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Lawn Watering - A mandatory, year-round lawn watering system is in effect to help the City more efficiently manage available water resources for all residents and businesses. (Restrictions apply only to lawns and not to garden, shrub and tree watering or car washing.) Those with odd-numbered addresses water lawns on odd-numbered days only, and those with even-numbered addresses water only on even-numbered days. Non-compliance can lead to citations and fines. Thirty-day exemptions may be purchased that allow watering of new lawns. For more information, call 901-6770.
Leaf Collection - Leaves are collected at the curb from October-December and schedules are mailed to the public. Residents who live on streets without curbs should place leaves close to, but not in, the street ditch. Leaves left in ditches may cause damage by being washed into storm sewers. No other debris should be commingled with leaves. Call 901-6740.
Lot Cleaning - The Westerville City Code requires property owners to keep yards and vacant lots free of trash, debris, overgrown grass and weeds. For more information, call 901-6660 or 901-6673.
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Mayor's Court - Mayor's Court provides a local judicial forum to rule on misdemeanor traffic and criminal cases. It also provides a Violations Bureau that collects payments for violations which do not require a court appearance. Call 901-6419.
Meals on Wheels - Homebound senior adults and individuals with disabilities who live in Westerville are eligible for delivery of a hot meal on a daily basis. There is a meal fee but convenience is a major benefit. For more information, call 901-6560.
Meter Reading - Utility meters for electric and water service have been installed at Westerville residences and businesses to measure usage for each billing period. Most homes and business have remote reading devices installed on the exterior enabling meter readers to obtain meter information without gaining interior access. Meters are read every month by staff using handheld computers to capture usage data for uploading to the customer information system. If a remote reading cannot be obtained, access to the inside meter will be requested or a self-read card will be left at your door for you to record your meter reading and call it into our office at 901-6430 within 24 hours. City of Westerville Meter Readers carry photo identification at all times. If you have a question or concern regarding a request for access for the purpose of reading the utility meter, please ask to see identification or call 901-6430 for verification.
Mosquito Control - Mosquito fogging is conducted in the evening hours and generally reaches all Westerville areas at least three times between the spring and fall. Fogging occurs only in areas that have been tested and found to have mosquito issues. The fogging substances used are environmentally friendly and not harmful to humans or household pets. Call 901-6740.
Motor Vehicles--Auto Titles - The State of Ohio issues Motor Vehicle ownership titles. Residents may obtain copies of titles at the State of Ohio's Northeast Auto Title Office at 1484 Morse Road (462-4829).
Motor Vehicles--Licenses & Registration - Driver licenses and registrations may be obtained at the local office (Cherri-Park Square Shopping Center at Cherrington Road and State Street (895-0258), and 42 E. Central Avenue, Delaware (1-740-369-3552)). City codes require vehicles to be operable and maintain a current license and registration. For information about this portion of the code, call 901-6660 or 901-6673.
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Natural Gas Service - Call Columbia Gas of Ohio (1-800-344-4077) for service.
To report a suspected leak, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Neighborhood Watch - Active neighborhood watches allow residents to become extra eyes and ears for the Police Division, which will assist any residents interested in forming such a group. For more information, call 901-6472.
Noise Ordinance - For a copy of the Westerville noise ordinance, call 901-6410. To lodge a noise complaint, call 901-6405.
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Parking Tickets - See traffic tickets.
Parks & Recreation - The City's Parks & Recreation Department manages 39 parks and facilities covering more than 500 acres, and offers hundreds of recreation programs. For more information about Westerville parks and recreation programs, call 901-6500.
Westerville is also either home to or close in proximity to Alum Creek State Park, Hoover Reservoir, Blendon Woods, Sharon Woods and Inniswood Metro Parks. Though none of these venues is managed by the City of Westerville, they all serve is terrific facilities to enjoy year-round.
Parks & Recreation Volunteer Program (V.I.S.I.O.N.) – For more information about volunteering for the Parks & Recreation Department, call 901-6512.
Permits & Inspections - NOTE: When applying for permits and/or inspections, ask about the length of time required to process the application. Processing times vary, depending upon the type of request. For more information, call 901-6650.
Alarm/Security Permits - See Security Systems.
