Accident Reports
Call the Police Department (774-1061) regarding report copies for any accident or for accident claims involving city equipment or vehicles.

Animals--Animal Protection
The Lorain County Animal Control (329-5599) enforces animal laws, investigates cruelty complaints, provides temporary shelter and adoption services to stray animals, quarantines animals which have bitten humans, and provides 24-hour emergency service for injured stray animals. Other agencies: Oasis Animal Shelter (775-0931).

Animals-- Dead on Roadside
City crews will pick up dead animals from city roadways by calling 775-7218.

Animals--Leash Laws
Dogs must be leashed or under control of the owner. Animals are not permitted to dig, urinate or defecate on public or private property other than the property of its owner. Owners must dispose of all animal feces outside of their own property in a sanitary manner. Failure to comply can result in animal impoundment. For more information, call 774-1061.

Animals--Pet Licenses
Call Lorain County Auditor's Office (329-5207).

Animals--Wild Animal Control
The City does not perform trapping or removal of stray cats or wild animals. Resident should consult with local yellow pages for local business that provide these services.

Appliance Disposal
The Public Works Department (775-7218) will dispose of any appliances except for refrigerators, air conditioners, de-humidifiers and freezers. The City cannot dispose of these appliances because they may contain freon. 

Available Buildings and Sites
Review office, retail, and land availability for your company.

Block Party
See Permits & Inspections.

Block Party Permits
Permit forms for block parties inside of Oberlin city limits can be obtained from the Police Department, 85 S. Main Street. These permits require a $25 application fee which is refunded provided there are no damages to city property during the block party. For more information, call 774-1061.

Building, Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing Permits
The construction, enlargement, alteration, removal or demolition of buildings and installation or alteration of most equipment are regulated by codes and require permits. These permits are required for the construction of any new building, alteration of existing building, or installation of signs, fences, swimming pools, patio covers, decks, garages, antennas, satellite dishes, and other building modifications. For more information, call 774-3428.

Burning Permits
Open burning is prohibited within city limits without a burning permit. For more information, call 774-3211.

Business Permits
When establishing a new business or moving an existing business to a new location, the Oberlin Planning & Development Department can assist in determining whether a conditional use permit is required. For more information, call 775-7258.

Building Code
Codes exist for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, family dwellings, and energy conservation requirements. For more information, call 774-3428.

Building Permits
See Permits & Inspections.

Buildings and Sites Available
Review office, retail, and land availability for your company.

Burglar Alarms
See Security Systems.

Burn Permits
See Permits & Inspections.

Bus Service
The Lorain County Transit Authority (LCT) provides transportation in the county area. For more information, call 324-6955 or 329-5545.

Cable Television
The Oberlin Cable Coop oversees cable television services (775-4001). Call directly for service.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If your alarm is activated, immediately call 9-1-1, any time of the day. The Fire Department will respond to check the alarm and measure CO² levels in your home.

Cemeteries
The Service Department maintains and sells plots at the cemetery. For more information, call 775-7252.

Clerk of Council
The Clerk of Council (775-7203) records council proceedings, ordinances and resolutions, all of which are open to public inspection during regular business hours.

Court
See Municipal Court.

CPR Classes
CPR courses are usually provided by the Lorain County American Red Cross (324-2929), Allen Medical Center (775-1211), or the Lorain County JVS (774-1458) on a cost-of-service basis. 

Crime Prevention
See Neighborhood Block Watch and Operation Identification Programs. For more information, call 774-1061.

D.A.R.E.
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program teaches school children to resist the pressures of drug use, in part through a self-esteem enhancement program. For more information, call 774-1061.

Digging/Utility Location
Call 1-800-362-2764 before you dig!

Driver's Licenses
See Motor Vehicles.

Elections
See Voter Information.

Electric Service
Oberlin provides municipal electric service to Oberlin residents and businesses. Call 775-7260 during weekdays for technical assistance or to report a power outage, inquire about a free power quality analysis, or request a safety demonstration. To report an emergency after 4:00 pm, call 774-1061.

Emergency Services
Call 9-1-1 immediately for emergency medical, fire or police services.

Employment Opportunities
The City of Oberlin only accepts resumes for posted positions. To inquire about a vacant position, call 775-1531.

Financial Data
The City's Finance Department is responsible for implementing all fiscal policies for the City of Oberlin. City finance information is a public record, and copies of the City's audited financial reports are kept on file at the Oberlin Public Library. For more information, call 775-7211.

Fingerprinting Services
The Police Department provides these services for adults who live or work within City limits. For more information, call 774-1061.

Fire/Disaster Plans
Upon request, the Fire Department helps local businesses develop fire evacuation, tornado safety and other emergency plans. For more information, call 774-3211.

