The Building Department is divided into two divisions. The Commercial Division, as its name implies, will be responsible for all business properties and multiple family units. The Housing Division is responsible for residential properties, one and two family only. This divisional arrangement allows the Building Department to be more responsive to the needs of the homeowner. One State Certified Building Inspector has been assigned to each of Lakewood's four wards, and three Code Compliance Specialists, on an ongoing basis, inspect only the exteriors of all buildings and dwelling units and investigate exterior complaints received by the Building Department. The Housing Division is charged with the implementing and enforcing of our city's local codes. They assist in establishing a minimum standard necessary to make all dwelling structures safe, sanitary, free from fire and health hazards, fit for human habitation, and beneficial to the public welfare. To accomplish this goal, the Housing Division conducts city-wide inspections of all dwelling units. Commercial properties also are inspected. The most valuable asset of any city is its residential and commercial dwellings. To this end, the City of Lakewood asks for the cooperation and support of all its residents in this worthwhile program.

1. YARD AREA--Check for lawn overgrowth, noxious weeds, insect and rodent harborage, diseased trees, debris and litter. Check discarded auto parts, improper storage of firewood and immobilized and unlicensed vehicles.
2. SHRUBBERY--Check for overgrowth and ensure adequate clearance with public right-of-way.
3. DRIVEWAY--Check for severely spalled or broken concrete and uneven asphalt.
4. PRIVATE SIDEWALK--Check for severely spalled or cracked sidewalk concrete, and raised or sunken slabs.
5. FENCE--Check for structural stability, general appearance and zoning code compliance.
6. GARAGE FLOOR--Check for severly spalled, cracked or heaved concrete floors.
7. PAINT-- Check for extensive blistering, peeling or shabby appearance. Look for deteriorated and broken caulking. All bare wood surfaces must be painted and/or stained to match and conform to the existing structure.
8. SIDING AND TRIM--Check siding and trim for damage or decay.
9. GARAGE DOORS--Check operating parts for excessive wear and check condition of glass. Replace missing or damaged door trim.
10. ROOFS--Check for damaged, missing or loose shingles and damaged flashing.
11. GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS--Check connection to drainage systems and inspect condition of material composition of gutters.
12. FOUNDATION ABOVE GRADE (Masonry)--Check for defective block (concrete) or brick. Check steps and stoops for cracks, spalling, or improper anchorage. Check for weathertight mortar joints. (Opening for piping, wiring, etc. must be weathertight.)
13. WINDOW WELLS--Check for blockage of drains and inspect general condition of walls.
14. CHIMNEY--Check joints, brick, flashing, weather wash and draft deflector.
15. DOORS AND WINDOWS--Check units for proper operation and inspect for any worn parts. Remove crumbling caulking; clean, and apply new caulking where doors and windows meet siding or brick. Replace damaged or weathered drip caps.
16. SCREENING--Check for torn or unfastened screening.
17. PORCHES--Check general condition of porch decks, ceilings and railings. Secure all loose handrails; install new lattice where foundations are open.
18. CANOPIES--Check where canopy meets structure for open joints. Check for deterioration of wood parts and loose flashing.
19. ELECTRICAL WIRING--Check exterior fixtures and outlets for waterproof construction. Check for proper clearance of overhead wiring and inspect for proper connection. Replace all defective and worn electrical lights and receptacles inside garage structure.
20. FLASHING--Examine for looseness between chimney, roof, and flashing material. Seal caulking compound or roofing cement.
21. LOUVERS--Should be open for ventilation but screened to keep out insects. Remove leaves. Check caulking.
22. SWIMMING POOLS--If a family swimming or wading pool (ten feet or larger in diameter) is to be installed, plans and specifications must be submitted to the Lakewood Health Department (216/529-7690) for approval prior to applying for a building permit from the Building Department. Check cleanliness of water to eliminate flies and insects.
23. HAND RAILS--Steps with more than three risers are required to have at least a handrail on one side.

