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1. How do I find out information on the 2022 Bratenahl Facilities Study?

Go to the Community Page > DS Architecture - 2022 Facilities Study or CLICK HERE for information.

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

1. Call (216) 681-1234

2. Email: policerecords@bratenahl.org

3. Go to Police department / RECORDS REQUEST or Click Here for the Records Search Engine.

** Note only accident reports are available online. If you would like to request an incident report, please fill out an Incident Report Request Form  ***

2. If I want to report something that is not an emergency, what number do I call?

216-681-1234

3. Will the police department check my house while I'm out of town?

Yes. Call Chagrin Valley Dispatch at (216) 681-1234 to leave a special attention.

4. Where is the police department located?

411 Bratenahl Rd - Bratenahl, Ohio 44108

5. I locked my keys in my car - Can you help?

Yes. Call Chagrin Valley Dispatch at (216) 681-1234.

6. How do I report downed tree limbs?

Call Chagrin Valley Dispatch at (216) 681-1234 or contact the Service Department at (216) 681-7652.

7. How do I discard my old medications?

The Bratenahl Police Department provides a drug take-back drop box on the front veranda of Village Hall where residents can drop off old, unwanted medications in a safe and secure manner. 

See Drug Take-Back Program on the Police Department Page or Click Here for more information about the program. 

8. How do I file a commendation or complaint against an officer?

Go to the police webpage or  Click Here for the Commendation / Complaint Form.  You can also contact the police at (216) 681-1234 to speak with a supervisor.

9. What services does the animal control provide in Cuyahoga County?

Go to Cuyahoga County Animal Control website.

10. Is there a leash law in Bratenahl?

Yes. Codified Ordinance 505.03 - 

   (a)    No owner, keeper or harborer of any dog shall permit such dog to run at large upon any public place, or upon the premises of another, except in the designated enclosed dog park of the Village of Bratenahl. Any dog shall be deemed running at large when such dog is not inside a resident structure, secure fence, electric fence or pen, on a leash and held by a person capable of controlling such dog or tethered in such a manner as to prevent its getting on the public right of way or on another's property.

   (b)    Testimony that the dog was not on the property of its owner, keeper or harborer, or was not held securely in leash by a person accompanying such dog when found shall be prima-facie evidence that the dog was not under control. The running at large of any such dog in or upon any of the places mentioned in this section is prima-facie evidence that it is running at large in violation of this section.

   (c)    Whoever violates Section 505.03(a) on a first offense will receive a written warning. Whoever violates Section 505.03(a) on a second offense is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and each subsequent violation of this section hereof within a period of three (3) years of the first violation shall be  a misdemeanor of the third degree.

   (d)    Notwithstanding the above, a violation of Section 505.03(a) shall be a misdemeanor of the second degree when such dog is found to have attacked or bitten a person either while at large, or when leashed and not on the property of its owner, keeper or harborer, and a misdemeanor of the third degree when such dog is found to have attacked or bitten another animal as defined in Section 505.01(a) while at large, or while leashed but not under the control of the owner, keeper or harborer as described herein. Each subsequent violation of this subsection within a period of three (3) years shall be a misdemeanor of the first degree in the event a person is attacked or bitten, and a misdemeanor of the second degree in the event an animal as defined in Section 505.01(a) is attacked or bitten.

11. What do I do if I'm involved in an auto accident?

Please call either 9-1-1 or (216) 681-1234 to report the accident.

12. Do I have to come to the police station to make a report?

Call (216) 681-1234 and dispatch will either send an officer to your location or they may ask you to come to the station.

13. Can I make a police report over the telephone?

No.

14. What do I need to get my car out of tow?

Requirements for Vehicle Release:

• You must be the vehicle's registered owner and provide a valid I.D. If you are not, you must have a notarized letter from the vehicles' titled owner authorizing you to sign and obtain the vehicle release.
• You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle:
  • Vehicle Title; Memorandum Title or current insurance card with the vehicle identification 
  • Vehicle Registration (current)
• Photo ID: Driver's License, State ID, temporary ID, or the actual citation ONLY if the driver's license is held by the police.
• Tow release fee: $25.00 release fee (CASH ONLY )

If the proof ownership document has been left in the vehicle, it can be removed at the impound lot, but no other personal property can be removed until the release form has been obtained. Vehicles are towed to the following location: 

