How do I find grants that are available to my organization?

It's always useful to think about the goals of your organization and try to integrate those goals with the goals of grant makers. Be creative! For instance, if your organization is a sports activity for youth, it would be inappropriate to ask an organization whose grant-making focus is to provide health services to Senior Citizens to fund you directly. However, perhaps such a grant-maker  might be able to fund an activity for your organization that helps provide exercise for Seniors by allowing them to officiate your activities and improve their health. Or perhaps there is another way to integrate what you want to accomplish with what the grant-maker is trying to accomplish.

Each year (usually in March/April) the City solicits input from citizens for projects to be undertaken as part of the City's Community Development Block Grant Program. 

State and Federal Agencies which provide services similar to the ones your organization does may have grant resources available to help you.  Similarly, a number of corporations and private charitable foundations are dedicated to helping non-profit organizations.

Here are some links you may find useful:

• The Foundation Center:  Hundreds of links to corporate and charitable foundation web sites, along with useful information to formulate your proposal. 

• GrantSource:  Ohio State Auditor Jim Petro maintains an on-line newsletter of funding sources through State of Ohio agencies.

• Today's Issue of The Federal Register:  The Federal Register is the official publication of the United States Government to provide notices for grant programs, proposed regulatory changes and a wealth of other information. From this link youÃll be able to see todayÃs copy of The Federal Register and browse other previous issues.

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Are there any funds available to help me start a business in the City of Portsmouth?

The City maintains a Business Revolving Loan Fund to help create and retain low-to-moderate income jobs inside the City Limits. 

It may be that your specific venture requires more money than the Business Revolving Loan Fund is able to offer.  We will work with you to explore all appropriate public funding for your venture.  For further information or to set up a meeting, please contact Jennifer Hanlon, Community Development Director.

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Can you help me find demographic information for our area? 

Here are some links you may find useful:

• The latest census information from the U.S. Census Bureau.  In order to read this document, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Get it here.

• The latest Scioto County demographic information from the Ohio Department of Development.

• If you have specific questions with which we are able to assist you, please donÃt hesitate to contact Ms. Cathi Shaw, Grants Technician.

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Do I need a permit?

A permit is required for any new construction and for all remodeling of an existing structure (interior and exterior). Separate permits are issued for Electrical, Plumbing, and Building work. A permit is required in all zoning areas- Residential, Business, and Industrial.

A permit is not required for: minor replacement of existing fixtures or maintenance of existing structures, such as painting.  

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Why do I need Architectural/Engineering Plans for a commercial project?

The State of Ohio - through the Ohio Building Code - requires that any commercial project must have plans submitted and approved by a Certified Plans Examiner before any construction permits may be issued.

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How do I know the zoning of my residence or business?

The Engineering Department maintains zoning maps and copies of the regulations pertaining to each zoning area of the City.  A copy of this zoning map and each districts regulations will be available on this site in the future.   

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Who is responsible for fixing sidewalks?

Section 905.06 of the City's Codified Ordinances states, in part... "It shall be the duty of the owners of lots abutting on sidewalks in the City to keep such sidewalks in good repair in front of their premises and to prevent any uneveness in the surface grade of such sidewalks by any reason whatsoever."   

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Does the City conduct inspections throughout Scioto County?

No, City Inspectors are responsible for electrical, plumbing, and structural inspections within the City of Portsmouth Corporation Limits.

Any inquiry regarding permits and building regulations pertaining to other areas of the County should be submitted to the Scioto County Planning Division or the Scioto County Engineer's Office.   

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Will you fill my pool?

The occupant must purchase water from the City Water Department. Occupant must provide their own means of transportation to haul water. Water can be hauled from the City Filtration Plant located in New Boston.  

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Can I borrow hoses, nozzles, etc. to be used by my construction company, etc.?

The Fire Department does not lend out any equipment.

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Can I burn brush?

No open burning is allowed in the city limits except for cooking purposes.

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Is the Fire Department selling ads?

