I’m building a deck.  Do I need a permit?

Yes.  You need to apply for a Zoning Certificate from Liberty Township.  You will need four (4) copies of your site plan, three (3) copies of your construction drawings, and a completed Zoning Certificate Application.  There is a $35 charge. 

Where is Liberty Township’s Zoning Department located?

We are located at 6400 Princeton Road.  We are at the intersection of Princeton Road and Maud Hughes.

Once I have applied for a Zoning Certificate for my deck from Liberty Township am I ready to build?

No.  You need to pick up your Zoning Certificate and materials from the Liberty Township Zoning Department and take them to the Butler County Building and Zoning Department, located at 130 High St, Hamilton.  The County will then issue a building permit.

After getting my permit from the county, am I finished with the process?

No.  Once the structure is erected you need to call the Liberty Township Zoning Department and schedule a Final Inspection.  The county will explain their inspection process.

Can I build in an easement?

No. 

What is the biggest size shed I can put on my lot? 

Detached garages, utility/storage sheds, and gazebos are permitted at a cumulative size equal to or lesser than twenty-five (25%) of the floor area above grade including the attached garage of the principal structure on lots of less than one acre. Such structures used for the storage of vehicles in which twenty-five (25%) of the principal structure does not add up to 480 sq. ft. may construct an accessory structure used for the storage of vehicles that does not exceed 480 sq. ft.

Detached garages, utility/storage sheds, and gazebos are permitted at a cumulative size equal to or lesser than thirty-five (35%) of the floor area above grade including the attached garage on lots between one and two acres.  Such structures used for the storage of vehicles in which thirty-five (35%) of the principal structure does not add up to 480 sq. may construct an accessory structure used for the storage of vehicles that does not exceed 480 sq. ft. 

Detached garages, utility/storage sheds, and gazebos are permitted at a cumulative size equal to or lesser than thirty-five (35%) of the floor area above grade including the attached garage or 900 sq. ft. on lots of greater than two acres. 

Detached garages require a paved driveway of asphalt or portland cement.

What is the fee for a Zoning Certificate for a shed?

Sheds, pools, private garages, and fences have a $25 charge.

Can I build a shed and a swimming pool?

Yes.  Two accessory structures per site or lot are permitted, except in an agricultural district on land used for agricultural purposes.

Can I build a shed, pool, and fence in my yard?

Yes.  A fence is not considered an accessory structure.

I want to fence in my yard.  What do I need to do?

You need to bring in two (2) copies of your site plan, showing the proposed location of the fence and complete an application for a Zoning Certificate. 

Fences do not need to be approved by Butler County. 

**Please contact the Liberty Township Zoning Department for permitted locations and types of fences.

Note:  Corner lots are considered to have two (2) front yards. 

How close to the property line can I place my shed? 

Accessory structures must be located no less than ten (10) feet from any property line.  Accessory structures must be located behind the rear of the home.

I want to build a private garage.  How tall can it be? 

Accessory structures shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height on lots of less than two acres. 

On lots of two (2) acres or more, accessory structures cannot exceed sixteen (16) feet in height. 

(Height is measured to the midpoint of the roof.)

How long does it take Liberty Township to issue my Zoning Certificate, once I apply?

It usually takes three business days to process a Zoning Certificate for a residential use.

Will Liberty Township call me when my Zoning Certificate is ready to be picked up?

No.  We request that you call us three days after application submittal to confirm that your certificate is ready to be picked up.