HHCA Building Guidelines
Most exterior home improvement projects require a permit if it extends “out of the ground.” Concrete slab, asphalt, and brick paver replacements and additions do not require a permit unless they are being installed near a property line.
Some examples of those projects that require permitting include but are not exclusive to: Building a House, Room Addition, Deck, Shed, Fence, Pool, Gazebo, Structure, all Dock Construction (refurbish and/or repairs/restructures), Trash Enclosure, Installing a Driveway, Fencing, (pool or decorative), Landscaping that may be considered a structure, or Landscaping and Plant Material that could potentially interfere with someone’s view of the lake.
Where Do I Start?
When in doubt, start by contacting the building committee at HHCA.Building@gmail.com. It’s always better to check before you start rather than having delays or extra expense later. HHCA does not charge for permits and if you follow the Code of Regulations, plans can be reviewed and permits issued in as little as one month. Email is always the quickest and most accurate way to get started, we can get the spelling of your name and nature/location of the project most accurately if it is sent by email. However, a quick phone call is always welcome to introduce yourself and ask questions. Our goal is to make your project in Harbor Hills as expedient and efficient as possible.
Harbor Hills is located in Licking Township and Licking County Ohio — all three jurisdictions may require approval for your project!
There are driveway requirements governed by the Licking County Engineer, setback requirements governed by Licking Township, additional regulations that can be a factor from Harbor Hills, as well as the construction inspections required by Licking County Building Code. A good place to start is with Harbor Hills, we can guide you on to your next step. Other jurisdictions require Harbor Hills permitting before scheduling your project for hearings or other procedural protocol required before construction can begin. Thanks for reading this guide and good luck with your project. To get started, reach out to the building committee at HHCA.Building@gmail.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Where do I find the “Code of Regulations” for Harbor Hills? On our website at hhcaoh.com, Code of Regulations Tab
• What are the required side setbacks? – Licking Township requires a 10’ side setback, Harbor Hills allows 6’ with a signed building permit from Harbor Hills, you can request a variance from Licking Township. There are Licking Township fees and hearing schedules that must be followed precisely, or you can experience delays.
• What is my street setback? – In most areas of Harbor Hills, Front build line setback is 35’.
• What is the cost of a Harbor Hills building permit? – There is no cost.
• Can I repair my “grandfathered” fence or other structure that no longer meets the current code? – No. When a now illegal or grandfathered structure reaches its end of life it must be removed or replaced to meet current code.
• If I don’t agree with the answers I’m getting from the building committee do I have any recourse? – Yes. You can schedule a hearing with the Harbor Hills Trustees to hear your concerns.
• Does my trash gondola have to be completely hidden from site? – No. It must not be visible from the street.
• Once I’m given a permit by the Harbor Hills Building Committee, how long do I have to complete the project? – Projects must be started within six months of issue date and completed within one year of the issue date.
• When I bought my lot the surface water was running naturally, do I have to contain it to my lot upon completion of my build? – Yes. According to the Code of Regulation, surface water must be contained and controlled by the property owner upon improvement.
• Can any part of my driveway cross my property line in the Township or County “Right of Way.” – No. All of your driveway including the flare wings must remain on your side of the property line.
• Do I need a permit to build a playhouse for my kids? – Yes, it is considered a shed/structure and with a limit of one per home.
Helpful Construction/Building/Permit Links
• Licking County Building Code – Building Permit
• Licking County Engineer – Driveway Permit