Currently, the Township's electric aggregation supplier is Duke Energy.  The Township's energy supplier, Energy Alliance, has recommended that all accounts be switched back to Duke temporarily until a lower rate can be negotiated in the spring.  If you have any questions, please contact Energy Alliance at (513)794-5555. 

The Township's gas aggregation supplier is AEP Energy.   For more information please click here.   

If you are not able to have your question(s) answered, please contact Symmes Administration at (513)683-6644 and you will be connected to the company's special representative who is specifically informed about Symmes Township programs.

Who should be called to pick up dead animals?

For animals in the street:

• Subdivision streets maintained by the Township - Symmes Township Service Department; Please contact Bill Pitman at (513)683-6644, ext. 2301
• Hamilton County maintained roads - Hamilton County Road Maintenance at (513)946-4979
• State-maintained roads - Ohio Department of Transportation at (513)821-1409

If an animal is in a yard, driveway or elsewhere, the homeowner is responsible and will need to call a local animal removal service or exterminator.

Who should I call if I find a lost dog or have a problem with an animal?

Contact the SPCA Cincinnati at (513)541-6100. The agency transports wild or companion animals that are sick, injured, or distressed for medical treatment by a network of caring and concerned veterinary hospitals if the owner's whereabouts are unknown. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Are dogs allowed in Symmes Township Parks?

Yes. Unless within the designated and fenced dog park area of Symmes Park, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Click here to reference the park rules. Please contact the Sheriff's office at (513)677-7000 if a problem is observed concerning dogs within Symmes Township parks. If it is an emergency, call 911.

Does Symmes Township have a dog park, and what are the hours of operation?

Symmes Township maintains a lovely dog park within Symmes Park at 11600 Lebanon Road. Within the fenced confines of the dog park area, owners may allow their dog to run free off-leash. The hours of operation for the dog park are the same as the park (please reference the park rules). The dog park is closed seasonally, from approximately the end of October to mid-April depending upon weather conditions.  The dog park may also be closed based upon weather and/or field conditions. For more information, please contact Administration at (513)683-6644.

Are there any rules about dogs that bark excessively?

Yes, Symmes Township has adopted a resolution that controls barking dogs. Click here to see the resolution. If you have a problem with a barking dog in your neighborhood, please contact the Sheriff's office at (513)677-7000.

Is a permit or inspection required on driveway apron repairs?

Yes, a permit and inspection are required by the Symmes Township Service Department; please contact Bill Pitman at (513)683-6644, ext. 2301.  There is a fee of $50.  For unaccepted subdivision streets and county roads, a permit needs to be obtained from the Hamilton County Engineer's office at (513)946-4250.

Are there any meeting rooms available for use?

Yes.  Rooms are available for use for Federal, State or other local government agencies and public, non-profit and non-discriminatory organizations whose meeting are open to the general public. (No weddings, reunions, birthday parties, etc. are allowed at this time.)  A Facilities Reservation form must be filled out and approved beforehand. For a copy, please click here. 

Room Capacity

• Township Administration Meeting Room - Capacity 50 people (with chairs)
• Safety Center Large Meeting Room - Capacity 75 people with tables and chairs, 110 people without chairs
• Safety Center Small Meeting Room - Capacity 25 people (with tables and chairs)
• Safety Center Executive Conference Room - Capacity 8 to 60 people.

I would like to report a problem with a park or other Township facility, or a Township sidewalk or path, who should I call?

The Symmes Township Services Department appreciates receiving tips and information about conditions found by the public concerning Township facilities.  Please contact Bill Pitman at (513)683-6644, ext. 2301.

Does the Township regulate the discharge of firearms in the Township? What about bow hunting?

No, under Ohio law, townships do not have authority to regulate generally the discharge of firearms or hunting within the Township.  However, such activities are prohibited within Symmes Township parks. Symmes Township is a densely populated urban area. Anyone undertaking these activities must follow all applicable state laws and accept a significant degree of personal responsibility. For more information, please contact Lt. Tory Smith at (513)683-3444.  For an immediate issue, please contact the Sheriff's office at (513)677-7000. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

Is a permit required for a garage sale?

No; however, only one sign not to exceed 6 square feet is allowed on the property. No signs advertising the garage sale are allowed on any streets or public right-of-way.

What can be done about vacant or unattended homes that are overgrown with grass and weeds?

Under the Ohio Revised Code, some circumstances allow the Township to declare a property a "nuisance" and help abate the conditions. Contact Luanne Felter at the Township office at (513)683-6644, ext. 2303. 

Where can I find information about the Public Library?

The Symmes Township Library is a branch of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. It is not listed in the telephone book under Symmes so it can be hard to find. You can reach the library by calling (513)369-6001.

Does Symmes Township impose any local income tax?

No. In most circumstances, Ohio Townships are prohibited from imposing general income or earnings taxes. Residents and businesses within Symmes Township pay no local income taxes.

How can I memorialize a loved one?

One of the most popular ways to memorialize a loved one is purchasing a memorial tree at one of our parks.  The memorial tree provides a meaningful and living remembrance and gives back to the community.  The cost is $500 which includes a tree and 4" x 6" bronze plaque with up to a maximum of three lines of text. Memorials may only be purchased by Symmes Township residents or business owners.  Non-residents may purchase memorials for a relative who was at one time a Symmes Township resident.

For more information please click here. 

