FAQ

A construction project is ongoing in my neighborhood. Who can tell me if this a City project?

Contact Engineering Department at (330) 830-1722 or visit the Municipal Government Building, 151 Lincoln Way East. If the construction is a City project, you will be placed in contact with a City project representative for further information.

Someone placed different colored flags and paint marks in my lawn. Who can tell me what’s going on?

Someone has most recently contacted the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS), Call before you DIG, a requirement anytime you are excavating. OUPS members are required to locate their lines and underground utilities, thus marking them with colored flags or paint. Please use care as not to remove the flags or markings. The following colors are representative of the flags and markings.

GREEN – Sewer and Drain Lines

YELLOW – Gas, Oil, Petroleum

RED – Electric Power, Cables, Conduit and Lighting

ORANGE – Telephone, Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines

BLUE – Water, Irrigation

PINK – Temporary Survey Markings

WHITE – Proposed Excavation

Contact the Engineering Department at (330) 830-1722 or visit the Municipal Government Building, 151 Lincoln Way East for further information.

Will the City of Massillon water grass seed planted after construction projects?

The City places topsoil and seed to replace grass removed during construction. Watering is the responsibility of the property owner.

How does my company get on the list for working as a consultant on City projects?

The Engineering Department uses a process known as quality based selection. Every year consultants are asked to submit an updated Statement of Qualifications. If a project requires the use of a consultant then the firms are ranked from the list according to the type of project and then a fee proposal will be negotiated with the highest ranking firm.

 

How do I get a current copy of the City of Massillon Design Standards and Construction Specifications?

The City of Massillon Design Standards and Construction Specifications are linked below as PDF files and available for purchase (CD or binder copy) at the City of Massillon Engineering Department, 151 Lincoln Way East, Massillon, (330) 830-1722.

Driveway Detail

Curb Ramp Detail

General Conditions

Sidewalk Detail

Specifications

Trench Detail (Lawn Area)

Trench Detail (Paved Area)

My neighbor is draining water onto my property, what can be done?

Unless the drainage problem is the result of a building grading violation, the issue is a Civil matter between you and your neighbor. If you believe that the drainage problem is the result of building grading, please contact the City of Massillon Building Department (330) 830-1724.

Do I need a permit to install a new driveway, sidewalk or repair an old drive or walk?

Yes, Any portion of the work that is performed in the City Right of Way shall require a Concrete Permit, work is to be performed by a Contractor licensed by the City of Massillon.

My sidewalk is in dis-repair, how can I get it fixed?

Curb, gutter, sidewalk (including ADA accessibility), and driveway approaches in the City Right of Way are the maintenance responsibility of the property owner, not the City and the work is to be performed by a Contractor licensed by the City of Massillon. You are required to contact the City of Massillon Engineering department for a permit and inspection.

I live on a corner lot and my sidewalk needs replaced, am I required to put in a handicap ramp?

Yes, Any work that is done in the public Right of Way, including new and repair work, shall by law promote ADA accessibility. You may download the City of Massillon ADA Curb Ramp specification here.

Why does the City have to inspect the work if I am responsible to fix the driveway?

To insure that the driveway meets the city requirements so that it does not become a liability to the City since it is located within in the right-of-way.

Are there any easements affecting my property?

The best way to know is to consult your deed or purchase a title policy with a preliminary title report. You must contact your title insurance agency to obtain this information. In some newer subdivisions the City of Massillon may have plats that show recorded easements.

Where can I put up a fence and how tall can it be?

The fence must be installed entirely on your property. Consult with the City of Massillon Building Department at (330) 830-1724 for height restrictions. No fence can impede sight distance at an intersection. Also check your deed for restrictions.

How do I get floodplain information?

To determine if your property is within the FEMA designated Special Flood Hazard Areas in the City limits, call the City of Massillon Building Department at (330) 830-1724. Review maps are available on the FEMA website.

Where is my lot/outlot line in relationship to the street? I thought the edge of the pavement was my property?

