What are the Township's office hours?
Most Township offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Roads Department is open 7:30 to 3:30 p.m. weekdays.
How do I schedule a block party or event?
An application must be submitted for approval in order to host a block party or community event. This form can be obtained at the West Chester Township Administration Office at 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, or is available online.
What is a Natural Gas Governmental Aggregation Program?
A Natural Gas Aggregation program exists when a community, mulitple communities and/or organizations join together to form one large buying group for natural gas.
In West Chester Township, residents voted in November 2005 for West Chester Township to offer an "opt-out" aggregation program. The "opt-out" program means that residents are automatically included in the aggregation program unless they take action to be excluded.
Does West Chester assess taxes?
Finance Page:As a Township, West Chester’s ability to assess taxes is very limited. West Chester does receive a portion of property tax revenue through Butler County, as well as some revenue from the state of Ohio. A “bed tax” is also paid directly by local hotels to West Chester Township. The Township also receives a limited income tax assessed in a specific geographic area of the community through a Joint Economic Development District. This income tax is assessed and collected by the City of Fairfield and then is dispersed according to a set contract arrangement. West Chester does not have its own taxing division.
What is the Township’s millage rate?
The Township’s millage rates are adjusted annually and are dependent upon decisions made by voters at the ballot box, assessed valuation of property by the Butler County Auditor, as well as commercial and residential market factors. Details of our current effective millage rates can be found at the Butler County Treasurer's website
What is the hotel or bed tax?
The hotel or bed tax is a 3-percent bed tax is charged to visitors staying in our local hotels. Hotel’s self report and send payment directly to West Chester Township.
Are there other taxes West Chester receives as part of its revenue in addition to property taxes and the hotel tax?
West Chester also receives a portion of the Motor Vehicle License Tax and the Gasoline Tax. These taxes are assessed by the State of Ohio and then are distributed to the local communities. Residents are encouraged to list West Chester Township as their community of residency when applying for motor vehicle licenses in order to ensure these revenues are directed appropriately.
Is there an income or payroll tax in West Chester?
As a Township, West Chester does not assess an income or payroll tax. Individuals working within the Township’s limited Joint Economic Development District (JEDD), however, are assessed an income tax by the District. A percentage of the tax collected within the JEDD is dispersed to West Chester. The JEDD area is approximately 43 acres located on the northwest corner of Cincinnati-Dayton Road and Union Centre Boulevard and only those working within this area are affected.
What is a Joint Economic Development District?
A Joint Economic Development District is designed to encourage cooperation among local communities to enhance development opportunities, mutually benefitting the economic vitality of each area. West Chester Township has partnered with the City of Fairfield (and the City of Springdale on a more limited basis) to create a Joint Economic Development District on approximately 43 acres at the northwest corner of Cincinnati-Dayton Road and Union Centre Boulevard. Within the set geographic boundaries of the JEDD, an income tax is administered and collected by the District, with administration through the City of Fairfield. As a Township, West Chester has no taxing authority on its own. West Chester receives a portion of this income tax, as does Springdale and Fairfield, based upon the details of a negotiated agreement with the parties involved. A JEDD Board with representation from each of the partners oversees the JEDD. The complete Joint Economic Development District contract is available for viewing on our website at the following link: www.westchesteroh.org/JEDD.cfm
How do I learn more about the tax assessed if I work in the JEDD?
If you work within the geographic boundaries of the JEDD, you will be assessed a 1 percent earnings tax. The tax will be charged by the City of Fairfield. For information, contact Brad Evans at 759-7226 or bevans@westchesteroh.org.
How do I obtain public documents associated with the JEDD?
The City of Fairfield maintains most records associated with tax collection/revenue/expenses of the JEDD in West Chester. As a partner in the JEDD, the City of Fairfield plays the role of administrator. For questions about public records that are maintained by West Chester Township, contact Brad Evans at 759-7226 or bevans@westchesteroh.org
What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?
Tax Increment Financing Districts are geographic districts established in commercial areas throughout the Township. Property owners within these districts volunteer to make "payment in lieu of taxes," the same amount they would have paid in property taxes on appreciated values, to a TIF Fund. In TIF Districts created after 1994, local school districts and the township have negotiated terms to ensure each receives an appropriate share of the "payment in lieu of taxes" generated by the new development within the district. Tax increment financing dollars can be spent on infrastructure improvements, amenities and critical services directly impacting the district from which the funds were collected. In West Chester, TIF funds have been used for various public improvements including roadway improvements in the Union Centre area, construction of the new fire headquarters and fire station 72, and construction of the new library.
What time do the parks close?
Most West Chester parks are open from dawn until dusk. The Square @ Union Centre remains open until 1 a.m.
How do I reserve a Park Shelter?
Shelters are available for rent at Keehner Park. Reservations can be made online.
Shelter reservations
How do I reserve the Muhlhauser Barn?
