Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2016-10-28T14:15:36-05:00

Have a Question?

We made every effort to make the web site as comprehensive as possible. But if you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please send us an e-mail along with your question and we’ll see that you get the answer.

My vehicle was damaged during the project. Can I seek compensation?2018-11-19T18:56:58-05:00

Contractors are responsible for any claims which may arise during the construction process. Please report a potential claim to the City and we will forward it to the contractor for follow-up.

Who do I call to report a pothole?2018-11-19T18:56:31-05:00

General road maintenance inquiries should be directed to our Public Works department at (440) 974-5781 or pubworks@cityofmentor.com. If a pothole exists on private property, such as in a parking lot or private street, it is the responsibility of the property owner to address it as well as any possible claims. If that’s the case, contact our Code Enforcement division at (440) 974-5792 or codeenforcement@cityofmentor.com.

How much does the City spend on road resurfacing?2018-11-19T18:56:04-05:00

The City directly allocates an average of about $1.5 million towards local road maintenance and repair each year. We receive additional funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) to offset costs for many of our major improvements. These OPWC funds vary from year to year and may impact project scheduling. Recently OPWC funding has helped partially fund the Hopkins Road resurfacing project, the Marigold and Orchard Road Reconstruction projects and other similar projects.

How do you decide when a road is resurfaced?2018-11-19T18:55:35-05:00

Residential streets throughout the city are evaluated on a bi-annual basis using Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) pavement condition ratings. Work is prioritized based on roadway scores. Recommendations are made in the fall for work to be conducted in the spring of the following year. We rely on ODOT funding for the resurfacing of State Routes as 80% of project funding is provided by the State. The City relies on the schedule provided by ODOT on State Routes that traverse the City. SR-2 is managed by Lake County Engineers and I-90 is managed by ODOT and outside of the scope of the City.

How do you notify the public about construction projects?2018-11-19T18:55:12-05:00

All projects are posted on the City of Mentor website, social media, and on the City of Mentor App if substantial traffic delays are expected on a project.  Those immediately affected are notified by letter and/or a visit by the contractor.  Projects can be impacted by weather and other scheduling factors – materials availability, crews dedicated to other projects, forecasts, etc.

Are contractors penalized if a project goes beyond the deadline?2018-11-19T18:54:20-05:00

Considerations are given for potential weather and utility delays. If a delay can be attributed to a contractor, liquidated damages may be assessed, however each project is unique in its own right and scheduling is sometimes reassessed during the course of the project as necessary dependent on unforeseen circumstances.

Why isn’t work done at night?2018-11-19T18:53:58-05:00

Nighttime work is considered in non-residential areas when feasible on a project, however, certain materials – such as asphalt – may not always be available during night time hours. Temperatures, traffic volume and noise are major factors. Our engineers try to assess to best way to proceed with a project with minimal inconvenience to property owners and motorists.

Can’t you finish the project faster if you had more people on the crew?2018-11-19T18:53:34-05:00

The City provides the contractor with a project completion date. It is the responsibility of the contractor to adequately staff and complete the project within that timeline. Cost is a factor as well during the bid process.

Why does it appear like one person is working while the rest of the crew is standing around?2018-11-19T18:53:06-05:00

Crew members each have a job to do.  The City does not dictate to the contractor how many employees need to be onsite or who plays which role.  Oftentimes, if there is underground work, it will limit the number of people permitted in the hole and will require observers and inspectors onsite.

Why does it appear that nothing is happening on a construction project?2018-11-19T18:51:55-05:00

There are a variety of reasons why a project may appear to stall. A number of different entities are involved in any construction project and a variety of steps need to take place – sometimes in a specific order. Utility relocation is often a primary cause for delay. The lines are the property of the individual utilities

Other causes may involve a delay in material delivery. For example, a traffic signal pole can take 3 to 6 months to deliver. Poles are custom-designed and not ordered until the foundation is placed in the ground to ensure that they won’t have to be moved due to utility conflict.

