Village Reminder of Property Maintenance Regulations

    By: Kyle Francis, Village Administrator

The Village of Versailles would like to remind local property owners of property maintenance regulations that exist which govern the maintenance and upkeep of properties within the Versailles community.  Citizens of the Village of Versailles are proud of the Village’s appearance and have put legislation in place to maintain its positive appearance.  The current regulations that were updated by Village Council in 2022 with Village Ordinance No. 22-43 established minimum standards for the maintenance, appearance, and exterior condition of all premises and uses throughout the Village; affixes certain responsibilities and duties upon owners, residents, and managers of properties; authorized and established procedures for the exterior inspection of premises and uses; affixed penalties for the violation of the property maintenance regulations; and provides for the repair, demolition, or vacation of premises unfit for human habitation, occupancy, or use.

The property maintenance regulations apply to every building and property located within the Village.  Whether or not a building or property existed prior to the adoption of the property maintenance regulations does not exempt any existing building or property from having to comply with the regulations that were enacted.  General exterior maintenance requirements stipulate the exterior surfaces of all structures or uses within the Village are to be maintained in good repair.  Any deteriorated or decayed exterior walls, doors, porches, floors, steps, railings, or other similar exterior features are required to be repaired or replaced.  Damaged or broken windows, screens, and shutters are also required to be repaired or replaced.

Additionally, the entire exterior yard or lot area, regardless if it is the front, side, or rear yards are to be maintained in a safe, clean, and sanitary condition.  Furniture, household furnishings, appliances, inoperable motor vehicles or vehicle parts, discarded or abandoned machinery and construction equipment are not permitted to be placed or stored upon any yard or lot area for a period in excess of ten (10) days. The regulations also declare a nuisance when unlicensed motor vehicles, motor vehicles in inoperative condition, motor vehicles unfit for further use, and automobile or motor vehicle parts are located on any property, street, or alley within the Village.

Exterior property areas of all premises or uses are required to be kept free of debris, objects, materials, or conditions that, in the opinion of the Zoning Inspector, create a health, accident, fire hazard, or are a public nuisance, or constitute a blighting influence on the neighborhood.  This includes keeping the property areas mowed and trimmed and to not allow high grass, weeds, or unmanaged vegetation in excess of ten (10”) inches in height from the ground to exist per Village Ordinance No. 14-25 that regulates grass, weeds, and other vegetation within the Village.

The enforcement of property maintenance regulations is placed with the Village’s Zoning Inspector (Village Administrator), Police Department, and Fire Department.  All buildings, premises, and uses within the Village are subject to exterior inspections from time-to-time by the Zoning Inspector, Police Chief, or Fire Chief.  Notices of violations by the Zoning Inspector, Police Chief, or Fire Chief can be appealed by the property owner to the local Board of Zoning Appeals.

The purpose of the property maintenance regulations is to protect the value of property in the Village, protect the quality of life in the Village, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Versailles.  The property maintenance regulations can be viewed by accessing the Village’s website (www.versaillesoh.com) or by visiting the Village Administrative Office. 

composite shingle, ceramic tile, concrete tile, asphalt, or fiberglass shingle. Corrugated metal or corrugated fiberglass roofing is prohibited. Exterior siding shall be one or a combination of materials such as brick, stone, stucco, clapboard or clapboard-simulated vinyl or metal, wood shingles, shakes, or similar material (no smooth, ribbed, or corrugated metal, fiberglass, or plastic).

It is recommended that before starting any plans, citizens and property owners review all regulations thoroughly to understand all necessary compliance issues, especially considering some regulations have recently changed. Although not enforced by Village Officials, some sections of the Village have subdivisions covenants and restrictions which may prohibit or restrict the installation of fences, storage buildings, awnings, and other structures. These covenants and restrictions can be enforced by any other property owner in the same residential subdivision through civil court action.

All fences must have a permit and can be no taller than eight (8’) feet in any rear yard and three (3’) feet in a front yard. Please keep in mind that a corner lot on two streets will have two front yard areas. All fence must be installed at least two (2’) feet off any property line. A fence may be installed closer than two (2’) feet from a property line with written permission from the adjoining property owner that must be provided to the Village with the fence installation permit. A fence, storage building installation, addition, or new home construction requires that the actual property corners be located and marked either by found property pins or be re-established by an Ohio Licensed Professional Surveyor at the property owner’s expense. The Village is not responsible to locate property corners and/or property lines. In some cases, a setback variance may need to be applied for with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). It is always important to check with the Village prior to finalizing plans.

Do not overlook the need for zoning permits for front/rear patio enclosures and awnings. Even if you purchase these products on a “ready to install” basis, most conversions of porches or patios to walk-in or roofed-over areas require zoning authorization. In all cases where zoning permits are required, the property owner is responsible for seeing such permits are obtained.

Village Officials encourage those of you who are considering construction plans to check into building and zoning permit regulations prior to beginning your project. For additional information and assistance, please visit the Village’s website www.versaillesoh.com and click on the Government tab to find the Zoning Regulations or contact the Village Administrative Office at (937) 526-3294.