Exterior front view - click to see full size image

Exterior back view - click to see full size image

3. Interior Checklist

1. ELECTRICAL WIRING -- Check electrical installation for adequate service and general condition of wiring. Look throughout the house for frayed cords, loose connections, malfunctioning switches and outlets. Check for any potential source of ignition of combustible material.
2. FUSE PANEL -- Check electrical fuse panels for proper fusing (overcurrent device shall correspond to the conductor size).
3. GROUNDING -- Check to see that all circuits are properly grounded and water meter bonded. Check main panel is grounded within 5 feet of where waterline enters building.
4. CLOTHS DRYER -- Check appliance to make sure it is grounded (electrically) properly and that it has a disconnecting capability that is readily accessible. Assure that the dryer is properly vented to outside air.
5. WATER HEATER -- Check to see that energy supply to this appliance is installed properly and guarded with required safety devices. See Section Two, "Water Heater" for additional information.
6. HEATING APPLIANCES -- Check furnace, boiler, heat pump or other heating appliances and the fuel supply for proper installation and required safety devices. Change filters when needed.
7. FLUE CONNECTIONS -- Check to see that appliances have code required flues and that they are properly connected to the chimney.
8. PLUMBING FIXTURES -- Check that fixtures have been properly installed and connected to hot and cold water supply lines. Check for leaky faucets. Check all waste lines and fixture traps so as to drain freely without leaks.
9. WATER LINES -- Check condition of water lines and inspect for leakage.
10. FLOOR DRAINS -- Check to see that drain strainers are installed and that the traps are properly sealed.
11. STRUCTURAL MEMBERS -- Check columns, beams and wood members for general condition and deflection (sag or bow).
12. BASEMENT FLOOR -- Check for severely spalled, cracked and heaved concrete floors. Check for evidence of water entry.
13. BASEMENT STAIRS -- Check to see that stringers and treads are in sound condition and securely fastened. Check all landings for proper support.
14. HANDRAILS -- Check all stairs to see that they are properly equipped with firmly fastened handrails.
15. FOUNDATION WALLS -- Check interior of foundation wall for weather-tight construction and structural soundness.
16. FLOORING -- Check floors for general contour and excessive weakness or damage. Check kitchen and bathroom floors so as to be impervious to water and easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
17. PLASTER -- Check plaster and drywall for excessive cracking, lath separation. Check for holes and provide proper fire stopping.
18. INTERIOR TRIM -- Check interior trim around doors and windows for possible joint separation which could lead to heat loss.
19. ATTIC -- Look for evidence of roof leaks, also openings that permit entry of bats or other pests. Inspect insulation, rafters, ventilation openings, chimney and side walls.
20. WINDOWS -- Check for difficulty of operation, cracked or broken panes, sash cords or chains in need of replacement, faulty or hard-to-operate locks, worn weather-stripping.
21. BATHROOM -- Note dripping faucets, leaking shower heads, malfunctioning flush valves, inadequate hot water supply.
22. DOORS -- Inspect for sticking or sagging doors; examine locks and chains; renew worn weather-stripping.
23. FIREPLACE -- Check dampers, firebox, hearth, grate and irons, screen, mantelpiece. Check for deteriorated mortar joints and clean fireplace flues periodically.
24. KITCHEN -- Examine appliance wiring; clean the ventilator fan and remove accumulations of dust and grease.
25. BASEMENT WINDOWS -- Those on grade or slightly above grade, should be examined for termite damage, even if the foundation is concrete. Replace decayed frames and missing trim.

