FAQs • Washington County, OH • CivicEngage

Where do I call for property development information?: Individuals and businesses need to know that before developing any property or making any improvements, they should check with various county departments to determine what requirements must be met before proceeding.
Some of the issues and the office(s) to contact are listed on this page.

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Engineer

1. Where do I get a map of my property?: Go to the Tax Map on the second floor of the main courthouse or contact the Washington County Auditor's Office. Washington County Auditor's Office

2. Are there any historical property maps available?: The tax map office has scanned images and hard copy maps of much of the county.

3. Where do I find information on road closings?: View county road closings. Road Closures

4. I would like to transfer my property. Do I need to have my property surveyed first?: This depends on many factors, such as the quality of the current deed description, or whether you are transferring all or just a portion of your property. The county has Land Transfer Procedures, or Conveyance Standards, that you should review. You can all call or visit the Tax Map Office to have your questions answered. Land Transfer Procedures

5. Do I need a permit to connect a new or widen an existing driveway to a public road?: Yes, a permit is required and forms are available at the County Engineer’s Office, 103 Westview Avenue, Marietta. Private or Commercial Driveway Application

6. How do I get a road opened, relocated, widened, or vacated?: Petitions are required, which must have a legal description. The petition is filed with the County Commissioners. A viewing of the proposed road change is held followed by a formal public hearing. Establishing a road required certain criteria must be met such as how many residences are located along the road. It is not the Township Trustee’s, County Commissioner’s, or County Engineer’s function to build or open roads. Their responsibility is primarily to maintain roads. You will likely be asked to fund all or part of the requested construction. Contact the County Engineer’s Office at (740) 376-7430 for more information.

7. What constitutes a subdivision?: Basically any split of a tract of land is a subdivision. Whether or not the subdivision regulations apply to a split depends on how many parcels are involved, whether new public or private roads are needed, lot size and so on. Call the Tax Map Office at (740) 373-6623 for more information. Review the county’s Property Transfer Procedure for Washington County and the County Subdivision Regulations for detailed information.

8. Why is my road the last to be snow plowed?: Washing County has 15 planned snow routed designed to be as efficient and effective as possible. Certain high traffic roads do get priority but that is how it should work. Routes are planned to enable each driver to cover as many miles and return to the cinder and salt storage facility without back tracking roads already plowed.

9. Why hasn’t my road been paved?: Funds are limited like any household budget. Roads are evaluated annually and prioritized based on condition, traffic volume, and type of traffic. The paving plan is then established to meet budget. Snow and ice control and maintenance must get first priority before major improvements are made. Bridges are prioritized in a similar manner.

10. How close can I build a fence to the road?: Fences should not be built on the right of way, but if they are, permission should be obtained from either the township trustees or the county engineer. Many fences already exist in the right of way and unless they pose a serious hazard they will be handled on a case by case basis for removal. A policy for fences on the right of way is being formulated and will be published when it is adopted.

11. How do I get a house number?: Call the Washington County Sheriff’s Department at (740) 376-7070 ext. 0 and ask for the 911 director.

12. Do I need approval for a septic tank before I can subdivide a property or purchase a newly created lot(s)?: Yes. Before a new lot, lots, or a subdivision can be recorded the owner must obtain approval from the County Health Department. Health Department Environmental Page

13. Where do I call for property development information?: Individuals and businesses need to know that before developing any property or making any improvements, they should check with various county departments to determine what requirements must be met before proceeding.
Some of the issues and the office(s) to contact are listed on this page.