Block Party Permits - Permit forms for block parties may be obtained from the Clerk of Council's Office, 21 S. State Street. These permits require a $25 application fee which is refunded provided there are no damages to city property during the block party. For more information, call 901-6410.
Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Permits - The construction, enlargement, alteration, removal or demolition of buildings and installation or lateration of most equipment are regulated by the Ohio Basic Building Code and require permits. Separate permits are required for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing categories and may be issued to contractors, owners or designated agents. These permits are required for the construction of any new building, alteration of existing building, or installation of sings, fences, swimming pools, patio covers, decks, garages, antennas, satellite dishes, and other building modifications. The city does not require that the homeowner/contractor be licensed through the city before pulling a permit. Permit forms can be accessed through Resident Services at www.westerville.org or by calling 901-6650.
Burning Permits - Open burning is prohibited within city limits without a burning permit. For more information, call 901-6600.
Business Permits - When establishing a new business or moving an existing business to a new location, the Westerville Planning & Development Department can assist in obtaining a change of occupancy permit and zoning certificate. For more information, call 901-6658 or 901-6659.
Garage Sale (no permit necessary) - No permit is required to hold a garage sale, but garage sales are limited to one occasion every six months and can last no longer than three consecutive days. Signs may not be placed in rights-of-way or on poles. Call 901-6664.
Fences – A permit is required prior to the construction, replacement, relocation or alteration of a fence. There is no permit fee required for a fence. For more information, please see Permits and Inspections or call 901-6662.
Home Occupation Permits - Establishing a home occupation in Westerville may require a conditional use permit. Call 901-6658 or 901-6659.
Parade Permits - Parade permit forms are available at the Clerk of Council's Office, 21 S. State Street, Call 901-6410.
Sign Permits - Westerville's zoning ordinance governs the location, size and number of advertising signs. Permits are required and signs may not be placed in city rights-of-way or on poles. Call 901-6658, 901-6659 or 901-6660.
Solicitation Permits - The City of Westerville regulates door-to-door solicitations, street vendors and peddlers, and solicitation in roadways, including roadway solicitation by charitable organizations. To obtain such a permit, call 901-6410.
Street Opening/Right-of-Way Access Permits - For more information, contact 901-6674.
Tree Planting/Removal Permits - The Westerville Shade Tree Commission controls the planting and removal of trees planted within the tree lawn, which is the area between the sidewalk and street. Permits can be obtained at the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department, 350 N. Cleveland Avenue. Call 901-6598.
Work Permits - These permits are required for any person under the age of eighteen working within city limits. Permit applications can be obtained at any Westerville high school office.
Zoning Inspections - A certificate of zoning clearance verifying the legality of a proposed residential or nonresidential use must be issued before a new building can be occupied or before a business can locate or expand in an existing building. For more information, call 901-6658 or 901-6659.
Poisoning - Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone ingested a potentially harmful material and is experiencing any physical signs or effects. If no symptoms are present, but poisonous material has been spilled on skin, immediately call the Poison Control Center at 228-1323. Be prepared to identify the toxic substance and the recommended first aid treatment from information on the container label. Hospital Phone Numbers - Mt. Carmel/St. Ann's - 898-4040; Children's (main facility in downtown Columbus) - 461-2500; Children’s Hospital (Westerville branch) – 839-2800
Police Records - Call 901-6450 for information regarding Westerville police records. There is a nominal charge for copies of these documents.
Police Reports - Call 882-7444 to file a Westerville police report.
Police Volunteer Programs - The Police Citizens' Academy is just one of many police volunteer programs. For more information about these outreach programs, call 901-6472. The Civilian Auxiliary Support Team (C.A.S.T.) also helps the Police Division provide quality services to Westerville's citizens. For more information, call 901-6450. The Reserve Police Officer Program enlists citizens who desire to serve as sworn officers on a part-time, voluntary basis. Call 901-6469.
The Pool at Highlands Park - See Swimming Pool.
Postal Service - There are two Post Office locations in Westerville:
260 S. State Street (882-2247)
617 McCorkle Boulevard (882-2243)
Potholes - To report a pothole, call 901-6740.
Power Outage - See Electric Service, or call 901-6700.
Property Taxes - See Tax (Property).
Public Hearings - Public hearings are held by City Council, Planning Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals. Notices are listed in local newspapers.
Public Transportation - See Bus Service.