Crews may be awaiting inspection or waiting for concrete to cure before they are able to move on to the next step in the project.

Why do road construction projects start so late in the year?2018-11-19T18:51:12-05:00

Some projects, particularly those which are funded through the State, get a late start due to the mismatch of fiscal calendars. The City’s fiscal year begins on January 1st. The State of Ohio’s fiscal year begins on July 1st. As a result, we can’t proceed with state funded projects until the funding has been passed by the State Legislature and is actually secured. Once official notification is obtained, projects proceed to the bid process.

How do I apply for a job with the City?2015-10-13T18:05:53-05:00

The City of Mentor employs over 500 individuals in full and part-time positions. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program for full-time employees.  Visit the Employment Opportunities page for current available positions and additional information.

Where can I find new resident info?2022-07-15T09:40:39-05:00

Visit the New Resident Resources page on our website.

What is required to be a registered contractor?2016-04-04T17:50:38-05:00

Minimum bonding and insurance requirements must be met in order to be a registered contractor in the City of Mentor. Minimum requirements include evidence of liability for bodily injury and property damage in the amount of $1,000,000. A $100 registration fee is also required for each trade. The City requires an ORIGINAL Mentor Bond form for EACH trade registration. For forms and details, go to the city website click on “work” then click on “permits” and the contractor registration forms are available along with an explanation of requirements. Contact the Building Department with any questions.

I want to put address numbers on my house, what size numbers should I use?2015-10-13T18:01:03-05:00

Mentor’s Code of Ordinances addresses this topic. Each house and building shall bear the identification of the address in numeric form. The minimum size of number on the house or building is four inches. If the house or building is located between 61 and 100 feet from the road right-of-way and the address is posted on the building, the minimum size is six inches. The number size for posting on buildings beyond 100 feet from the road right-of-way is ten inches. Posting numbers on mailboxes may be accomplished with numbers provided with the mailbox.

My neighbor’s lawn is really overgrown. Can something be done?2015-10-13T18:00:40-05:00

The Mentor Code of Ordinances states that “Lawns and landscaping shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly —.” And “Any growth of weeds or grass to a height greater than eight (8) inches on average” is considered rank vegetation. High grass complaints should be reported to the Code Enforcement Officers at (440) 974-5740. The Officers will check out the complaint and post the home with a notice so that the owner has 48 hours to cut the lawn. If that is not done, a notice will be sent to the Public Works Department and they will cut the lawn and the homeowner will be billed for the service.

Who is responsible for repairing my sidewalk?2015-10-13T17:59:08-05:00

It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the sidewalks within the public right of way. The city can provide a list of licensed contractors.

Can I discharge fireworks in the City of Mentor2015-10-13T17:58:37-05:00

No. It is against the law to possess, discharge or sell fireworks in Mentor. The city does hold an annual Fourth of July celebration on July 4th with a professional fireworks display at Civic Center Park.

Who should I call to report a dead animal or other debris in the road?2015-10-13T17:58:05-05:00

Weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. call the Public Works Department at (440) 974-5781. Call the Police Department at (440) 974-5789 at all other times.

Water is backing up in my basement through the floor drain (or through a basement toilet or shower); do I call the city?2015-10-13T17:57:27-05:00

No. Call the Lake County Dept. of Utilities at 350-3431 ext. 0. They will verify that the main sewer line is functioning properly. If it is, then it is the property owner’s responsibility.

How do I report a burned out streetlight?2024-03-18T10:04:04-05:00

Contact First Energy with accurate description of the location of the pole at https://firstenergycorp.com/outages_help/report-lighting-problem.html

Call Public Works at (440) 974-5781 if you have any questions.

Where can I view the Mentor Code of Ordinances?2021-06-07T08:16:30-05:00

A summary of ordinances and programs that are most commonly encountered by citizens can be found on the Ordinances webpage; to view the complete Codified Ordinances click here.