The edge of the pavement is not your lot/outlot line. You can determine the actual boundary of your property by consulting with a Professional Surveyor licensed in the State of Ohio. The location of lot/outlot lines varies depending on Right of Way widths, Utility easements and what subdivision you are located in.

How do lot/outlot lines affect my setbacks?

To determine the required setbacks for your property, contact the City of Massillon Building Department at (330) 830-1724.

Where can I get information on my property? How can I get lot dimensions?

Property information may be obtained by visiting the Stark County Auditors Web Site. This website can provide tax information, building sketches, maps, and aerial photos. The City of Massillon does maintain a paper copy of the Auditors tax maps last updated in the year 2000. Also, the Stark County Recorder’s office web site contains deed and records images.

Where do I get a copy of a subdivision plat?

The City of Massillon maintains a paper copy of newer subdivision plats available for purchase.

When was my property annexed into the City of Massillon?

Refer to the Maps link on the Engineering page or contact the Engineering Department at (330) 830-1722 for specific information.

When is a permit required?

Application for a permit shall be made to the Building Official and/or the City Engineer and a permit shall be obtained prior to commencing any of the following activities which are not to be considered all inclusive, contact the appropriate department with any questions:

  • Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion or demolitionof a building or structure, including the installation or altering of any equipment. (Sanitary Cut off-Engineering Dept./ Demolition–Building Dept.)
  • Change of Occupancy of an existing structure when a new certificate is required by the building code. (Engineering Dept./Building Dept.)

Do I need a permit to do work in the public right-of-way, even if it is in a non-City maintained street?

Yes, To do work in the public right-of-way, you will need to obtain a Street Opening, Concrete, or Sanitary Sewer Permit. Click on the link to view the Permit Information.

Can I put my basketball stand in the street or on the sidewalk?

No, The City does not have any legal authority to allow a basketball stand in the street or sidewalk.

Who can do work in the public right-of-way?

For standard construction, only a properly licensed and insured contractor may do work in the public right-of-way.

How do I connect my property to the Sewer System?

Most property in the City of Massillon has access to the public sewer system :

The Engineering Department can determine the location of the sewer in relationship to where your property is located. If your property is located with in 150 feet of a sanitary line, you are required by law to hook on to the public sewer system.

A permit is required prior to connection. Permits shall only be issued to Contractors who are licensed in the City of Massillon for the current year. A property owner may not pull a permit for sanitary sewer construction. The property owner is responsible for all sewer problems up to and including the connection to the City sewer main from their structure.

What do I do if I have a failing septic system?

If you have a failing septic system you will either need to repair/replace your septic system or make connection to the public sewer system. You will first need to contact the City of Massillon Health Department (330)830-1712 for requirements.

Who is responsible for sewer problems at a residence?

The property owner is responsible for all sewer problems up to and including the connection to the City sewer main.

How do I obtain a copy of a traffic study?

Please visit the Stark County Area Transportation Web Site.

How do I report a traffic signal that is malfunctioning or a stop sign that has been damaged?

During business hours, contact City of Massillon Operations at 330-832-9811. After business hours, contact Police Dispatch at (330) 830-8588.

When is an oversized vehicle permit required and where can I obtain the permit?

For travel on local streets, permission must be obtained from the City of Massillon Engineering Department . Email or Fax your request to (330) 830-1786. For travel on State Routes within the City, a permit must first be obtained from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

City of Massillon Special Hauling Permit
City of Massillon Special Hauling Permit Provisions

What are the requirements to remove/plant a tree in the public right-of-way?

Trees in the public right-of-way are considered on public property. If you wish to remove a tree you must first contact the City of Massillon Safety Service Director (330-830-1702). If you wish to plant a tree in the public right-of-way you must first obtain a permit, permission and comply with the Park and Recreation Department planting standards for trees. Please note that trees planted within the City right of way may not impair the sight of traffic and may be removed for any future construction projects.