Some important facts you
may be interested in as
a resident...
Some important facts you |
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Every attempt is made to make materials available and convenient to our users. While we strive to keep the information as up-to-date and accurate as possible, we recommend that you contact the particular agency for official versions.
MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX
The city has both a Residence and Work City tax, ranging from 1% to 1.5%. All
residents with earned income are required to file a Municipal Income Tax return.
Information about filing is available at the
Division of Municipal Income Tax.
ANIMAL INFORMATION:
Dog licenses can be purchased at Discount Drug Mart, 15412 Detroit Avenue or
11900 Detroit Avenue.
Consult Section
505 of the Codified Ordinances.
BICYCLE LICENSING:
All bicycles must be licensed. A license can be obtained at the police station
(12650 Detroit Avenue) or Fire Station #2 (18124 Detroit Avenue) . The
fee is $2.00 and is good for the duration of ownership. Children under
the age of eight (8) are not to ride in the street.
CURFEW:
Lakewood Codified Ordinance 509.12
states that children ages 14 and under are not permitted on streets, sidewalks
or any public property between the hours of 9:30 PM and 6:00 AM. Children age
15 are not permitted on streets, sidewalks or any public property between the
hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Children ages 16 and 17 are not permitted on
streets sidewalks or any public property between the hours of 11:00 PM and 6:00
AM.
Children out during these restricted hours will be subject to citation for curfew violation. Parents are also subject to be cited for allowing their children to be out during restricted times.
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH:
If your child needs to be immunized, contact the Division of Health to schedule
an appointment at the next free clinic (216) 529-7690. Visit here
for more information about immunizations and the Division of Health.
EARLY WARNING ALERT SYSTEM:
The purpose of the outdoor early warning alert siren system is to alert residents
of possible danger and advise them to listen to the radio or television for
complete information. The warning alert may mean severe thunderstorms, tornados
or other natural or man-made disasters. If a situation should occur which may
pose an impending danger, you will hear a "steady weather alert siren" for at
least three minutes of duration. (This siren emits a steady and continuous sound.)
The sirens also have an override which can be activated if it becomes necessary
to give verbal direction to city residents.
Once the warning sirens have been activated, residents should go inside and tune in their radio/television or NOAA Weather Radio for more information. It is suggested that residents should have a battery operated radio and flashlight in a convenient location. If it is appropriate to take shelter because of weather or other conditions, take cover in the lowest portion of your home, business or dwelling. The best place is a basement under something sturdy, like a workbench. If there is no basement, seek shelter in a small interior room in the middle of the building -- like a closet or a bathroom. Always stay away from outside walls and windows.
To insure that the warning sirens are operational, there is a maintenance schedule that is performed every Saturday of the month at 12:00 noon. On the last Saturday of the month, the actual siren will sound for 30 seconds. On the other Saturdays, chimes will sound (similar to church chimes). Please do not call 911 if you hear the early warning alert. 911 is to report emergencies only.
If you are unable to attain the information you need concerning the alert siren from radio or television, call City Hall at (216) 521-7580 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; or after business hours call the non-emergency police telephone number (216) 521-6773.
FIRE PREVENTION:
All rental properties, single and multi-family dwellings are required by law
to have smoke detectors in the sleeping area. Additionally, city officials suggest
that smoke detectors be installed in all homes. Click here
to go to the Fire Department page.
HOME REPAIRS AND REMODELING:
The Division of Housing & Building issues permits covering any alterations, repairs or new construction, contractor registration and licensing and housing licenses, as well as permits for peddler and/or solicitor's licenses. The Division administers general tests for plumbing, HVAC and electrical licenses. It inspects all structures in the City either by mandatory inspection or upon request. The Division accepts variance applications for the Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Building Standards and Architectural Review Board.
The City has available a Tax Abatement Program for all one and two family dwelling units. The program applies to any new construction and/or improvements that cost at least $2,500 and cause an increase in the assessed value of your property. If you would like to make application for this program or need additional information, please call the Division of Housing and Building at (216) 529-6270 or visit here.
Signs - The only signage allowed in residential areas of a commercial nature are "house for sale or rent signs." These signs are not to exceed five (5) square feet. No flashing or moving illumination signs are permitted in any district. City personnel will remove commercial signage placed without approval of Planning and Zoning in residential areas.
PARKING REGULATIONS:
The City of Lakewood is one of the most densely populated cities in the entire
state which of course results in traffic congestion. In an effort to minimize
this problem and provide a safe environment for residents Lakewood has many
ordinances concerning the parking of vehicles on public streets. Here are some
examples:
Snow ban parking:
The main street no parking snow ban takes effect automatically (where posted)
if two inches of snow accumulates. The ban is in effect until plowing operations
are completed. The 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. no parking snow ban, on designated
and posted streets, is in effect when two inches of snow accumulates. There
is to be no parking until plowing operations are completed or until 4:00 p.m.
that day, whichever is earlier. If you are not in compliance with the snow ban
parking ordinances, your car will be ticketed and subject to towing.
Time Limitations:
Ordinance 351.18 This law states that your car may not remain parked on any
city street for a period in excess of 24 hours. This applies even if your vehicle
is disabled. Furthermore, you can't simply move the car from space to space
to comply with the law. It can only be parked in a different space when it is
being used in a usual and ordinary manner.
Parking Commercial Vehicles and Recreational Equipment:
Ordinance 351.17 This law restricts the parking of such vehicles as school buses,
commercial tractors or pick-up trucks or vehicles originally manufactured or
designed as buses, commercial tractors or pick-up trucks. These vehicles may
not park on any street for more than one hour except when loading or unloading
such a vehicle. Please call the administrative desk of the Police Department
at (216) 521-6773 if you have a question concerning the type of vehicles effected.
Front Yard Parking:
Ordinance 351.01 This ordinance prohibits parking any vehicle on a front lawn.
This applies to all motor vehicles (trucks, cars, mopeds, motorcycles, etc.)