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Building FAQs

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1. What are stair requirements?

Stair requirements are width not less than 36 inches.

2. What are tread and riser sizes?

Maximum riser height 8 1/4 inches, maximum tread depth 9 inches.

3. What is the headroom height for doors?

Headroom height for doors is 6 feet 8 inches.

4. What are the handrail heights?

Handrail heights are minimum 34 inches and maximum 38 inches.

5. What are the guardrail details?

If located more than 30 inches above grade porches, balconies, or raised floor surfaces a 36 inch guardrail is required with spindles space not more than 4 inches apart.

6. What are the building requirements?

In accordance with 2013 Residential Code of Ohio and 2017 Ohio Building Code

7. What is the minimum footer depth?

38 inches

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Building Housing & Planning

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1. If I have a vacant property, do I have to register it with the City?

Yes. Vacant property registration forms are found in the Department of Building, Housing, & Planning. The cost is $125.00 and are valid for 1 year. The registration must be renewed every year. 

2. When do I have to file a bond on a property?

A $10,000 cash bond must be filed on any property, regardless of occupancy, in which an active foreclosure case is pending or a judgement of foreclosure has been issued. 

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CLERK OF COUNCIL

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1. How long are the terms for the members of City Council?

The President of Lorain City Council and the eleven council members have two year terms.

2. When are the regular meetings of Lorain City Council?

Lorain City Council Regular Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month (excepting the month of August).

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Courts

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1. What are the hours for the Lorain Municipal Court

We are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday excluding the following Holidays.

New Years Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Good Friday

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veteran's Day

Thanksgiving

Day After Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

If any Holidays fall on a Saturday the Court will be closed on the previous Friday.  If any of the Holidays fall on a Sunday the Court will be closed on the following Monday.  For example in 2017 Veteran's day is on Saturday November 11th therefore the Court is closed on Saturday, November 10th.

2. Will I be subject to a search when appearing for Court?

Yes, you will be searched to ensure the safety of all people in attendance at Court and at City Hall.

3. What is the phone number for the Court?

440-204-2580

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Electrical FAQs

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1. Where are smoke detectors required?

Smoke detectors are required in all bedrooms, hallway outside of bedroom, one on each floor.

2. Where are carbon monoxide detectors required?

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are required in bedroom hallways.

3. What size does a ground rod wire have to be?

A ground rod wire never has to be larger than a Number 4 copper. It cannot be smaller than Number 4 if it is subject to physical damage.

4. What size wire do you have to use for a 100-amp house service?

The size is Number 4 copper or Number 2 aluminum.

5. What size wire do you have to use for a 200-amp house service?

The size is Number 2-O copper or Number 4-O aluminum.

6. How close can the GFCI outlet be to a pool?

The GFCI outlet must be at least 5 feet from the inside wall.

7. What do we do if there is a street light out?

Street lights are not our jurisdiction, call Ohio Edison at 800-633-4766. We only maintain Traffic signals.

8. How deep underground must PVC conduit be for services and pools?

PVC conduit must be 18 inches deep.

9. Are fuses still acceptable for use in services?

Yes, but they must be type S so a larger fuse cannot be installed.

10. Where are GFCI receptacles required?

They are required in all:

• Baths
• Garages
• Kitchen Counters
• Outbuildings
• Outside
• Pools
• Unfinished basements

11. What does AFCI mean?

It means arc fault circuit interrupter.

12. What does AFCI do?

It trips on inline arcs such as broken ripcords, loose connections, etc.

13. Where does the water ground connection have to be?

The water ground connection has to be within 5 feet of the water service entering the house.

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General

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1. How do I contact my council member?

Visit our City Council Page to view a listing of all council members and their contact information.

2. How can I report a crime tip?

Submit our online form to report an anonymous tip to the Lorain Police Department.

3. When does residential bulk waste and trash get picked up?

Lorain bulk waste pick up weeks will be on your normal collection day. Bulk is picked up every week. View our schedule on the Garbage and Waste page.

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Information Technology

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1. How do I reset my password in the Employee Portal

At the bottom of the login page, click on the reset password link. You will be prompted for a user name - enter your user name. The City will need to have your email address, if we do not have that address, contact the Payroll Department and have them enter your email address. Payroll department can be reached at (440)204.2095. The system will send you an email with a link to reset your password. 

2. What are your office hours

The City's regular hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8:30 Am to 4:30 PM. 

There will allways be one staff member "On-Call" 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

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Mayor's Office

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1. How do I request a Proclamation from the Mayor?

The proclamation request form can be found at under the Forms section of the Mayor's Office webpage.

2. Does the Mayor perform weddings?

Yes, the Mayor performs weddings once a month on a Thursday depending upon his availability. Please call 440.204.2002 to schedule a wedding ceremony.