What is on the next City Council agenda?2016-04-28T20:19:09-05:00

All current Council agendas are posted on City Council page on the Friday before the upcoming meeting. If you have questions about an agenda item, you can call the Council Office at (440) 974-5755.

Does the Mentor Police Department conduct vacation house checks?2015-10-13T17:53:21-05:00

Yes. You can fill out a form by stopping in at the police station, or download the Residential Checks form found at the Police webpage.

Where do I go to pay a traffic ticket?2015-10-13T17:52:30-05:00

The Mentor Municipal Court is located at the Civic Center Complex at 8500 Civic Center Boulevard. The court’s entrance is just to the left of City Hall.

How can I get a copy of a Police Report2016-10-28T14:16:12-05:00

You can request a copy in person, by fax at 440-205-3614, or mail, at City of Mentor, Police Records Division, 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, Mentor, OH 44060. You can also send an e-mail topolicerecords@cityofmentor.com. We cannot return a report by e-mail, so you will need to provide us with your fax number or mailing address so the report can be returned to you.

When can I make a Police Report?2015-10-13T17:51:10-05:00

Police Officers will take reports at the Police Station 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When is the Police Records Department open?2015-10-13T17:50:40-05:00

The Records Department is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

I’m having problems with my cable provider (Time Warner or AT&T U-verse). Who can help me?2016-10-28T14:16:12-05:00

In 2007, the Ohio Department of Commerce became the franchise authority for cable and video service complaints. You can request their help by calling toll free, (877) 207-2225, or by e-mailing your request to VSA@com.state.oh.us.

I’m having problems with a utility company. What can I do?2015-10-13T17:47:05-05:00

File a complaint with the Public Utility Commission (PUCO) by calling (800) 686-7826 or log on to the PUCO’s web site.

What do I do if the power goes out?2016-10-28T14:16:12-05:00

You should immediately call the Illuminating Company’s Automated Outage Reporting Line at (888) 544-4877. Doing so will allow the Illuminating Company to restore service that much quicker. Please do NOT call the Emergency Dispatchers; the use of 9-1-1 is only to report a crime in progress, or a fire, or if an ambulance is needed.

When should my garbage and recycling containers be set out at the curb?2015-10-13T17:47:19-05:00

Garbage containers, yard waste containers and recycling bins should not be placed in the public right-of-way BEFORE 7 p.m. the night before your collection day. They should be removed from the public right-of-way no later than 7 p.m. on the day of collection. There is a system to warn and ultimately punish those who violate this regulation. Contact the Public Works Department to report a problem.

The public right-of-way is typically the “tree lawn” or 10 to 15 feet from the edge of the road. There are no ordinances that govern the placement of these containers once they are removed from the right-of-way.

When does yard waste get collected?2021-10-14T08:25:07-05:00

Mentor’s yard waste program begins the first full week of April and continues through the second full week of December. Specific starting/ending dates will be posted on The Mentor Channel, and on the Waste Removal & Recycling page. Yard waste is picked up the same day as your garbage.

Do I need a permit to hold a garage sale? Are garage sale signs allowed?2015-10-13T17:49:39-05:00

A permit is not required for a garage sale, but the city does restrict where signs can be placed. Garage sale signs are permitted only on the property where the sale is being held. They may not be posted at the street corner, on tree lawns, or utility poles. Illegally posted signs may be confiscated by city staff without prior notice.

Who do I call to report a malfunctioning traffic signal?2016-10-28T14:16:12-05:00

Call the Public Works Dept. at 974-5781 or send an e-mail to pubworks@cityofmentor.com.

How do I know if I need a Building Permit for my home improvement project?2015-10-13T17:49:59-05:00

A guide has been developed to help residents understand when a permit is required. “Before You Build: A Guide to Residential Permits” also explains and simplifies the process of obtaining and scheduling the required inspections. Technical questions can be directed to the city’s Chief Building Official.

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