Richfield, Ohio: Village or Township? Check Before You Buy

Richfield looks simple on a map. In practice there are two local governments, and the mailing address on a listing may not tell you which one covers the house. Move-up buyers looking for more land and more space should check this before they get attached to a property.

What's actually true about Richfield

According to Richfield Township's history page, the Village of Richfield was incorporated in 1967, when voters approved it 577 to 464, and the separation from the township became official in August 2003. The township still has its own zoning and planning department and its own zoning resolution.

Two governments means two sets of rules, potentially different services, and possibly different answers when you ask what you can build or change on a property.

Why it matters to you

Which government covers the property can affect zoning, building and permit rules, the services provided and the tax bill. Two houses with a Richfield mailing address can come with different obligations.

Before you write an offer, look up the parcel on the Summit County Fiscal Office site to see the taxing district. Then call the village or the township and ask what rules apply, including fences, sheds, pools and additions. A five-minute call now can save you from a surprise after you own the house.

This matters most if you already have plans. If you want to add a garage, put up a pole barn, run a home business or keep a few animals, ask about that specific use before your offer, not after closing. The answer can be different depending on which side of the line the parcel sits on, and some changes need approvals that take time. It's much easier to walk away from a house during your inspection period than to find out later that your plans won't work.

Mailing address isn't the same as municipality

When I teach agents how to set up MLS searches, one of my first warnings is that a city search can be misleading. County records sometimes list a Parma house as Cleveland, for example, and a listing copied from those records will carry the wrong city.

The same logic applies here. A listing that says Richfield may be in the village, the township or somewhere nearby with a Richfield mailing address. Confirm it on the parcel record, not the listing.

Search by school district, not town name

I also teach agents to use the school district search in the MLS, because districts often cover more than one city. Cuyahoga Heights uses Cleveland schools, for example, and part of Broadview Heights goes to North Royalton.

In this area, the Revere Local School District was formed in the early 1950s when Bath and Richfield voted to combine their school systems. If Revere is a priority for you, search by the district and then verify the assignment for the specific address with the district itself, because boundaries and building assignments can change.

Septic, water and sewer

Some properties in the area may be on a private septic system or well instead of public sewer and water. Ask in writing, and if it applies, have the system inspected as part of your due diligence. A replacement can cost more than buyers expect, and on a larger lot the system can be a big part of what you're really buying.

Why move-up buyers should care

Move-up buyers usually want more land, and that's where these differences show up most. A bigger lot can come with more rules and more upkeep, not just more room. Think about mowing, snow removal, long driveways, drainage and outbuildings. I'd rather you find out about all of that before you fall for the house than after.

Questions to ask the village or the township

Call the right office and ask: Which zoning rules apply to this parcel? What permits does a deck, shed, fence or addition need? Who provides fire and EMS service to this address? Are there any assessments or special districts on the property? Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date, so you can point back to it later. If the answer matters to your plans, ask them to put it in an email.

Then run the five-minute checklist on every Richfield house you're serious about: parcel record and taxing district, village or township, school district, sewer or septic, and permit rules for what you plan to do. If you can answer all five before you make an offer, you're ahead of most buyers, and you'll negotiate with a lot more confidence.

If you're looking at Richfield and want help sorting out the details on a specific property, schedule a time with me or someone on our team at 21mike.com.

Mike Ferrante
The Mike Team at LPT Realty
www.21mike.com
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