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Plumbing FAQs

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1. Is the homeowner permitted to install their own plumbing?

Although City Ordinance No. 5 to 01 Section 1511.08 states that only licensed plumbers are able to be issued permits, if a homeowner occupying that particular residence can show they are competent to install plumbing through questioning or diagramming the system we will issue them a permit.

2. How do you get registered as a Plumbing Contractor?

To become registered as a Plumbing Contractor with the City of Lorain, you must possess a license from the State of Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance. You must then fill out the application packet (PDF), available at the Building Department. Include copy of State license.

3. Are permits required to replace a hot water tank?

Yes, there is a permit required to install hot water tanks. The building permit fee is based on the valuation of the work.

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Street Department

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1. Why was my street not salted?

We do plow all streets in the City; however, we only salt primary and secondary streets.

2. I have a problem with trash pickup, who do I call?

Contact Republic Services at 440-458-5191 or http://www.republicservices.com/

3. Does the City replace or repair sidewalks or driveways?

Sidewalks and driveways are the responsibility of the homeowner.

4. How do I report a street light that is out?

Contact Ohio Edison at 1-888-544-4877 or http://firstenergycorp.com/ohio_edison.html

5. How do I report a pothole?

Contact the Street Department at 440-204-2550

6. How do I report a broken or inoperable traffic light?

Contact the Street Department at 440-204-2550

7. Who is responsible for tree trimming or removal on my tree lawn?

Trees located on the tree lawn are the responsibility of the home owner. If trees are touching power lines, contact Ohio Edison at 1-888-544-4877 or http://firstenergycorp.com/ohio_edison.html

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Treasurer & Income Tax

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1. Who must file a City of Lorain tax return?

All resident individuals 18 years of age and over, non-residents who own rental property or conduct business in Lorain, and resident and non-resident businesses that operate or have an office within the city limits must file a City of Lorain tax return, even if no income is earned or no tax is due.

2. How can I pay my tax balance?

Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, money order, debit card and credit card. You may pay in person during regular business hours, by mail, on-line www.cityoflorain.org or over the phone.

3. What are the Income Tax Department regular hours of operation?

The lobby hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

4. What is the Income Tax Department contact information?

The Income Tax Department is located at 605 W. 4th St. Lorain, OH 44052.  The Income Tax Department's phone number is (440) 204-1002.  The Income Tax Department's fax number is (440) 204-1006.  The Income Tax Department's email is incometax@cityoflorain.org

5. Are retirees or disabled individuals required to file a Lorain tax return?

Yes.  Retirees and disabled individuals with no taxable income will need to file an exemption certificate and supply the Income Tax Department with a copy of their annual benefits statement.

6. Do residents who rent need to file a Lorain tax return?

Yes.  The tax collected by the City of Lorain is based on income and residency status, not on property ownership.

7. What is the City of Lorain's tax rate?

Lorain's tax rate is 2.5%.

8. Do I receive credit for taxes paid to other cities?

Residents receive a credit up to 2.00% for taxes paid to other cities.

9. What is the due date for the City of Lorain's tax return?

The due date matches the Federal tax filing due date for individuals and businesses.

10. Can the tax office help me prepared the City of Lorain tax return?

Yes.  Auditors from the Income Tax Department are available to prepare your INDIVIDUAL tax return for you free of charge.  No appointment is necessary.

11. Are lottery/gambling winnings taxable?

Yes, on winnings over $600.00.

12. I owe city taxes but I am unable to pay my full liability at the time my return is due. Should I still file my return?

Yes, you should file your return by the due date whether or not you are able to pay the amount of tax that you owe.  You will receive a bill for unpaid taxes along with the late payment penalty of 15% and .50% (federal rate) per month interest.  You may call (440) 204-1002 to arrange for payment of the charges shown on the bill.

13. Does your office handle property taxes?

No. The Lorain County property tax office is located in the Adminstration Building in downtown Elyria. Their address is 226 Middle Ave Elyria, OH 44035. Their phone number is (440) 329-5787.

14. My employer withheld Lorain tax, but I live in Columbus. How can I get a refund?

Because income is taxed first where it is earned, if your wage were earned in Lorain you would owe Lorain tax on that basis and would not be due a refund merely because you live in Columbus (or any other municipality).  If your employer's office location is in Lorain but you worked all or part of your time outside Lorain, you would be due a refund of all or part of your Lorain tax which you can claim by filing an individual refund form for days out of the city.  In this situation, the wages you claimed as having earned outside of Lorain would be subject to Columbus (or any other municipality) tax.  An employer's certification is required with all requests for a refund of tax withheld on wages claimed as having been earned outside of Lorain.

15. Is it possible to amend my estimate during the year?

Yes.  On the reminder notices sent for the second, third and fourth quarters, there is a box to amend your yearly estimate. 

