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After-the-fact permits, double-fee penalty and right-of-way signs prompt commission discussion
Summary
Commissioners discussed recurring after-the-fact permit requests, enforcement options including a double-fee penalty for unpermitted work, and the city’s practice on temporary right-of-way signage; staff said building-permit fees already double when work begins without a permit but administrative application fees do not.
At its Sept. 8 meeting the Canal Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission discussed a pattern of applicants arriving after work is complete and asked staff to consider options to discourage unpermitted construction and improve public outreach.
Commission members noted multiple agenda items at the meeting resulted from work completed before approvals and urged staff to pursue stronger enforcement or penalties. One commissioner said that in other municipalities he had worked in, after-the-fact building-permit work carried a penalty equal to double the normal fee and urged the city to consider a similar rule.
Planning staff said the city already doubles building-permit inspection fees when residential or commercial work begins without a permit, but that fee-doubling does not apply to administrative application fees such as variance or site-development-plan filings. Staff said enforcement and education remain priorities and that the building department regularly reminds residents about permit requirements through social media posts and other outreach.
Commissioners also raised recurring illegal temporary signs placed in the public right of way, particularly campaign and commercial push-in signs. Staff described the collection process: the street department picks up signs opportunistically during routes, and staff remove dozens of signs weekly when time allows. The city does not issue permits for temporary push-in signs; staff noted special-event permits are available for signage posted on private property during events.
The commission requested more public education (newsletter, social-media outreach, Realtor engagement) and suggested staff explore whether additional penalties for administrative filings are permitted. Staff said they would continue outreach and coordinate with the city solicitor on enforcement options.