Fire Hydrants
See Water System Maintenance.

Fire Safety Education
The Fire Department provides safety programs on request to neighborhood groups, senior citizens and businesses. This division also can assist families in recognizing problems which lead children to play with matches and set fires.
For more information, call 774-3211.

Garage Sales
A permit is required to hold a garage sale. Garage sales may last no longer than two days in one six-month period. Signs may not be placed in the City right-of-way or on poles. For more information, call 775-3428.

Gas Service
Gas service is provided by Columbia Gas of Ohio. Call (800) 344-4077 for assistance. To report a suspected leak, dial 9-1-1 now!

Holidays
City offices are closed in observance of the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day (and following Friday) and Christmas Day.  Trash and yard waste pickup will continue to be collected on these holidays.

Home Fire Inspections
Residential fire inspections are provided free of charge by contacting the Fire Department at 774-3211.

Home Improvements
Construction, enlargement, alteration, removal or demolition projects are regulated by building and housing codes. See Permits & Inspections for more information, or call 774-3428.

Home Occupation Permits
Establishing a home occupation in Oberlin may require a conditional use permit. For more information, call 775-7258.

Hospitals
For more information about the Allen Medical Center, conveniently located in Oberlin, call 775-1211. For other hospitals, check the local yellow pages.

Household Chemicals
The Lorain County  Solid Waste Authority of Ohio jointly sponsor "D-Days" (disposal days) twice per year for the safe disposal of hazardous household chemicals, paint, etc. Watch the City Calendar and local media for more information, or call 329-5440.

Immunizations
Immunizations against diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, measles and rubella are available through the Lorain County Health Department (322-6367).

Information Sources
   •City Information--775-1531
   •City Fax--775-7208
   •City Website--www.cityofoberlin.com
   •Also, see Media (Local).

Income Taxes
See Taxes (Income).

Land Available 
Review office, retail, and land availability for your company.

Lawn Watering

Leaf Collection
Leaves are collected twice from every street during autumn leaf season. Collection schedules are available at City Hall and in local weekly newspapers. Those residents who live on streets without curbs should place leaves close to, but not in, the street ditch. Leaves left in ditches may cause damage by being washed into storm sewers. No other debris should be co-mingled with leaves. For more information, call 775-7218.

Library
Located at 65 S. Main Street, the Oberlin Public Library's operating hours are:
   Mon. - Thur. 10 AM - 9 PM
   Fri. - Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM
   Sunday 1 PM - 5 PM
   Phone: 775-4790

Lot Cleaning
The City requires property owners to keep vacant lots free of trash, debris, overgrown grass and weeds. For more information, call 774-3428.

Meals on Wheels
Homebound senior citizens and individuals with disabilities are eligible for a hot meal daily delivery. There is a meal fee but convenience is a major benefit. For more information, call 774-6579.

Media (Local)
PRINT: The Oberlin News-Tribune (775-1611) is published every Tuesday. The Chronicle-Telegram (329-7200) and Morning Journal (245-6901) also carry occasional local stories.

TV: Cable Coop regularly airs local school and government meetings and maintains a "Bulletin Board" of local happenings and events. WKYC-TV3, WEWS-TV5, WOIO-TV19, and WTBS-TV43, and FOX TV-8 also cover Oberlin news and events.

Mosquito Control
The City's annual mosquito control program reduces this local pest population. Mosquito baiting is conducted between the spring and fall. While the bait substance should not be harmful to humans or household pets, residents may wish remain clear of bait areas. For more information, call 775-7218.

Motor Vehicles--Auto Titles, License & Registration
The State of Ohio issues Motor Vehicle ownership titles. Residents may obtain copies of titles at the State of Ohio's Title Office at 676 North Main, Wellington (647-6022).

Municipal Court
Court offices are located at 85 S. Main Street. Call 775-1751 for information.

Neighborhood Watch
The Police Department will assist interested residents in forming such a group. Active neighborhood watches allow residents to become extra eyes and ears for the community. For more information, call 774-1061.

Noise Complaints
If excessive noise is being generated inside city limits, call the Oberlin Police Department at 774-1061. For sources generating noise outside city limits, residents should call the location generating the noise or the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction. For a copy of the noise ordinance, call 775-7218.

Parking Tickets
See traffic tickets.

Parks & Recreation
The City's Parks & Recreation Department manages several parks and provides various programs and services annually. For more information, call 775-7254.

Permits & Inspections
NOTE: When applying for permits and/or inspections, ask about the length of time required to process the application. Processing times vary, depending upon the type of request.  For more information, call 774-3428.

Parade Permits
Parade permit forms are available at the Police Department, 85 S. Main Street. For more information, call 774-1061.