Click to see full size of Interior Cutaway

4. Glossary of Building Terms

1. DRAIN TILE--Pipe which carries away ground water from around the foundation of a building.
2. FOOTING--That portion of a foundation of a structure which spreads and transmits loads directly to the soil.
3. FOUNDATION WALL--Construction, primarily below grade, which provides support for exterior walls, or the structural parts of a building.
4. MUD SLAB--(Or Crawl Space)--An accessible space below the first floor which is less than a full story height.
5. DAMP-PROOFING--Making walls impervious to water, or dampness, by mixing a compound with concrete, or by applying a compound to the surface of the wall.
6. FLOOR GIRDER-- Gives physical support to floor joists.
7. MUD SILL--The lowest wooden part of a structure, placed directly on the foundation .
8. FLOOR JOIST--A heavy piece of horizontal timber to which the boards of a floor are nailed
9. BRIDGING--Wood or metal members that are installed, usually in a diagonal position, between the floor joist for the purpose of bracing the joists against spreading and warping.
10. SUB-FLOOR--Boards or plywood laid directly on the joist, the finish flooring is laid over the sub-flooring.
11. BOTTOM PLATE (or Sole Plate)--The horizontal member placed on the sub-flooring upon which the studs rest.
12. CORNER STUDS--Two 2 x 4s nailed together to reinforce the corners of a frame structure.
13. FRAMING STUDS--The various supporting parts of a building fitted together into a skeleton form.
14. JACK STUDS--Give direct support to headers (nailed to framing studs and to header).
15. HEADER--Horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening, such as a door or window.
16. CRIPPLE STUDS--Studding cut short to be used over and under a door or window opening.
17. TOP PLATE--Two 2 x 4s placed on top of the framing studs.
18. WALL SHEATHING--Wide boards, plywood , flakeboard etc., nailed to studding
19. CEILING JOIST--A heavy piece of horizontal timber to which the ceiling is supported.
20. RAFTER--One of a series of structual members of a roof designed to support roof loads.
21. SIDING--The finish covering of the outside walls of a frame building.
22. SOFFIT--The underside surface of an arch.
23. FASCIA (or Gutter Board)--A board nailed to the ends of the rafters, that give the gutter physical support. Also, any flat, horizontal band.
24. DOOR JAMB--The sides and top of an opening used in the framing of a doorway or window.
25. WINDOW CASING--The trimming around windows either outside or inside.
26. FINISH ROOF--The material applied to the roof sheathing to make it waterproof.
27. GUTTERS--A trough attached to the edge of a roof to collect and conduct water from rain or melting snow.
28. INTERIOR FINISH--The surface finish of an interior wall or ceiling and includes finish which is integral with the wall or ceiling material.


Click to see full size image of Glossary Terms

5. Registration and Licensing of Contractors

CONTRACTORS REQUIREMENT:

An ordinance was enacted in March of 1979 to require that contractors performing work in the City be first registered and /or licensed with the City of Lakewood's Building Department.

Definition:"Contractor"--a person, corporation, partnership, firm, or other business association which either negotiates a written or oral contract and /or performs physical labor for consideration.

All contractors engaged in the trade or occupation of building, constructing, altering, repairing, painting, moving, demolition, plastering, masonry work, paving, fencing, landscaping, snow plowing, or any other similar type of work, shall duly register as a contractor.

All contractors engaged in performing work relative to the four safety mechanical trades, "electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning" shall be duly licensed with the Building Department before performing this type of work.

LIABILITY

All contractor shall carry current liability and property damage insurance and shall provide proof by furnishing a "Certificate of Insurance" naming the City of Lakewood as certificate holder ($100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage).

CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBILITY:

Contractors who become registered and/or licensed in the City of Lakewood, shall, by a newly enacted City ordinance, warrant or be presumed to have warranted that all work performed and all materials to be supplied by contract are in compliance with all applicable ordinances of the City unless the contractor has actual knowledge of any deficiencies or noncompliance at the time the contract is entered into.

REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION AND / OR LICENSE:

Contractors registration and/or license is valid for one calendar year and then must be renewed. Contractors may have their license and/or registration revoked by the Building Commissioner for any of the following reasons:

• Misrepresentation of a material fact by the applicant in obtaining the license or renewal thereof.
• The use of a license by the licensee in obtaining a building permit for work to be performed by a contractor or builder other than the licensee.
• Violation of or noncompliance with any provision of any applicable code or ordinance of the City in the performance of any work done pursuant to a license issued hereunder.
• Failure to abate a violation or noncompliance with any provision of any applicable code or ordinance of the City within the time specified in the written notice of such violation or noncompliance.
• Upon a determination by the Building Commissioner that the applicant or licensee has engaged in a course of conduct calculated to induce owners and/or tenants of property or their authorized agents, to enter into a contractual relationship for labor and/or materials through misrepresentation of labor costs or that the materials used complied with all applicable ordinances of the City in which such misrepresentation was made.

