New Rubbish Billing Program, frequently asked questions with answers.
Are pets allowed in the City Parks?
No animals are permitted in the City Parks without being registered through the Police Department. There is no fee to register your animal just stop in the Police Department and fill out the registration form.
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I noticed newspapers are not picked up with my regular recycled items, does the City recycle newspapers?
Yes, newspapers and magazines are collected at the recycling drop-off center at the City’s Service Garage located at 26260 Chardonview Road. Senior Citizens wishing to recycle their newspapers may have them picked up at their home on the third Friday of each month, by calling City Hall at 216-486-2474.
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Every summer there is always a bad storm that knocks out the power, who should I call to have it restored?
If your power goes out, do not call the Police Department. The Police Department is usually the first to know of power outages and during such times it is very busy. Tying up a police line and a dispatcher to report your problem prevents someone from calling with a more pressing matter. Please call The Illuminating Company at 1-800-589-3101 or 1-888-544-4877.
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My neighbor’s grass is really getting high and looks terrible, how do I get him to cut it?
Local ordinances prohibit noxious weeds and tall grass that is more than six inches in height. Such weeds and or tall grasses are declared to be nuisances and should be reported to the Building Department by calling 216-383-6312.
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*What are the special assessment charges on my tax bill for?
There are three special assessments that are most frequently found on your tax bill. One that is on most tax bills for Richmond Heights is a Sewer Maintenance Fee. This special assessment amount ranges from $50 to $200 per half and is put on by the County Sanitary Sewer Engineer. The phone number to contact him is (216) 443-8201. Another special assessment is for the installation of the sewer line in your area. This assessment is put on by the City. The amount of this assessment varies by project. The time period of the assessment is for twenty years. You can contact the Director of Finance at City Hall (216) 486-2474 for specific information about your sewer assessment. The third special assessment is for lawn maintenance performed by the City on abandoned and vacant properties. This assessment is certified by the City with the County in early September for all maintenance charges from September of the previous year through August of the current year. Most title companies will check for any future assessments to a property at the time of sale. If the title company does not check, then the assessment will follow the property, not the previous owner.
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* Is the rubbish pick-up delayed when there is a holiday?
New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only six holidays that could POSSIBLY INTERRUPT your rubbish collection. In the case that one of these holidays does fall during the week, rubbish pick-up will be delayed one day.
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* How do I obtain a birth or death certificate?
In order to get birth/death certificate, you can call the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 216-664-2317.
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* Do I need a permit in order to have a garage sale/yard sale?
Yes, You do need a permit to have one and you can obtain a permit at the Building Department located at City Hall.
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* I have a refrigerator/freezer that I need to dispose of. Who do I call?
Republic Waste picks up these items on the second and fourth Friday of each month. You can call City Hall at 216-486-2474 to schedule a pick-up.
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* I have broken limbs from a tree and some branches, should I put them out with my trash.
Yes, you can put them out with the regular trash. They need to be bundled and no longer than 4ft x 4ft. If you have more than a few bundles please call the Service Department at 216-383-6311 to find out if you need the chipper. The chipper is out at least once a week and available for a small fee.
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Yes, Contact the Police Department at the non-emergency # (216-486-1234). They will set up a once a year service to trap and remove the animal at no cost to you.
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* Why do I need a construction permit?
A permit serves as formal and legal permission to start any construction project. The issuance of a building permit indicates that plans for a new structure, addition, renovation, plumbing, a/c or
heating system, fireplace or accessory structure have been approved by the Department of Building, Zoning, Housing, and any related Board or Commission. This ensures that the plans comply with all mandated building and zoning codes.
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* Does the City have a Community Center that they rent out for private parties?
Yes, The Kiwanis Lodge is available for rent to all Richmond Heights residents. Call the Recreation Department at 216-383-6313 to check on availability.
* How do I obtain a marriage certificate?
In order to get a marriage license you must contact the Cuyahoga County Marriage
License Department at 216-443-8922.
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Important Numbers :
Board of Education - 216-692-0086
Board of Elections - 216-443-3200
Cuyahoga County Auditor (Frank Russo) - 216-443-7010
Cuyahoga County Treasurer (Jim Rokakis) - 216-443-7400
Post Office - 216-481-4461
Cuyahoga Sanitary Engineer – 216-443-8201
Water Quality (Rusty Water Line) – 216-664-3168