What are the guidelines for installing a new mailbox?

Every new mailbox design should be reviewed and receive the Postmaster General's (PMG) seal of approval. If you opt to construct your own mailbox, it must meet the same standards as manufactured boxes.  

Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when installing your mailbox:

• Position your mailbox 41" to 45" above ground level;
• Place your mailbox 6" to 8" back from the curb;
• A 4" x 4" wooden support or a 2" diameter standard steel or aluminum pipe is recommended for the post;
• Put your house or apartment number on the mailbox;

I am having a problem with excessive noise in my neighborhood; are there any rules that affect noise?

Yes, click here to see the Township's noise resolution. For questions, please contact Lt. Tory Smith at (513)683-3444. For an immediate issue, please contact the Sheriff's office at (513)677-7000.

What can be done about a home on my street that is in disrepair or has junk stored on the property?

Under the Ohio Revised Code, some circumstances allow the Township to declare a property a "nuisance" and help abate the conditions. Contact Luanne Felter at the Township office at (513)683-6644, ext. 2303. 

I am planning to visit a Symmes Township park; are there any restrictions?

Symmes Township has adopted formal rules governing activity in all Symmes Township parks. Please click here to review the rules.  For questions, please contact Administration at (513)683-6644.

Please also see "Dogs" and "Park Shelter Reservations" in the FAQ's.

How do I reserve a park shelter?

Park shelters are available for rental from April 15 to October 15 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and park closing. Resident and non-resident fees apply.

To make a reservation, please call the Township office at (513)683-6644. A deposit and Maintenance Impact Fee will be required within three working days after the reservation is made or the reservation will be canceled. Payment of the deposit must be made with a check; no cash will be accepted.  For a list of fees, please click here.  

I have a concern about a car parked in the street; what can be done?

If a vehicle is parked on the roadway which is either junk or inoperable, it is treated as an abandoned vehicle. The deputy will mark the tires and place an orange sticker on the vehicle and after 72 hours if the vehicle is not moved it will be towed as an abandoned vehicle.  Any other Township enforced parking regulations are generally indicated on existing street signs. For questions, please contact Lt. Tory Smith at (513)683-3344.

Someone is parking regularly in their front yard; is this allowed?

No, vehicles may not be parked on the front lawn. The Zoning inspector can help with this issue. Please contact Emily Witte at (513)946-4473.

I would like to obtain some public records on file at Symmes Township; how should I do that?

Symmes Township has established a public records policy to make public documents easily accessible. Click here to see the policy.  Please contact the Township office at (513)683-6644.

Where can paper, cardboard and cans be recycled in Symmes Township?

Rumpke offers curbside recycling for residents.  If you do not have an account with Rumpke, the Township offers drop off recycling at the Township Administration building which is located at 9323 Union Cemetery Road. 

Where can I take my hazardous waste for recycling (paint, etc.)?

Call the Hamilton County Hazardous Waste Hotline at (513)946-7700 or click here to visit their website.

Are vendors allowed to sell their products door to door?

Vendors are allowed to sell products door to door if they have been issued a Transient Vendor permit by the Township office. Please contact Administration at (513)683-6644.  An identification badge must be prominently displayed at all times. If you encounter any problems contact the Sheriff's office at (513)677-7000. Non-profit sales such as those conducted by student organizations and Boy and Girl Scout troops do not require a permit.

May people solicit donations at the side of the road?

No. Roadside solicitations are unsafe and prohibited under Ohio law. Please contact the Sheriff's office at (513)677-7000 to report this activity.

I'm interested in reserving a Symmes Township field for an organized sports team; how do I do that?

Click here for information. Please contact the Township office at (513)683-6644.

What are the general rules regarding storm debris?

Please see Resolution G2012-25 for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Pitman at (513)683-6644, ext. 2301.

Who owns Ohio's streams? 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has put together a fact sheet to help with some of the more frequently asked questions regarding common water rights issues. You can obtain a copy here.

What streets do Symmes Township maintain?

The Township covers all accepted and dedicated subdivision streets within subdivisions. (The Township is transitioning to blue street signs for easier identification.) If you have a concern please contact Bill Pitman, Public Works Director at (513)683-6644, ext. 2301. For issues on a County road, please call Hamilton County at (513)946-4979.

Who do I call if a street light is out?

Call Duke Energy at (513)651-4182.  

Who is responsible for trash pickup?

Residents contract for their own trash pick up. Companies that service the area are:

Where can yardwaste be disposed?

The Township has entered into an agreement with Irvine Wood Recovery, 110 Glendale Milford Road, Miamiville 45147 to collect yard waste from residents from May 1 through October 31.  The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00am-Noon, weather permitting (please call first). For more information, please call Irvine at 831-0060.

Does the Township have a leaf collection service?

No.

Where can I find the zoning requirements for a particular piece of property or project?

Click here to see the Symmes Township Zoning Resolution and here to see the Symmes Township Zoning Map. Symmes Township maintains its own zoning, but contracts with the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission for administration. For general information, please contact the Hamilton County Planning and Zoning Department at (513)946-4550. If you need assistance, please contact Thomas Stahlheber at (513)946-4470.

I have a zoning issue I would like to report; who should I call?

For assistance with possible zoning violations, please contact the Hamilton County Planning and Zoning Department at (513)946-4550. If you need further assistance, please contact Emily Witte at (513)946-4473.