6. Building Department's Permits Requirements

The issuance of a permit notifies the local municipality that work is being performed and prompts an inspection to assure that minimum standards to safeguard life, limb, health, property and public welfare are maintained and followed.

When Required

Building Department permits shall be obtained before proceeding with any excavation, grading, construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition of any dwelling or appurtenance structure. Separate permits shall also be obtained for electrical work, plumbing work, heating, air conditioning and all other equipment that are essential features in the use of the dwelling (or other structure). The following list contains many types of repair or improvements residents may be contemplating and information regarding permit requirements.

To Whom Permits Are Issued:

Permits are issued to the person, owner or contractor who shall physically perform the work for which the permit was sought. Contractors shall have a valid and current registration, or license, before applying for a permit.

Inspections:

The person to whom a permit has been issued shall be responsible for requesting periodic inspections of work completed at each of the following stages of construction, before covering or concealing work: installation of footing drains, building drains and building sewers, completion of foundation and waterproofing, during framing of the superstructure, the completion of roughing in the plumbing, electrical wiring, gas piping, heating ducts or piping or other similar service installations. Before closing all structural elements, and upon final completion of the structure.

Permit Responsibility:

It shall be the responsibility of the person to whom a permit has been issued to comply with all applicable housing codes an to install such work in a quality and workmanlike manner.

Where Permits are Obtained:

Permits are obtained at the Building Department office at Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Ave., lower level. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m., to 11:30 noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30. No permits are issued between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.

Display of Permit:

The permit, such as the sample shown, shall be displayed on the job site until work has been completed and inspected.
 
 

Type of Work Air Conditioners.................. Attic Remodeling (see FAQ)........ Bathroom Lavatory................. Bathtub Replacement............... Barbecue Pits..................... Cabinets - Kitchen (New).......... Cabinets - Kitchen (Refacing)..... Chimney Cleaning.................. Chimney Flues..................... Concrete-Basement Floors.......... Concrete - Garage Floors.......... Concrete - Driveways.............. Dishwashers....................... Drains - Floor, Sewer, & Yard..... Driveways - Asphalt............... Electrical Light Outlets.......... Electrical Receptacles............  220 Volt Outlet.................. Exhaust Fans...................... Energy Vent Dampers............... Fences - Snow Fences.............. Fire Repairs...................... Fireplace (Factory)............... Furnace Replacement............... Floor Coverings................... Garbage Disposals................. Garage Structures................. Garage Demolition................. Garage Doors-Overhead.............  Doors (if change in size)........ Type of Work Gas Grills........................ Gas Light Fixtures................ Gas Piping-New.................... Gutters and Downspouts............ Handrails......................... Heat Pumps........................ Hot Water Tanks................... Kitchen Sinks..................... Landscaping....................... Laundry Tub....................... Masonry Chimney-New............... Patio Decks....................... Painting-Exterior/Interior........ Plaster Repairs................... Porch Repairs-Structural.......... Porch Flooring.................... Roof-Shingles..................... Room Additions.................... Roof Louvers...................... Satellite Signal(over 36" in  diameter)-Receiving Antennas..... Siding............................ Steps - Wooden.................... Steps - Masonry (New)............. Showers........................... Solar Heating Equipment........... Space Heaters..................... Above/Below Ground Swimming Pools. Toilets........................... Tool Sheds........................ TV Antennas....................... Water Supply Lines................ Wall Papering..................... Windows (if change in size)....... Woodburning Stoves................ Waterproofing.....................