16. I am a Lorain resident and work in an area with no municipal tax. How often must I file with Lorain?

You  must file as annual tax return by IRS due date each year.  As part of your annual tax return, a declaration of estimate may be required, when your tax liability to the City of Lorain exceeds two hundred dollars ($200.00).  The first estimate should be paid with the annual tax return.  Subsequent payments are due June 15th, Sept. 15th and Dec. 15 of the current year.  If no estimate payments are made, then a penalty will be assessed at the time of filing, on the amount of tax due. 

17. I am over eighteen, but currently attend college. Do I need to file a Lorain tax return?

Yes, if this permanent residence, even if you do not domicile there. Permanent residence is established by where you maintain your driver’s license, voter registration and file your federal and state tax returns.

18. I’m a partner in a partnership and a Lorain resident. Do I owe Lorain tax on my income from the partnership?

Lorain resident is taxed upon his/her share of all income earned by partnerships (wherever located) in which he/she is a partner.  However, the credit allowed by the City of Lorain is given for all city income tax that was paid to the city or cities in which the income was earned, whether the partnership as an entity or you as an individual partner paid in tax.

19. I’m self-employed by my business has not shown a profit. Am I required to file a return?

Yes, anyone conducting a business in Lorain must file as annual return and report the net profits or net losses of said business. The leasing of real or tangible property (i.e., income from rental property) that you own is considered a taxable business activity that must be reported.

20. Can I forward my form to the Income Tax Department online?

No, but forms are easily downloaded from the city website www.cityoflorain.org.  Residents can then either mail the forms back with all W2’s, Schedules, front page of Federal 1040 attached along with payment (if applicable).

21. My spouse and I file separately at the federal/state levels. Do I have to file the same for municipal purposes?

No, a husband and wife, in any taxable year, may elect to file separate or joint city returns, regardless of their federal or state filing status. However, there is no advantage to filing separate at the local level.

22. Can you answer questions concerning Federal or State taxes?

No. Any inquiries regarding Federal or State taxes should be directed to either the IRS or the State of Ohio, respectively.

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Utilities

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1. Where can I pay my water bill?

You can pay your water bill at the Utilities Administrative offices at 1106 1st Street. Drugmart will also accept blue bill payments for their customers but please advised that they mail in their payments to the Utilities office. Payments may be made online or by phone at 440-204-2500 option 2. For more information, contact us at 440-204-2501.

2. How do I sign up for water service?

Customers who purchase property in Lorain or Amherst township need to come into the billing office located at 1106 First Street, Lorain. A photo identification, proof of purchase (settlement statement, purchase agreement, etc), and a point of inspection from the Building Department is needed when signing up. For more information, contact us at 440-204-2501.

3. What should I do if my water bill seems too high?

Most high water bills are caused by service line leaks, faucet or toilet leaks, or outside use greater than previous years due to hotter or dryer weather. There is a leak indicator on the head of the meter. Also, taking meter readings over a time period when no water should be used, can indicate a water leak. The meter readings can only move when water has passed through the meter. For more information, contact us at 440-204-2501.

4. Who do I contact if there is a water main break?

Contact 440-204-2285 to report a water main break.

5. What is a water service pipe? Who owns it and maintains it?

The water service is the pipe which begins with the connection to the water main in the city right-of-way and comes into your property. This service line has two valves on it to allow your water to be turned on or off. The first valve, called a curb stop, is generally located near the property line and is normally housed by a cylinder with a cap on it called a curb box or stop box. The other valve is located in your home next to the water meter. Other valves may be near plumbing fixtures in your home such as sinks and toilets. 

Repairs to anything on the service other than the meter, is the responsibility of the property owner. Keeping the valve at the meter in good working condition will assure that you will be able to turn your water off in an emergency, such as a water pipe break. If this valve at the meter does not work in an emergency, call 440-204-2500 so that Utilities Department can shut your water off at the stop box, which requires a stop box key. Only the City of Lorain Utilities Department may turn off the shut off valve.

6. How are water characteristics measured?

Due to the development of increasingly more sensitive scientific instruments, it is possible to measure water characteristics in precise and minute quantities that previously went undetected. The Water Quality Report shows measurements in parts per million, which is equivalent to milligrams per liter, and parts per billion, which is the same as micrograms per liter. To put these measurements into perspective, consider that one part per million, in time, would be one second out of 11 1/2 days. One part per billion translates into just one second in nearly 33 years. For more information, contact us at 440-204-2501.

7. What kind of technology is used to test the water?

The Water Department's Water Quality Laboratory uses the latest technology to ensure the highest test accuracy at the lowest possible cost. Our testing can determine minuscule quantities of contaminates in water and we are constantly studying ways to improve our testing capabilities. For more information, contact us at 440-204-2501.