The Fire Department does not sell ads. If you receive this type of solicitation, you should contact the Detective Division at 354-1600.

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How do I get my demolition deposit money returned to me?

Once the structure is either torn down or brought up to code, the owner must contact the Engineering Department. When the Engineering Department inspects and confirms that this structure is brought up to code, the Fire Department will be contacted to begin process to have the demolition deposit money returned to the owner.

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How do I obtain a job application?

To obtain a position with the Portsmouth Fire Department, the Civil Service Office conducts a test that is in effect for 2 years. Notice of this examination will be posted in the lobby of the Municipal Building and advertised in the local paper.  The Fire Department has nothing to do with this process other than to notify the Civil Service Commission of vacancies. Use the following address to correspond with the Civil Service Commission: 

David Huddleston, Executive Secretary
Civil Service Commission
728 Second Street
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

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When is the Records Department open?

Business hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (excluding major holidays).

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My car was towed by the police. How do I get it back?

1. Take the following items to the authority that had your car towed (ex. Municipal Court): 

• Proof of ownership (normally the title or registration), AND

• Proof of identification (driver's license, student ID, etc.).

2. Pay the $20 impound fee, after which you will be given a release. (Note: The $20 fee does not cover the fee that the wrecker charges, nor does it include fines or citations.)

3. Take the release to the wrecker company, who will then give your auto to you.

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My insurance company wants a copy of an accident report. How do I obtain one?

You can obtain a copy of an accident report at the Records Department. The accident must have happened within our City limits. You must know the location/date and at least one of the drivers' names. Cost for this document is five cents per page (normally three pages).

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When does my teenage son/daughter have to be off the streets?

The legally established curfew for persons between the ages of 14 and eighteen is as follows:

• On nights when school is in session the next day: 10:30 p.m.

• On nights when there isn't any school the next day: 11:30 p.m.

• Exceptions are made for minors possessing work permits who are going home from work.

• A small grace period is allowed for minors to return home from late school functions.

• No person can give another permission to remain out past the established hour of curfew.

• Being in the company of an adult, other than the minor's parents, is not an exception to this law.

• The curfew applies whether you are walking or driving in any public location.

• Curfew is "lifted" at 5:30 a.m. each morning.

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How does a holiday affect my garbage pickup?

Pickup for Christmas and New Year's Day will be one day behind; all other holidays are on a normal schedule.

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Who do I call if I want to use the Parks?

Call the Public Service Department at 354-7766.

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What kind of garbage will you refuse to pick up?

Refrigerators, air-conditioners, tires, vehicle batteries, and paint.

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How are the times set on the Traffic lights?

Times  vary according to the intersection and are usually determined by the distance between each intersection.                                                 

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What controls the street lights on Chillicothe Street?

Photo-eye and timers.

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Who do I call if my drains are not running?

Call the Waste Water Department at (740) 353-0241 only if you believe the blockage is on city property. If the blockage is on your property, you will need to call a plumber.

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What could be the cause of an unpleasant odor inside my house?

Indoor odors almost always come from an open drain. Here are a few suggestions:

• Check the traps and make sure they are sealed by running water down the drains in your Sinks, floor drains and commodes
• Check around the commode seal at the floor; the commode can hold water and still let odor into the house. The floor may or may not be damp at the base of the commode, you may need a plumber to replace the seal. 
• If the odor persists,  call the Waste Water Department at (740) 353-0241 to check the sewers.

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Who do I call about a sewage odor outside my house?

Call the Waste Water Department at (740) 353-0241. The City will send someone to check and, if necessary, flush the sewer.

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Who do I call if the storm drain on my street will not take water?

Call the Waste Water Department at (740) 353-0241. The City will send someone to clean the basin.

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When does the city put up the flood gates?

Each flood defense gate is installed at a set river elevation. The Flood Defense crew will install them as required by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The first gate to be installed is at third and Madison Street, when the river is at 52.8 feet. Other flood gates are installed as needed.

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