Permit YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES Permit YES YES YES NO NO YES YES YES NO YES YES YES NO YES YES NO NO YES NO YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO YES YES YES

Inspection YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES Inspection YES YES YES NO NO YES YES YES NO YES YES YES NO YES YES NO NO YES NO YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO YES YES YES

Plot Plans MAY NEED NO NO NO YES NO NO NO NO NO YES MAY NEED NO MAY NEED MAY NEED NO NO NO MAY NEED NO YES MAY NEED MAY NEED NO NO NO YES NO NO NO Plot Plans YES YES NO NO NO MAY NEED NO NO NO NO YES YES NO NO MAY NEED NO NO YES NO YES NO NO MAY NEED NO NO NO YES NO YES NO NO NO NO MAY NEED NO

Working Drawings NO YES NO NO YES YES NO NO YES NO MAY NEED NO NO MAY NEED NO MAY NEED MAY NEED MAY NEED NO NO NO YES YES MAY NEED NO NO YES NO NO YES Working Drawings NO NO NO NO NO NO NO MAY NEED NO NO YES YES NO YES YES NO NO YES NO YES NO NO YES MAY NEED YES MAY NEED MAY NEED MAY NEED YES NO NO NO YES YES NO

Estimated Cost YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES Estimated Cost YES YES YES NO NO YES YES YES NO YES YES YES NO NO YES NO NO YES NO YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO NO YES  YES

Limitation 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months none none 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months NONE 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months Limitation 3 months 3 months 3 months NONE NONE NONE 3 months 3 months NONE 3 months 3 months 3 months NONE NONE 3 months NONE NONE 3 months NONE 3 months 3 months NONE 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months 3 months NONE NONE NONE 3 months 3 months 3 months

Tips from your Building Department

Be sure.....decide what improvements and conveniences are most needed and desired for your enjoyment and better living.
Tax Increase.....general maintenance and remodeling of rooms you are now using will NOT increase your taxes.
Price.....Get two or three estimates from reputable contractors for your anticipated project. They should carefully estimate labor and material costs.
Don't Rush.....Avoid snap judgements. Obtain references from neighbors who have selected other contractors and were pleased with their performance.
Home Remodeling.....Homeowners who do their own remodeling must obtain permits required from the Building Department. Contractors are responsible for obtaining permits for work done for homeowners.
Qualifications.....See Frequently Asked Questions (Currently Registered Contractors) or contact the Building Department (216-529-6285) to verify that your selected contractor is currently licensed and/or registered.
Permit Responsibility.....Person to whom a permit has been issued shall be responsible for installing all work to minimum code standards and in a good workmanlike manner.
Building Code.....The purpose of the Regional Dwelling House Code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and the public welfare. Any and all planned improvements must follow this code. Copies of the current code are available at either the Lakewood Public Library or Lakewood City Hall.

Exterior House Painting

Exterior house painting and painting of appurtenant structures does not require a building permit. Homeowners who hire a contractor must be make aware that painting contractors must be registered with the City of Lakewood's Building Department before they commence this type of work. This assures the homeowner that they carry current liability and property damage insurance in case of an accident.

This painting section is new to our guidebook to inform Lakewood residents who may be painting themselves or having a contractor paint their home, of proper preparation and application from painting. A paint job done with good quality, modern day house paint should last for at least five years. The fact that many paint jobs fail sooner is usually not the fault of the paint, but of the painter who does not take the time to properly prepare the surface. The following specification, if followed, will assure the resident of a quality and lasting paint job.

1. All general repairs should be completed before any attempt is made to paint.

All rotted, decayed or badly cracked siding and trim should be replaced. Leaving this condition will allow water to seep through the crack causing the paint film to blister and peel. Replacement material shall closely match existing.

Siding should be renailed where loose to prevent water from entering between lap joint. All rusty nail heads shall be set 1/8 inch deep and puttied. All nail holes and small cracks in surface shall also be filled with putty.

Remove all sections of broken and rotted caulk from around windows and door casings and install new fresh caulk and apply primer to these areas.

Scrape all loose and flaking putty from window sashes and install new glazing and prime same with an oil primer.

• These areas scraped should be taken down to bare wood. All scrapings shall be removed from ground.
• All rough edges should be hand-sanded (NO POWER SANDING OR SANDBLASTING) so as to be closely feathered to surrounding surfaces.
• Spot prime all bare wood areas.

All protected areas such as overhang eaves, gables and porch ceilings should be washed and rinsed to insure good paint adhesion. Follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation.

After scraping these areas, apply metal rust inhibitive primer.