15. Where was my vehicle towed to?

3S Towing - 29090 Anderson Road - Wickliffe, Ohio 44092

Telephone: (440) 347-9560  

Directions to 3S Towing (from the Bratenahl Police Department):

Turn Right onto Bratenahl Rd (0.1 mi)

Turn Right onto Lake Shore Blvd (0.7 mi)

Turn Right onto Eddy Rd (0.2 mi)

Turn Left to merge onto I-90 E/OH-2 E towards Erie (0.4 mi)

Merge onto I-90 E/OH-2 E (6.1 mi)

Keep right at the fork to continue on I-90 E, follow signs for I-271 S/Erie PA (0.6 mi)

Take exit 186 for US-20/Euclid Ave (0.4 mi)

Turn Left onto US-20 E/Euclid Ave (0.6 mi)

Turn Left onto E 289^th Street (0.2 mi) 

Turn Right onto Anderson Road (0.1 mi) – 3 S Towing will be on the left

16. What hours can I get my vehicle release from the police department?

You can obtain your vehicle release 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

17. What are the tow yard hours?

Monday - Friday:   8am – 6pm                   

Saturday: 8am - 5pm

Sunday: By Appointment   (Call 3S Towing to make an appointment)   

18. How much is my citation?

1. Call (216) 681-1236 or (216) 681-3086

2. Go to Waiver Schedule on the Mayor's Court Page or Click Here for the amounts. 

You can view your citation by going to the Mayor's Court page and selecting Online Payments and Docket Information

 (Please allow 5 business days from the date of the citation for the case to be available online)

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1. How much do permits cost?

Permit costs vary. Please refer to the applications on our website or call the Building Department.

Permit Application

2. What information do I need when submitting application for building permit?

Refer to the permit, a site plan or sketch is required in some instances.

3. When do I need to pay for the permit?

At the time you submit the application, unless ARB or Planning Commission review is required for approval.

4. Where is the Building Department located? What is the phone number?

411 Bratenahl Rd - Bratenahl, Ohio 44108

(216) 681-3706

5. What are your hours of operation?

Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

6. What is the name of the Village Building Inspector?

Scott Packard, Certified in all fields for inspection and residential plan review.

7. What is the Exterior Maintenance Program?

A three-year cycle of inspections of the exterior of all structures in the Village. This program helps maintain our housing stock and the continued beautification of Bratenahl.

8. I received a letter regarding the Exterior Maintenance Program. What do I do now?

Make effort to correct the violation that was sited within the time-frame given.

9. I have received a misdemeanor citation from the court. What can I do?

Appear in person at Housing Court with documentation that you have corrected the violation or have concrete plans to do so.

10. Do I need a permit to re-roof?

Yes

11. Do I need a permit to put siding on my home?

Yes

12. Can I get an inspection within the same day of scheduling the inspection?

It is best to give 48 hour notice.

13. Can the permit application be faxed?

Mail, email or drop off in person is preferred.

14. Can I obtain an electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit from the Village of Bratenahl?

Yes 

Permit Application

15. What do I need a building (construction) permit for? What is the procedure?

A permit is required to ensure code compliance for any alteration, repair or new construction of structures within the village. Review the permit applications on the website or contact the Building Department.

16. How many construction permit drawings are required to submit a construction permit?

If a drawing is required - 1 hard copy and 1 electronic (.PDF) 

17. I would like to schedule a building and/or electrical and/or fire and/or mechanical and/or plumbing inspection?

Please call the Building Department at (216) 681-3706 or email us at building@bratenahl.org 

18. What is the schedule for building and/or electrical and/or mechanical and/or plumbing inspections?

Monday and Wednesday evenings starting at 5:30 p.m.

19. When is a permit NOT required?

Typically ordinary maintenance and repairs or decorative elements do no require a permit. Examples: flooring, carpet, interior or exterior painting, dry wall or plaster repairs, facia board, repairs to asphalt sealcoating, window replacement (if not changing design or opening) tuck pointing. When in doubt, contact the Building Department.

20. Is a Point of Sale (POS) required?

A Point of Sale Inspection is no longer mandatory, however a Certificate of Occupancy is required for title transfer. 

Certificate of Occupancy Permit

21. What permits do I need to close on my house?

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for title transfer. Submit a completed Application for Certificate of Occupancy with the $50.00 fee. Note that the inspection is optional and free if requested.

22. What time can construction take place in Bratenahl?

Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday - permission from Mayor only, request via email or letter.

23. When does a construction permit application require a survey?

For new structures/additions. Encouraged for fences.

