Vermilion Township is moving forward with plans to restore its own Building Department after the City of Vermilion invoked a 90-day notice period intended to delay the transition. Although the city’s requirement briefly slowed progress, developments that followed have shifted the situation in the township’s favor.
The pause began when the City of Vermilion informed township officials that it would require 90 days before releasing building authority back to the township. This notice came from an administrative arrangement that placed building permitting and inspection services under the city’s oversight.
Township Administrator Joe Baxter later contacted the Ohio Department of Commerce to verify the township’s certification status. Baxter reported that Vermilion Township remains a certified building department in good standing with the state, and that its certification had never lapsed. This confirmation established that the township already possesses the legal authority to operate its own building department without seeking recertification or additional state approval.
Following the announcement, trustees noted that the discovery reinforces the township’s position and supports moving forward with local control. Trustees have expressed ongoing support for reestablishing the department, which many residents view as an important step toward improving service consistency and accountability.
A review of the administrative agreement with the city revealed that, while the contract required adoption by both a city resolution and a township resolution, no township resolution was ever passed. That oversight occurred under a previous board and raises questions about whether the city’s 90-day requirement can be enforced as written.
Despite the delay imposed by the city, township officials appear confident about the transition. Trustees reiterated that restoring a township-run building department remains a priority, especially as residents continue to report concerns about delays and staffing changes within the city’s department.
Discussions with the City of Vermilion are ongoing, and the township expects to provide additional updates as the transition progresses.
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