Poisoning
Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone ingested a potentially harmful material or is experiencing any physical signs or effects. If no symptoms are present but poisonous material has been spilled on skin, immediately call the Poison Control Center at 1-216-231-4455. Be prepared to identify the toxic substance and the recommended first-aid treatment from information on the container label.

Allen Medical Center--775-1211

Police Reports, Records
Call 774-1061 for information regarding Oberlin police reports or police records. There is a nominal charge for copies of these documents.

Police Volunteer Programs
The Police Auxiliary Officer Program enlists citizens who desire to serve as sworn officers on a part-time, voluntary basis. For more information, call 774-1061. 

Pool
The Lorain County Metro Parks operates the swimming pool complex consisting of two pools, a spray fountain, picnic areas,  sun and shade areas, and waterslides. The "Splash Zone" is located at 95 West Hamilton Street. For more information, call 800 526-7275.

Postal Service
The Post Office is located at 68 S. Main Street (774-7501)

Potholes
To report a pothole, call the Service Department at 775-7218, or send an e-mail message via the City's website at www.cityofoberlin.com

Property Taxes
See Tax (Property).

Public Hearings
Public hearings are held by City Council and various boards and commissions. Notices are listed in the Oberlin News-Tribune and at City Hall. Call 775-7203 for more information.

Public Transportation
See Bus Service.

Recycling
Recyclables are collected the same day as trash. Oberlin residents may receive recycling bins for paper products, glass, aluminum, steel, plastic, milk and juice cartons. For more information, call 775-7218.

Road Project Updates
Local road improvement and engineering project updates are featured regularly in our website and in local media. For information about road projects, call 775-7218 or 776-0037.

Safety Town
Safety Town is a two-week program held each spring for children preparing to enter kindergarten. Personal safety issues are discussed as well as seat belt, electrical, school bus, fire, gun, traffic, and water safety. For more information, call 774-1061.

Schools
The Oberlin City Schools Administrative Offices are located at 153 North Main Street. For more information, call 774-1458.

Security Systems
Oberlin businesses and residents installing burglar alarms/security systems are required to obtain a permit, available from the Police Department. There is no cost for a residential alarm permit, but service fees will be charged for more than three false alarms during the same calendar year. For more information, call 774-1061.

Senior Center
The Oberlin Senior Center is open to people 60 years of age and older. For more information, call 775-1504.

Senior Transportation

Sewer (Wastewater) Service
Oberlin provides its own sewer service Residents are billed for this service monthly as part of their utility bill. Call 775-7218 to report a sewer problem.

Sign Permits
Signs may not be placed in the City rights-of-way or on poles. Oberlin's zoning ordinance also governs sign location and size. Some signs may also require a building permit.  For more information, call 774-3428.

Snow Removal
All major arterial and collector streets are salted when snow and ice are less than two inches deep. (Time and salt supply prevent salting every street.) City streets are plowed when snow is two inches or deeper. A "snow ban" is effective between November 1 through April 1. Cars parked on streets during this time may be ticketed or towed.

Snow Removal Tips for Residents
•Residents and businesses are reminded that they are responsible for keeping walkways in front of their homes and businesses clear of snow and ice.

•The Service Department recommends shoveling snow to the side of the driveway, not to the street. In doing so, snow does not have to be moved as far and becomes less likely to get pushed back on to the driveway by a passing snowplow.

•If snow must be shoveled out to the road, it is recommended the snow be piled to the right-hand side of the driveway (on two-way streets). This allows the plow to reach the snow pile after it passes the drive, pushing less snow back into the driveway.

•Snowplow damage should be reported to the Service Department at 775-7218. 

Street Opening/Right-of-Way Access Permits
For more information, call 775-7218.

Street Sweeping
Major thoroughfares are swept weekly, and all residential streets within City limits are swept five times per year. Residential sweeping starts in March and concludes after leaf pickup throughout the City is completed. For more information, call 775-7218.

Swimming Pool
See Pool.

Tax (Income)
Oberlin's mandatory tax filing policy requires all adult residents (eighteen years of age or older) and all businesses within Oberlin City limits to file City income tax returns. For more information, call 775-7211.

Tax (Property)
Lorain County collect property taxes. For information, contact the Lorain County Auditor's Office (329-5212).

Tornado Sirens
Tornado sirens are controlled by the Oberlin Fire Department and are tested every 2nd Wednesday at 11 a.m. When the weather authority issues a tornado watch (conditions are right but none have been spotted), no alarm will sound. When the weather authority issues a tornado warning (an actual tornado has been sighted) the siren will sound for four minutes and shut off. There is no "all clear signal."