9. Application of paint is not recommended when temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Wait for morning dew to evaporate before starting to paint
• When painting in the hot summer, follow the sun around the house, this will allow you to paint the shaded side of the house during peak periods of heat.

11. All application of finished paint, stains, or other coatings should be applied in strict accordance with the manufacturers's directions. Ready mixed paints should not be thinned, unless stated in the application instructions.

12. All railings, posts, columns, soffits, fascias, lattice work, shutters, awnings, flooring, doors, windows, steps and oney other wood or metal trim should received at least one coat of finish paint. Finish work should be uniform, smooth, and free from runs, and brush marks. Finish paint should also include the covering of top and bottom of door and window sash edges and shall include inside surfaces of gutters.

13. Paint designated for porch and floors should be of an exterior enamel type for a durable finish.

14. A second finish coat may be necessary if surface does not provide acceptable coverage or hiding. If the color of the house has been changed, two coats will probably be needed.

15. Upon completion of the painting work, all tools, waste materials and containers should be removed from the site.

NOTE: Paint blistering is caused from excessive moisture. Make sure that the interior of your house is adequately ventilated, especially in the basement, attic, bathrooms and kitchen areas.

PAINTING TIPS:

• Start painting from top downward to avoid drips and spatters.
• Paint from side to side.
• Be generous with paint
• Complete painting of a course of siding, if interupted, to avoid lap marks.
• For new work--apply 3 coats-- 1 primer and 2 finish coats.

Requirements for Public Sidewalks and Driveway Aprons

Home Inspection Service

In addition to conducting inspections for permit related home improvements, the Housing Division of the Building Department also offers a home-owner inspection service. The service will provide any home-owner, who requests in writing, a complete home inspection to identify code violations which may exist in a particular dwelling. A fee is assessed for every inspection made. Inspections requested by persons other than the property owner cannot be authorized unless written notorized permission for the inspection is submitted by the owner.

Application for this inspection can be obtained at the Building Department office at City Hall, Monday through Friday during business hours (8:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Application information shall include
(1) address of the property to inspect,
(2) owner of the property and their address,
(3) name of buyer,
(4) buyer's mailing address,
(5) name and address of real estate agent, and
(6) the party to contact for necessary arrangements to inspect the property,
(7) anticipated date of title transfer,
(8) if owner occupied, which suite will the buyer live in? (See Building Dept. FAQs)

The inspection of the home will include the exterior property areas, all appurtenant structures such as garages, the exterior condition of painting, roof, siding, porches, railings, foundation and all items mentioned earlier in the Guidebook under subsection "Exterior Check List."

The interior will also be inspected for safety and minimum maintenance standards. All heating and electrical equipment will aso be checked. (see "Interior Check List" for all items which will be inspected.)

If any code violations exist, the property owner will be so notified and a copy sent to the buyer. All inspections made by the Housing Department are enforceable inspections and a specified time to comply will be so indicated.

If the buyer of the property wished to assume the known violations, he may do so by signing an (notorized) affidavit in the office of the Building Department. Affidavit forms are provided. Buyer must bring driver's license.

Homeowners are permitted to perform any and all home improvements in his/her own dwelling, provided the required permits are obtained for all work except decorating and minor repairs (See Permits Required). All work requiring a permit is subject to inspection by the Building Department to insure compliance with codes, which have been established for your safety and protection.

For further information regarding this service, contact the Building Department.

Homeowner's Tax Abatement Program

Test your Home's Safety

Your home may not be a steel mill or a coal mine, but it can present hazards more than equal to those in many industries. As a matter of fact, more accidents occur off-the-job at home than on the job. Each year 27,000 people are killed and more than 4 million are disabled by home accidents. Many of these accidents happen because unsafe conditions go unnoticed and unsafe acts go unchecked.

How safe are you in your home? The SAFETY CHECKLIST can help you find out.

If you have fewer than 10 "no" answers, your home is reasonably safe. You're asking for trouble if you have 10 to 26 "no" answers (and you'd better do something about it now). If you check more than 25 "no" answers, make sure your insurance premiums are up to date!

Building Department Frequently Asked Questions

Signs in Residential Districts

Noise Ordinance