24. What codes does Bratenahl use for construction?

Residential: 2019 RCO, 2017 OPC, 2017 NEC

Commercial: 2017 OBC, 2017 OPC, 2017 OMC, 2017 NEC

Exterior Maintenance: 2015 IPMC

25. Where can I buy a copy of the Construction Code?

Code can be viewed online at Ohio Board of Building Standards Codes & Interpretations

26. When is a tree removal permit required?

A permit is not required for a developed lot, however new construction requires a landscape and tree-removal plan.

27. When is a permit required for improvements to a single-family dwelling?

Refer to Ord. 1311.01

28. When is a permit required for improvements to a commercial building?

Refer to Ord. 1311.01

29. What is required for Contractor Registration?

The completed application, a bond, certificate of insurance and $100.00 registration fee.  Contractor Registration Application

30. What are the hours construction work is permitted?

• Construction work is only permitted Monday through Friday
• Construction work hours are between 7 am-5 pm (Monday - Friday)
• No construction work is permitted on the weekends or holidays unless special permission is granted by the Mayor.
• All requests for special permission to work outside permitted work hours must be in writing and addressed to the Mayor. A copy of the request must also be submitted to the Building Department.
• NO SUNDAYS

31. Why issue bonds?

A performance bond is issued to one party of a contract as a guarantee against the failure to the other party to meet obligations specified in the contract. A performance bond is usually provided by a bank or an insurance company to make sure a contractor completes designated projects and follows local codes. We require all contractors to register with the Building Department requiring a bond and Certificate of Insurance.

32. Does the village allow Airbnb?

Short term rentals are prohibited. 

33. What home improvements are subject to board review?

Please refer to 1154.03 SCHEDULE OF HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCESORY STRUCTURES SUBJECT TO REVIEW. 

34. What is Board of Zoning and Appeals?

Board that will review a request for a variance to the code or change of use. 

35. How do I apply for BZA?

Submit the application, fee and supporting documents. Board of Zoning and Appeals Application

36. What is the purpose of the Architectural Review Board?

To protect and improve property values.

To preserve and enhance the visual and aesthetic character of the village.

To increase public awareness of the historic value of existing properties and the significance of good design.

To provide standards for property owners, architects and contractors to aid in the preparation of appropriate plans.

To assure accepted and recognized architectural principles are applied for the purpose of achieving safe, harmonious and integrated development throughout the village.   

37. Why do I have to go to ARB or Planning Commission?

Refer to 1154.03 SCHEDULE OF HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES SUBJECT TO REVIEW. 

38. Do I have to pay?

Yes, an application and meeting fee of $25.00  are required.

Architectural Review Board Application and Requirements 

Planning Commission Application 

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1. Where are you located?

411 Bratenahl Road

Bratenahl, Ohio 44108

2. What are you hours of operation?

Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm (excluding holidays)

3. Does the village have a notary?

No

4. Where do I go for notary service?

You may go to your bank, title bureau and local US Postal Office.

5. What utilities serve homes in Bratenahl?

First Energy

Cleveland Public Power (44110 Zip Code only)

Dominion East Ohio Gas

Spectrum Cable

6. Does public transportation serve Bratenahl?

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) 

GCRTA link: http://www.riderta.com/

7. What is the policy for solicitation in the village?

Door-to-Door solicitation is prohibited in the Village of Bratenahl 

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1. When is trash pick up? Who picks up trash for the village?

Rubbish and recyclable collection is every Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rubbish must be in place by 7 a.m. on collection day and no sooner than 6:30 p.m. the night before. If you have questions, please contact:

• Republic Services of Cleveland by calling 216-441-6300 or 800-968-7789
• Dumpster Bandit 216-402-2547 (Effective January 1, 2023)

2. There is a problem with a streetlight. What should I do?

Contact your local energy supplier

First Energy customers: Call 1-888-544-4877 or go to their website FirstEnergy

Cleveland Public Power customers: Call 216-621-5483 or go to their website Cleveland Public Power 

3. What is the village's policy on trimming trees owed by the village, growing in the right-of-way next to village streets?

The village trims these trees at our own expense. Contact the Mayor's office at 216-681-4266 ext. 1 to report an issue.

4. Does the village offer wood chips and leaf mulch to its residents?

No.

5. Who is responsible for village sidewalk repairs?

The village is responsible. Contact the Mayor at 216-681-4266 ext. 1 to report and issue. 

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1. How much is my ticket?