Traffic Sign/Signal Repair
Call 775-7260 to report improperly working traffic signals which could cause accidents. Call 775-7218 to report other missing signs.

Traffic Tickets
Parking tickets and moving violations issued by the Police Department are paid at 85 S. Main St. Those wishing to contest any traffic ticket must make arrangements with the Municipal Court Office (775-1751). Personal checks, money orders, MasterCard and Visa are accepted as payment. Cash is also accepted if paying in person.

Trash Collection
All trash and recycling collection occurs on Tuesday through Friday. For more information, call 775-7218.

Trash--Large Item Disposal
Residents should contact City Hall at 775-7218 to arrange for disposal of large items, including stoves or furniture.

Trash--Christmas Tree Disposal
These trees will be collected at the curb during normal collection days, after Christmas through February. Trees need not be cut or bundled but should be placed in plastic tree bags. Please remove all garlands and decorations. For more information, call 775-7218.

Trash--Yard Waste
Yard waste materials are to be placed in separate containers and placed at the curbside in yard-waste paper bags available at most hardware and grocery stores. 

Tree Planting/Removal
The City controls the planting and removal of trees within tree-lawn areas (the area between the street and sidewalk). For information about which trees may be planted in a particular tree lawn area, call 775-7218.

Tree Pruning
Trees in the City tree-lawn area (the area between the street and sidewalk) are trimmed by City crews to provide 10' clearances from sidewalks, 12' clearances from streets, and 16' clearances from major thoroughfares. Individual property owners are responsible for trimming any trees located on their private property which hang over sidewalks or streets. For more information, call 775-7260.

Tree Replacement due to Line Clearance
Upon request, the Oberlin Municipal Light & Power Division will remove a tree in the City tree lawn area that  is subjected to severe power line clearance trimming. The removed tree may be replaced with a tree more suitable for the respective location. For more information, call 775-7260.

Tree Storm Damage
Upon notice, the City will remove any tree or limb which was knocked down during a storm. Residents are urged to report such occurrences to 775-7218.

Tree Trimming & Electric Lines
To ensure public safety, the Municipal Light & Power Division trims and removes branches near live electric lines, whether on private property or public property. For more information, call 775-7260.

Utility Location/Digging
Call 1-800-362-2764 before you dig!

Utility Services (Billing)
Residents and businesses are billed monthly for water, sewer, and electric utility services. The City provides water, sewer, and electric services. Oberlin also provides the city's residential trash and recycling collections. Call 775-7211 for assistance.

Utility Bills (Four Ways to Pay)
•Deliver payment in person to 69 S. Main Street, weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.;

 •Place payment in the night box depository located at the Municipal Building (behind the building in the parking lot);

•Mail payment to directly to Utility Services at 69 S. Main Street (44074).

Voter Information
Lorain County residents may register to vote at the Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main Street; the Clerk of Council's Office, 85 S. Main Street; or the Deputy Registrar, 676 N. Main St, Wellington. For more information, call the Lorain County Board of Elections (329-5542)

Water Main Flushing
Water mains are flushed each year to maintain water quality and ensure longevity of the water system. When mains and hydrants are being flushed in a particular area, water may appear slightly brown or red in color for a short time. Avoid washing light-colored clothes to prevent discoloration. Allow water to run from the tap for approximately 30 seconds to clear. For more information, call 775-7290.

Water Plant Tours/Information
For plant tours or information on water treatment and quality lawn watering or hydrant use, call 775-7290.

Water Services
See Utility Services.

Water System Maintenance
The Service Department maintains and repairs water mains, valves, and fire hydrants. For more information, call 775-7290.

Water Supply and Treatment
Water supply for the entire city comes from Black River. The City is capable of supplying six million gallons of water per day through its Water Department located at Parson Road. The Oberlin Water Plant treats water daily through an eight-stage, twenty-four hour process, which includes include screening, softening, settling, taste and odor control, pH adjustment, filtration, fluoridation and chlorination. Oberlin's water supply is tested every four hours to ensure that it meets or exceeds Ohio Environmental Protection Agency standards. For more information, call 775-7290.

Website
www.cityofoberlin.com

Yard Waste
Yard wastes are collected every Tuesday. For more information, see Trash Collection or call 775-7218.

Work Permits
Work permits are required for anyone under the age of 18 who works within city limits. Permit applications can be picked up at the Oberlin high-school office.

Zoning Inspections
An occupation permit and/or certificate of zoning clearance which specifies either residential or nonresidential use must be issued before a new building can be occupied or a new business can use an existing building. For more information, call 775-7205.

Zoning Regulations
Official zoning maps are available by calling 776-0037. For more information, see Permits & Inspections, or visit the City's website at www.cityofoberlin.com