will not trap feral cats as the Berea Animal Rescue cannot accept feral cats do to the risk of injury to animals staff as well as the staff.

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Service Department

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1. Who do I contact for a street light out?

You should go through the steps after clicking on this link.

First Energy street light outages

2. What are the NEORSD rates?

Please click on the North East Ohio Regional Sewer District website for that information. 

North East Ohio Regional Sewer District

3. Who do I contact for a pothole?

You can call the Service Department at 440-826-5853.

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Water Billing

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1. How can I make a payment?

To pay by mail: Please use enclosed envelopes which are received with your bills, or address remittances to:

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Berea City Hall

11 Berea Commons

Berea, Ohio 44017 

Attn: Water Billing

To Pay in Person

Please come to Berea City Hall, 11 Berea Commons, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, or use our payment drop box located at City Hall (across from the police station entrance) which is accessible after hours and on weekends. Please do not leave cash in the drop box.

Online Payments

To view your bill, sign up for E-Billing, or pay online please click here.

2. Why am I billed two sewer charges?

The sewer charge on your water bill is the City of Berea’s sewer system charge. This is used for maintaining and updating sewer lines within our city. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District bill is who the City of Berea uses to treat our waste water. These bills are based on your water consumption.

3. Do you shut off water for non-payment?

We currently do not shut off for non-payment. However, please note that once a year delinquent charges are removed from our billing system and certified to your property taxes with an additional 38% applied in interest and penalties. To avoid this, please keep payments up to date.