Frequently Asked Questions of Mason's Engineering and Building Department

Where do I report a dead animal in the road?
Please call Public Works Department at 513-229-8580.

How can I get debris cleaned up that is not mine?
If the debris is on public property, please call the City of Mason Public Works Department at 513-229-8580. If the problem is tall grass (over 8 inches), or debris on a property under construction, please call the Engineering and Building Department at 513-229-8520. Junk vehicles are handled by calling the Mason Police Department at 513-229-8560.

Where is the Engineering and Building Department located?
In the Mason Municipal Center at 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road.

Do I need a permit to have a garage sale or a yard sale?
No, but signs cannot be on telephone poles or in the right-of-way. The right-of-way generally includes the pavement and the strip of land between the edge of the street and the utility poles.

When does Planning Commission meet?
Planning Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Council Chambers.

Can I make a cut in the curb?
Curb cuts require a right-of-way permit, which can be obtained from the Engineering and Building Department during regular business hours. A drawing of the location is required with the application for the permit.

How can I learn about current road construction projects?
The City of Mason maintains a Construction Hotline to keep residents informed of road construction in the city. The hotline number is 513-229-8502.

Who do I call to report a street sign that is knocked down or a street light that is burned out?
Please call Public Works at 513-229-8580.

Why doesn't my street get plowed?
Streets that haven't been accepted by the city do not get plowed, just salted. Plowing and salting on private streets is the responsibility of the owner or homeowners' association. Streets in new subdivisions are owned by the developer until they are "accepted" by the city. Until that time, the city will salt the streets, but it is the developer's responsibility to clear the streets. For more information, including contact numbers if your street has not been accepted, click here.

What do I need to do to request a variance for a setback?
The Zoning Board of Appeals hears applications for setback variations. Applications to appear before the board may be made at the Engineering and Building Department during regular business hours. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is at 7:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month, in the Council Chambers.

What do I need to know about building a deck? installing a pool? finishing my basement?
First, make detailed drawings of your project. You may want to review the Building Department's information sheet for your project as you do this. Then bring your plans and a completed permit application to the Engineering and Building Department at 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road. Once your permit is approved, you will receive a call from the Engineering and Building Department with the cost of the permit. After you pay for and pick up the permit, you can begin your project. Inspections are required. Please verify the inspection schedule when you receive your permit.
Click here for information sheets and the permit application.

Why do I need a permit? What sort of projects require permits?
Zoning and building codes are created to preserve your health, safety, general welfare, and property. They are designed to help keep you, your guests, and even your future homebuyer safe and out of harm’s way. As part of the overall process to insure that the rules for building and zoning are followed as consistently and fairly as possible, building permits are a necessary step before many types of building or repair projects are started.

For a listing of common home improvement projects and what permits they require, click here.