The Muhlhauser Barn at Beckett Park can be scheduled online or for additional information, call 759-7301.
How do I reserve the Lodge at VOA Park?
The Lodge at Voice of America Park is owned and operated by MetroParks of Butler County. To reserve, call 755-4402. MetroParks of Butler County
Where do I sign up for sports?
West Chester Township does not operate its own sports leagues, but there are several active recreational leagues in our community. Click here for a list of athletic programs in our community.
Does West Chester have a trash pick-up service?
No, West Chester Township does not offer curbside trash hauling. Each resident is responsible for contracting trash service with a private hauler.
Does West Chester pick up yard waste?
No. We suggest you contact your trash hauler or a landscape company.
What should I do in order to fill in a ditch on my property?
You must call the Butler County Engineer at (513) 867-5744 to obtain a permit (at no charge). It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain the drainage tile thereafter. CAUTION: It is illegal to fill in the ditch line with dirt, leaves, and/or other debris.
Is the Roads Department responsible for all streets in West Chester?
No, some of the streets are County roads and some are State roads. Click here for a detailed listing..
Who is responsible for street signs and other signs?
The West Chester Roads Division is responsible for maintenance of signs on Township streets. If you see one that needs repair or is down, please call (513) 777-8765. If you see a downed stop sign after normal business hours, please call the non-emergency police number, (513) 777-2231, and they will contact the Roads Division.
You may also report sign damage through the citizen action line on the website.
Which traffic signals does West Chester maintain?
West Chester does not maintain traffic lights. This is a responsibility of the Butler County Engineer' Office. Click here for a detailed listing.
If I have a street light out, who do I call?
All street lights are the responsibility of Duke Energy (513) 421-9500 or visit Duke Energy's website
Will the Township cut up and remove fallen trees?
The Roads Division will clear fallen trees from the roadway, but they do not remove fallen trees from private property. For assistance between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., call (513) 777-8765. After hours call the non-emergency number for the Police Department, (513) 777-2231, and they will call someone in the Roads Division for removal.
Who is responsible for curb repairs?
The Township is responsible for repairs to curbs on Township streets. For assistance call (513) 777-8765.
Who do I call when there is a dead animal in the road?
The Roads Division will remove the animal if it is in the roadway or on the edge of the road. Call (513) 777-8765 or report the dead animal on the citizens action line online.
What is a snow emergency?
A snow emergency is declared by the County Sheriff's Department. Click here for additional information
Where can I place a garage sale or other sign?
Temporary signs for garage sales, lost pets, etc. CANNOT be placed in the right-of-way. The right-of-way may be defined as the area between the road and the utility lines. Signs in the right-of-way will be removed and discarded. Signs are also NOT PERMITTED on utility poles.
How do I know the zoning of a property?
We offer a Check Your Zoning feature on our website. If you know the legal parcel number or the address of the property, this features will help you find the answer.
What types of residential projects require a permit?
Property owners must apply for a permit before they build a fence, deck, shed, home addition, basement finishes, etc. It is best to call our Community Development staff if you are uncertain, 777-4214.
Do I need a permit to reface an existing sign for my business?
Yes, you are required to file a permit. DETAILS
What types of temporary signs require a permit?
Advertising signs, such as those promoting sales, hiring, grand opening, etc., require a temporary sign permit. Construction signs also require a permit. These signs must not be placed in the public right of way.
How do I file a zoning or property maintenance complaint?
Zoning or property maintenance complaints can be filed online through Action Requests, or by calling Community Development at 777-4214.
Can I place a dumpster in the street?
No. Dumpsters cannot be placed in the public roadway.
Who do I call if someone is burning debris on their property?
The West Chester Fire Department accepts these calls at 777-1133.
How do I schedule a Fire Department inspection of my home?
The West Chester Fire Department provides home fire inspections for those who wish to open day cares, require an inspection for adoptions, or just for residents who want to determine the safety of their home. To schedule an inspection, call Capt. Scott Brooks at 759-7243.
Can I burn debris on my property?
West Chester residents are not permitted to burn garbage or yard waste on their property. Fire pits can be used for the enjoyment of residents if they do not generate enough smoke to be disruptive of neighbors. When using a recreational fire pit, please make sure you have quick access to water and are within reach of a phone to call the fire department in case of an emergency.
Does the Fire Department service fire extinguishers?
The Fire Department does not service fire extinguishers. There are many reliable private companies that offer this service. We suggest checking the telephone book or the internet to find one.
If my home needs a smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector, will the Fire Department install one?
The Fire Department does keep a supply of these critical safety devices on hand and is able to install if assistance is needed. Call Capt. Scott Brooks for more information, 759-7243.
If the batteries in my smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector are old, will the Fire Department replace them?
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are so critical to life safety that the Fire Department does stock replacement batteries and firefighters are prepared to assist residents in making sure these devices are operable. Call Capt. Scott Brooks at 759-7243.
