New Merchant Guide

A Message From The Mayor And Your HomeTown Chagrin Falls:

We are pleased that you have chosen our community in which to open your business.

We are a progressive Village yet steeped in the charm and traditions of our past.

Chagrin Falls is a special place. We are proud of our history, unique business district and charming residential neighborhoods.  Our government, businesses, residents and local organizations work together to make the Chagrin Valley a great place to live and work.

We hope the following information will make your launch an easy one. We are here to support and encourage your efforts.

This New Business Package is the result of a partnership between the Village, Your HomeTown Chagrin Falls and the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce working towards our goal of promoting the economic development and vitality of Chagrin Falls.

Sincerely,
Thomas Brick, Mayor, Village of Chagrin Falls
Keith Latore, Past -President, Your HomeTown Chagrin Falls
Download a copy of Doing Business in Chagrin Falls or refer to the version below.

Doing Business in Chagrin Falls

1. Vendors License

Authority: Ohio Department of Taxation

Forms available online: http://tax.ohio.gov/divisions/sales_and_use/license.stm

2. Occupancy Permit

Authority: Chagrin Falls Building Inspector

Harry Edwards 440-247-5050 e-mail: [email protected]

* Cost $40.00 fee, plus no fee annual renewal with fire inspection

* Complete application with detailed business description and floor plan required.

Only legal uses allowed in the zoning district in which you plan to locate

* Inspection: Zoning and Fire

* Landlord approval

Approximate length of time – One to two weeks.

Note: It is recommended that you consult the Village of Chagrin Falls prior to signing a lease

3. Health Inspection (Food Services)

Authority: Cuyahoga County Board of Health

Forms and fees available on their website

 

4. Exterior Signage

Authority: Architectural Review Board – Harry Edwards 440-247-5050

www.Chagrin-Falls.org – Zoning code chapter “1143”

* Fee: Yes

* Approval – Exterior signage need to be approved by the Architectural Review Board

(meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 8:30 am in Village Hall) Submission deadline is eleven days prior to the Tuesday meeting. Information needed: Complete application, Sign type, size, lighting, locations, color samples, etc. Note: Most sign companies registered to do business in the village have knowledge about requirements. ARB approvals are valid for six months.

5. Parking Needs

Zoning code chapter “1141”

Your landlord is responsible for providing parking. The Village provides all day municipal parking in the

W. Washington Lot, the south portion of the Plaza Lot and the Riverside Park lot along with various on street parking spaces. When in doubt, contact Village Hall.

Note: Employee parking allowed in “All day” parking spaces.

Note: Meter feeding is illegal and detrimental to merchants

6. Interior Renovations

Authority: State of Ohio Department of Industrial Compliance 1-800-523-3581

Building permit required

Chagrin Falls Building Department will issue a no cost permit upon presentation of State approval and can provide guidance with the commercial building permit process.

Note: Any changes to the building exterior require Architectural Review Board approval

Approximate length of time: Unknown if state permits are needed.

7. Local Regulations

Sidewalk safety: No merchandise is permitted on the sidewalk except during the annual sidewalk sale or other approved event.

Signage – inside windows: See Zoning Code Chapter “1143” No internally illuminated signs allowed.

8. Other Items

Garbage – Tenant or Landlord

Snow Removal from public sidewalk fronting the property – Tenant or Landlord

“Reasonable time” means removal of the snow and ice within two hours after the most recent accumulation of ice or snow, or if during the night, two hours after sunrise.

 

Call 440-247-1895 or visit us at yourhometownchagrinfalls.com for a complete listing of merchants and events.

 

Village Government
Village Of Chagrin Falls 21 W. Washington Street 440-247-5050
Fax Number 440-247-1510 Info Line 440-247-3379
Fire Department Chief Frank Zugan 440-247-8281
Police Department Chief James Brosius 440-247-7321
Mayor Thomas Brick 440-247-8399
Chief Administrative Officer Benjamin Himes 440-247-5050
Director of Finance David B. Bloom 440-247-5050
Council President Steven Patton 440-247-6943
Council Pro-Tem Janis Evans 440-247-4638
Council James Holdren 440-247-3326
Council Janna L. Lutz 440-247-6858
Council James Newell 440-247-5751
Council Richard Subel 440-247-8704
Council Michael Chess 440-247-2056
Building Inspector Harry Edwards 440-247-5050
Engineer Timothy R. Lannon,P.E. 440-951-9000
Superintendent of Utilities Glenn Elliott 440-247-5051
Super. of StreetsService Garage (Position not currently filled) 440-247-5053
Wastewater Treatment Plant 301 Meadow Lane 440-247-5051
Village Council Meetings (Summer schedule – once a month) 2nd & 4th Mondays
Architectural Review Board Meetings 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 8:30am
Board of Zoning Appeals Meetings(as necessary) 4th Tuesday 8:00pm
Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings 3rd Monday 7:30pm