Call the (216) 681-1236 or (216) 681-3086 for ticket information or go to Waiver Payment Information Page

2. How can I pay for my ticket?

You can pay for you citation three ways:

1.) Over the phone: During normal business hours: Using Visa or MasterCard. A receipt can be emailed to you.

2.) In-Person: During normal business hours: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, check or money order (payable to Bratenahl Mayor's Court)

3.) Online: Online Payment and Docket Information (fees do apply)

4. Mail: Send a check or money order (payable to Bratenahl Mayor's Court) along with your citation and copy of you insurance (if not shown at the time of the offense) to 

             Bratenahl Mayor's Court - 411 Bratenahl Road - Bratenahl, Ohio 44108

3. How can I get information about my case?

Go to Online Payment and Docket Information or call (216) 681-1236 or (216) 681-3086.

4. What is the court address and business hours of operation?

411 Bratenahl Rd - Bratenahl, Ohio 44108

Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)

5. How do I know if I have to appear in court or if I can just pay the waiver?

If there is a check mark next to PERSONAL APPEARANCE REQUIRED located at the top of your citation then it is a mandatory court appearance and is not waiverable.

If there is a check mark next to NO, then your citation is waiverable and can be paid before the scheduled court date located at the top of your citation.

Waiver Schedule / Payment Options

6. What does the term "waiverable" mean?

By paying your citation your are admitting guilt (guilty waiver) and waiving your right to appear in court to contest the citation. By doing so, you accept the points that will be reflected on your driving record.

7. How do I find out how many points a violation is?

Contact the Clerk's office during normal business hours.

8. How do I find out how many points I already have?

Contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles by going on their website Ohio BMV or go to any local Ohio BMV office for information.

9. I missed my court date. What do I do?

Contact the Clerk's office during normal business hours.

10. How do I reschedule my court date?

Contact the Clerk's office during normal business hours.

11. How do I get a public defender for my case?

Public defenders do not appear in mayor's court. You will have to make your initial appearance and speak with the prosecutor to have your case transferred to Cleveland Municipal Court in order to obtain a public defender.

12. How do I get my record sealed?

Go to Record Sealing on the Bratenahl Mayor's Court page for CLICK HERE  for more information. Traffic violations cannot be sealed.

13. How do I request a court record?

Request can be made by contacting the court either in person, by phone or through email at courts@bratenahl.org.

14. What happens when I appear in Bratenahl Mayor's Court?

Upon arrival please call (216) 681-1236 to check-in and remain in your vehicle until you directed to do otherwise. A member of the court staff will call your phone when it is your time for your appearance.

• Temperatures will be taken and hand sanitizer will be provided.

• Face coverings (masks) must be worn inside the building at all times.

• Only defendants and their legal representatives will be allowed into the building.

• NO CHILDREN OF ANY AGE WILL BE PERMITTED ACCESS

You may speak with a prosecutor before appearing before the magistrate. Once your case is heard, you will then be directed to wait to meet with the clerk about fines and cost payment or to make payment arrangements.  

15. Does Bratenahl Mayor's Court offer a payment plan if I cannot make my payment in full?

Yes. Bratenahl Mayor's Court offers a 90 payment plan to defendants who are unable to pay their fines and costs in full upon appearing in court. 

16. Can I set up a payment arrangement for my waiverable ticket?

Yes. The following violations are eligible for the Waiver Payment Plan:

• Speeding violations 1-29 mph over the speed limit
• Waiverable Moving violations (ex. Stop sign, red light ect.) 
• Waiveralble Non-moving violations (ex. expired license plates, seat belt ect.)

Note: Any citation with more than one violation documented or require a court appearance  are ineligible for the Waiver Payment Plan.

CLICK HERE for the Waiver Payment Plan request form.

17. Can I enter a plea for my waiverable ticket without appearing in court?

Yes. 

Resolve minor misdemeanor traffic offenses without appearing in Court, the Bratenahl Prosecutor’s Office will amend all minor misdemeanor moving violations to a non-moving, no point violation*.

The following violations are NOT eligible for this program. 

331.34a    Failure to Control

333.03a   Assured Clear Distance Ahead

333.03     Speed 30 mph over speed limit

*No point violation will only be reflected on the defendant's Ohio BMV driving record.

*License Forfeitures and Contempt of Court warrants (balance of fines owed) are not eligible for this program 

CLICK HERE to submit a request for this program.

18. When is traffic court held?

Traffic court is held every other Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

Check the top portion of your citation for your schedule time and date.

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1. How do I sign up for an activity or program?

Contact the Recreation Director by phone at (216) 451-5350 or email at recreation@bratenahl.org .

2. What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, check or money order.

3. Can anyone reserve the Village Park / gazebo / picnic tables for parties?

Yes, for a small fee. 

4. How can I use the tennis court?

You must be a resident to use the tennis court. Residents are to register at the Community Center to gain access.

5. How can I use the tennis ball machine?

Upon registration you will be given a code to use the tennis ball machine. Only authorized parties can gain access to the tennis court.

6. Where can I play Pickleball?

You can play at the Bratenahl Recreation Center during the winter months and in the tennis courts during the summer.

7. Where can I locate the Village Park Rules?

There is a sign posted at the entrance to the park. 

You may also access the full list of rules here Chapter 925 - Village Park

8. What are the rules for the Dog Park?

1. The dog park hours are 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

2. All dogs must be leashed when not within the fence of the dog park.

3. All dogs must have a current dog license and rabies tag displayed on it's collar. 

4. Dog waste must be properly disposed of immediatley.

5. Handlers must fill in holes dug by their dog.

6. No more than three dogs per handler.

7. Sick, injured or a dog that has been declared vicious are not permitted in the dog park.

8. A dog that becomes aggressive must be removed from the dog park immediately.

9. All dog bites must be reported to the Bratenahl Police immediately by calling (216) 681-1234; call 9-1-1 for severe bites.

Please see ordinance 925.09 for Dog Park rules.

9. How can I be notified of Parks & Recreation events?

You can sign up for the recreation distribution list by contacting the Recreation Director at recreation@bratenahl.org

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1. What will happen to the computers that are collected?

Computers turned in during this event will be recycled by a not-for-profit computer recycler on the east side of Cleveland, RET3 Job Corp. They work to give students technology skills for the workplace and in turn drive economic development in the region. RET3 Job Corp has a goal of putting 50,000 computers in Northeast Ohio schools over the next 5 years.

2. What will happen to the data on my computer?

All computer hard drives received by RET3 are erased of all data using U.S. Department of Defense specifications. This secure system eradicates all the information stored on your computer and protects your confidentiality. After the hard drive is cleaned, usable computer systems are remanufactured. Unrepairable equipment is completely deconstructed. If your donation does not meet school specifications, RET3 Job Corp will recycle the equipment in a process that is fully compliant with EPA standards and offers a 100% no-landfill guarantee. Raw materials are sold, and profits benefit RET3 Job Corp.

3. What about televisions and other electronics?

Televisions are not accepted during Recycle Your Computer Month. While there is no ban in Ohio on placing televisions and electronics in the regular trash, there are retailers and local companies that offer recycling services for these items. We will recycle your old television (up to 32 inches) and other electronics equipment for free if you visit or contact the Service Department.

4. Is there a way to clean the hard drive on my own?

RET3 job corp offers a "How to Erase Your Hard Drive" video tutorial on their website at for KillDisk software on their website. Please do not remove the hard drive since that makes it more costly to refurbish the computer.

5. I am a business with computers I need to get rid of. What can I do with my old equipment?

Businesses with computers to recycle should contact RET3 for pick-up and drop-off requirements. Call 216-361-9991. A list of other local computer recycling places can also be found online.

6. Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, because we use a non-profit 501(c) (3) to recycle the equipment collected during this event we will provide a tax receipt for your donation. To obtain a receipt contact the Solid Waste District at 216-443-3749, ext. 8 or email. Please provide your name and mailing address. A receipt will be mailed to you.

We will not determine the value of your donation. To value your donation, call the IRS at 216-522-4048 or visit the IRS website.

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1. When does Village Council meet?

The 3rd Wednesday of every month.

2. Where do the Village Council meet?

Bratenahl Community Center - Landis Room

10300 Brighton Road

Bratenahl, Ohio 44108

3. Can I attend a Village Council Meeting?

Yes all are welcome.

4. How do I speak to the Village Council?

Public is permitted to speak to the Council for 3 minutes at the end of the meeting. 

5. How can I get agendas and minutes from the meetings?

By going to the Agenda Center or Click Here to view the agenda and minutes for all public meetings.

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1. How do I register to vote?

Register to vote on the Cuyahoga County website https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters

2. What can I do if am not certain where I vote?

Contact the Cuyahoga Board of Elections at https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters