Frequently Asked Questions

Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call Tipp City Utilities at 937-667-8424. After hours and on the weekends, call 844-287-9792 (toll free).

Call Tipp City Utilities at 937-667-8424.

Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call Tipp City Utilities at 937-667-8424. After hours and on the weekends, call 844-287-9792 (toll free).

After reporting the outage, unplug all non-essential appliances.  Also, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.  Continually opening and closing these doors will result in faster loss of cold air.

Tipp City Electric is not currently offering a rebate incentive program.

There are a number of parking regulations in Tipp City, please refer to section for more information. There is additional parking available in the Downtown are, look for sign to direct you. § 76.04 PARKING PROHIBITIONS

No person owning or having control of a dog or any animal or fowl, shall permit it to run at large in any street, alley, public park (except the dog park located in Kyle Park), other public ground, or permit any animal to go upon any private yard or lot without the consent of the property owner.

No person shall keep a dog which engages in loud and frequent or habitual barking, howling or yelping, which causes annoyance or disturbance to the neighborhood.

The owner or person in control of any dog which defecates upon any property not owned by this person, shall pick up and remove all feces deposited by the dog and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.

It is illegal to park or stop in a fire lane at any time. Fire lanes are marked by yellow curbing or striping and signs.

Garage sales do not require a permit and are permissible with the following guide lines:

• Only one sign may be posted and only on the property where the event is being held. 
• The sign may be posted 24 hours preceding the event and must be removed 2 hours after the event has ended. 
• The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 3 feet above the ground and shall not exceed 4 square feet in total size.

House numbers shall be displayed in a conspicuous place on the front of the building. The numbers must be at least 3 inches in height.

Reflective numbers and green reflective base plates are offered for sale by the Tipp City Fire Department. For more information contact the Fire Department at 937-667-9199.

Dumping of unwanted items is illegal in the City of Tipp City. Unwanted items can be disposed of by contacted Waste Management and arranging for pickup.

A recreational fire may be kindled providing the following restrictions are adhered to:

• The fire is not offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
• The wind velocity must be less than 10 MPH as indicated by the National Weather Service and is in a direction to carry smoke away from neighbors. This can be monitored on cable TV Channel 6.
• The fire must be located a minimum of 25 feet from any structure. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
• It must be fueled with clean dry wood, natural gas or equivalent.
• Fire extinguishing materials must be at site of burning at all times.
• The fire shall be attended by a sober, responsible adult at all times.
• The fire shall be extinguished immediately when the event is completed and/or the responsible adult is leaving the fire.
• The fire shall be limited in size not larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• A recreational fire is one that is intended for cooking or enjoyment of those present.
• Trash, yard debris, leaves or any other smoke producing materials shall not be burned.

Skateboarding is not permitted on any public or private property unless permission is obtained from the property owner. The City of Tipp City maintains a skateboard facility in Kyle Park.

An abandoned or junk vehicles is defined in City ordinance 98.04 as a motor vehicle:

1. Left on private property for more than 72 hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property, on a public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, or on or within the right-of-way of any road or highway, for 48 hours or longer;
2. Three years old, or older;
3. Extensively damaged, such damage including, but not limited to any of the following: missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission.

Such vehicles can be reported to the police department by calling the dispatch center at 937-440-9911.

Permits are required street or alley closings, placing of dumpster in public right of way, and RV parking. Please contact the City of Tipp City for additional information on required permits.

Loud or annoying noise is governed by City Ordinance, refer to City Ordinance: § 132.04 DISORDERLY CONDUCT, § 72.65 MECHANICAL EXHAUST BRAKING.

No person under 18 years of age shall be upon the public streets, sidewalks, alleys, or any unsupervised place in the city of Tipp City between the hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays, and between the hours of midnight to 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

It is unlawful for any person to possess or sell fireworks in the City of Tipp City. Further, it is unlawful for any person to discharge, ignite, or explode any fireworks within the municipality. § 76.22

The City of Tipp City has specific requirements for sign placement, refer to section § 154.090 - 154.112 for specific information.

Littering is illegal in the City of Tipp City. Please do your part and use proper trash receptacles to preserve the beauty of the City. Refer to City Ordinance: § 55.02 ILLEGAL DUMPING, § 94.03 DISCARDING LITTER PROHIBITED

Yes. If you maintain Tipp City as your legal residence, you are required to file a return even though much of your time may be spent out of the city. Any income that you earn is taxable to Tipp City regardless of where earned.

Social Security income and pension income are not taxable at the local level; however, as a resident of Tipp City, you are still required to file an annual return. If you are retired but receive other types of income such as part-time wages or rental income, you are required to file a return and pay the tax on that income. In some circumstances retired residents can become exempt from filing annual returns. Please contact the tax office to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.

No. Tipp City residents under the age of 18 are not subject to mandatory file, nor are they subject to the 1.5% city income tax. Effective with tax year 2024, if you were under the age of 18 and worked and had Tipp City income taxes withheld, you may file for a refund. You will need to provide a driver’s license or birth certificate to validate your age. No refund of taxes if the total amount withheld is less than $10.

You are required to file a Tipp City return for any portion of the year that you were a resident. Taxable income will be based on the income that you earned while a resident only (unless the income was earned within the City of Tipp City, in which case it is fully taxable). You must attach documentation of your part-year income such as a pay stub closest to the date that you moved in or out.

No. If you work in any city with a tax rate higher than Tipp City, you receive a credit for tax paid to that city, but the credit will not exceed the Tipp City tax rate. Your taxes are first paid to the city that you work in. Your residence city does not receive any of those taxes; therefore, cannot refund it. If you work in a city whose tax rate is lower than Tipp City, you receive a credit for tax paid to that city and you will owe Tipp City the difference.

No. The Tipp City income tax ordinance requires business and individual taxpayers to make estimated tax payments if the amount of estimated taxes reaches $200 or more for the tax year. The due dates for estimated tax payments for businesses are 4/15, 6/15, 9/15 and 12/15. Individual taxpayer due dates are 4/15, 6/15, 9/15 and 1/15. If estimated payments were due, but not paid, underpayment penalty and interest may be assessed.

Documentation is required to support all income, credits and adjustments shown on your city return. The specific forms needed will vary depending on each taxpayer’s situation. Examples of necessary forms, if applicable: 

• W-2s (showing Federal, Medicare and local wage amounts, and amount of city tax withheld for all cities)
• 1099s
• Page 1 of Fed Form 1040
• Fed Schedule C, E, F, and A
• Form 2106 (if applicable)
• Page 1 and 2 of Fed Form 4797
• Fed Form 1065, 1120 or 1120-S
• Supporting schedules
• Documentation to support part-year residency

The current tax rate is 1.5%.

For tax years 1981 to 2002 the tax rate was 1%. From 2003 through 6/30/11, the tax rate was 1.25%.

The due date for calendar year taxpayers is April 15th. The due date for fiscal year taxpayers is 3 ½ months after fiscal year end.

All Tipp City residents 18 years of age or older are required to file returns annually. Non-residents are required to file only when they earn income within the City of Tipp City which is not fully withheld upon, or have a business or rental property in the city. Every business located in or performing services in the city is required to file annual returns. All returns are required regardless of the amount of income received or losses incurred.

Yes, credit card payments are accepted with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, and American Express, convenience fees apply. View/Pay your Utility Bill.

Yes. At the plant we are able to reduce the minerals in the water responsible for hardness.

The water hardness averages 140 milligrams per liter (mg/l) or 8.2 grains per gallon (gpg).

The number is 937-667-3012 and the building is located at 520 North Hyatt Street.

Call Tipp City Utilities at 937-667-8424.

Call Republic Services at 877-535-0573.

Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call Tipp City Utilities at 937-667-8424. After hours and on the weekends, call 844-287-9792 (toll free).

The City maintains the water lines in the street up to the curb box. The curb box is the shut off valve located near the side walk. The property owner is responsible for water lateral repairs from the curb box to the house. The water meter is maintained by the City. The City maintains the sewer mains in the street. The property owner is responsible for repairs to the sewer from its connection to the main into the house.

Zoning district designations may be found by locating your property on our zoning map. If you call 937-667-6305 with a Miami County parcel number or address, we can help you find your zoning.

In order to apply for a zoning permit, the following is needed:

1. A completed application.
2. A site plan delineating all property lines, easements, any existing structures, and the proposed position of the structure you are applying for.  City staff can usually provide a basic site plan of your property.  However, you are required to provide the dimensions of the proposed structure (shed, fence, deck, etc.) and the exact location of the proposed structure in relation to your property lines.
3. The appropriate permit fee payable to the City of Tipp City (cash or check).

Permits are issued in person at the Tipp City Government Center, 260 S. Garber Drive.

A setback is measured from a lot (property) line to the nearest point of a building or structure using a perpendicular line to the property line. Remember to always measure from a lot line and not the back of the curb or sidewalk.

The City of Tipp City does not keep records of architectural plans.

The best way to accurately determine the location of your property lines is to hire a licensed surveyor to locate (or set) your property pins and determine the boundaries of your property based upon the legal description of the property.

Yes, Tipp City allows garage/yard sales with the following requirements:

Temporary garage sales shall be subject to the following regulations:
(i) There shall be a minimum of one month between any two garage sales on a single lot.
(ii) No fee or other charge shall be imposed upon members of the public attending any such sale.
(iii) Only one sign shall be permitted on the premises of the sale. Such sign shall have a maximum sign area of four square feet and shall not exceed three feet in height.
(iv) Balloons, streamers, special lighting, noise making devices or other similar advertising displays or notices are prohibited.
(v) Attachment of signs to utility poles and traffic signs is prohibited. No sign shall be placed in a curb lawn area.
(vi) Public auctions and moving sales shall be permitted for not more than one week per calendar year on any given lot.

Almost all modifications to your property require a zoning and/or building permit.  Sheds, fences, decks, swimming pools, driveways, detached garages, residential expansions, etc. all require a zoning permit.  Zoning permits are obtained thru the City of Tipp City and Building Permits thru Miami County.

A approved zoning permit is required for the installation of a pool, hot tub or spa.  Please review the Home Improvements Brochure for the specific requirements and call our office at 937-667-6305 with any additional questions.

The installation of a fence requires an approved zoning permit.  Please review the Home Improvements Brochure for the specific requirements and call our office at 937-667-6305 with any additional questions.

An approved zoning permit is required for the installation of a shed.  Please review the Home Improvements Brochure for the specific requirements and call our office at 937-667-6305 with any additional questions.

The Historic District (formally called the the Old Tippecanoe City Restoration and Architectural District) is designated on the zoning map as RA.  If your property is zoned CC/RA or R-2/RA, your property is in the Historic District.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Restoration Board or city staff is required before beginning any construction, enlargement, rebuilding, relocation, remodeling, exterior repainting, or demolition project in the historic district.  The requirement for a COA does not apply to the interior of any home or business. There is no fee for applying.  The Guidelines Booklet provides the specific standards for exterior projects in the Historic District.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is the permit required before beginning any construction, enlargement, rebuilding, relocation, remodeling, exterior repainting, or demolition project in the historic district.  The requirement for a COA does not apply to the interior of any home or business. There is no fee for applying.  

In order to apply, complete the Certificate of Appropriateness application and submit it with the following:

1. A detailed scale drawing or blueprints (as applicable) to illustrate proposed work.
2. Sketches, color samples, material samples, or other exhibits necessary to demonstrate compliance with the applicable standards and guidelines.

Submit application and supplementary material to the Community and Economic Development Department at the Government Center, 260 S. Garber Drive.

For minor changes, staff can review and approve applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness.  For all other exterior projects, the Restoration Board is responsible for the review and approval.

A position may be advertised in a local newspaper of general circulation, professional journals, the internet, city web site, colleges or  universities, or other medium or location deemed necessary to fill the  position.

14 calendar days.

No, only the hand written application is accepted. However you may submit a resume at your interview.

One year.

The Engineering Department is located at The Government Center, 260 S. Garber Drive, Tipp City, Ohio 45371.

State law requires anyone digging to call Ohio Utility Protection Services (OUPS) at 1-800-362-2764 or 811 for underground utility locations. Within 48 hours, OUPS will locate all underground utilities near the proposed work site to ensure you avoid them.

The City can provide an approximate site plan with easements for your property.  Exact measurements would require hiring a licensed land surveyor.

If you are replacing any portion of your driveway, curb, or sidewalk that is located within the City right-of-way, you are required to obtain a permit. The person performing this work must be registered with the City of Tipp City to work in the right-of-way.

If replacing any portion of your driveway that is on your private property (not located within the City right-of-way), a permit is required only if you are expanding it.  All driveways are required to be asphalt or concrete.  Gravel driveways/parking pads are not permitted.  

A dumpster permit must be obtained to place a dumpster in the public right-of-way during a project.  As a rule of thumb, if the dumpster is placed on your driveway and is not located within one foot of the sidewalk, no permit is required.  If it is within one foot of the sidewalk, is on the sidewalk or your drive approach, or is in the street, a dumpster permit is required.

In order to apply for a dumpster permit, submit a dumpster permit application to the Engineering Department along with the required fee of $25 (cash or check).

Traffic light and street light maintenance is handled by the Tipp City’s electric department. You can report issues with traffic lights or street lights by calling the Engineering Department at (937) 667-6305. If the outage is creating a safety issue and it is not regular business hours or on a weekend, please call the Police Department at (937) 667-3112.

Dead animals that are on the City streets that are located within the City limits will be removed by the City. You can report the dead animal by calling (937) 667-6305. Removal of animals that are located on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Potholes in public streets can be reported by contacting Tipp City’s Municipal Services Office at (937) 667-6305. If the potholes are located on private streets or drives or in private parking lots, the repairs are the responsibility of the property owner.

Street Light outages or street light issues can be reported by contacting Tipp City’s Municipal Services Office at (937) 667-6305. When contacting the City, please provide the following information:

· The street address closest to pole

· Your phone number

· Let us know if the light is completely out, cycling on and off, constantly on, or if there are other issues such as a broken globe.

Traffic light maintenance is handled by the City of Tipp City. You can report issues with traffic lights by contacting Tipp City’s Municipal Services Office  at (937) 667-6305. If the outage is creating a safety issue and it is not regular business hours or it is a weekend, please call the Police Department at (937) 667-3112.

Yes!  Each fall, the Tipp City Street Department schedules a leaf pickup program throughout the City.  Specific dates are released in September each year.  Residents are asked to rake leaves into the street, one foot from the curb, so that storm water will drain.  Pickups generally begin in October and run through mid-December.

Snow and Ice Removal Plan

According to the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a quiet zone is a railroad grade crossing at which trains are prohibited from sounding their horns in order to decrease the noise level for nearby residential communities. The train horns can be silenced only when increased safety measures compensate for the absence of the horns.

There are over 860 Quiet Zones in communities across the nation with more being added every year. Also, a Quiet Zone is a half mile stretch of rail. There can be multiple crossings in that zone. Which means that there are thousands of crossings across the United States that are quiet.

Yes. Freight and passenger trains will still sound horns in emergencies, such as when a car or pedestrian is on the tracks. Trains are also required to sound horns when accelerating from a stopped position and when crews and equipment are working on the track. Also, the crossings at Crane Road and Evanston are not within Tipp City limits. The trains will still be sounding horns at those crossings.

If the train engineer at any time feels equipment is not working or if someone is visible on the tracks, he/she does not need to follow the Quiet Zone rule and can sound the horn.

Historically, railroads have sounded locomotive horns or whistles in advance of grade crossings as a safety precaution. The FRA requires that freight and passenger trains sound horns 20 seconds prior to reaching public crossings, 24 hours a day, to warn motorists and pedestrians that a train is approaching, unless a quiet zone has been approved. Train crews may also sound their horns when there is a vehicle, person, or animal on or near the track, and the crew determines it is appropriate to provide warning. Crews may also sound the horn when there are track or construction workers within 25 feet of a live track, or when gates and lights at the crossing are not functioning properly.

The sound level for a train horn averages over 100 decibels. To put that into context, when the US government released memos regarding the torture of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, they included specific instructions that any “white noise/loud sounds” were not to exceed 79 decibels. According to OSHA at 100 dBA, NIOSH recommends less than 15 minutes of exposure per day.

The train horn noise level in Tipp City has been measured at 80+ decibels in the area from the Fire Department on Main Street to First Street. All homes and businesses in Tipp City between the tracks and the levee/bike path are effectively in this area, as well as nearly 1,000 homes west of the tracks; the noise level is measured at 90+ decibels one block from the tracks in each direction - from 4th Street to 6th Street at Main Street, which includes over 150 homes.

Studies have demonstrated correlations that link noise exposure to health and learning issues, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease; impaired reading, memory, and speech in children; sleep disturbance, which can lead to diabetes and other health concerns; and tinnitus (publications by the World Health Organization, Toronto Public Health, Federal Railroad Administration and the American Psychological Association).

All the crossings in Tipp City would be updated to the latest safety codes and increased with several options. Those options are: Four-quadrant gates, center medians and barriers, or permanent closure.

In a Quiet Zone, real estate values would likely rise approximately 10% in areas within the sound of the horn (local property appraisers).This may have a ripple effect on property values throughout the area and make homes in the area more attractive to buyers compared to those not located in a Quiet Zone.

Yes. The City of Tipp City and the Tipp City Police have recommended looking into closing the Plum Street and German Street Crossings due to the dangerously high crossings there. It is not safe for some longer vehicles, such as Fire Trucks, to cross. Nothing has been decided and no decision will be made to actually close a crossing until the Quiet Zone report has been submitted to the city.

Under the Train Horn Rule, locomotive engineers must sound train horns for a minimum of 15 seconds, and a maximum of 20 seconds, prior to entering crossings. Wherever feasible, train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of two long, one short, and one long. The horn must continue to sound until the lead locomotive or train car occupies the grade crossing

The soonest that a city-funded Quiet Zone can realistically be implemented is 18 months, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

The crossings under review are Park Avenue, Plum Street, Walnut Street, Main Street, Dow Street, Broadway Street, German Street, and South Third Street. The crossings at Crane Road and Evanston Road are not within Tipp City limits. The trains would still be sounding horns at those crossings.

The Quiet Zone Committee meets at least once a month at Tipp City Hall. You can check the calendar for the next meeting. If you would like to be on the committee, please email Janice Bates for an application at batesj@tippcity.net. The application is just a formality and all residents are welcome to join!

Please refer to the following:  https://www.miamicountyrecycles.org/household-hazardous-waste

Please view this guide business owners on the Knox Box ordering process.  

Please review the Ohio Open Burning Regulations.

Please refer to the following:  https://www.miamicountyrecycles.org/drugs-pills-medical-sharps-disposal

Please refer to the following:  https://www.miamicountyrecycles.org/paint-disposal

Please refer to the following:  https://www.miamicountyrecycles.org/electronics-light-bulbs-battery-disposal

Fill out an application and return it to Human Resources or the Fire & EMS Department.

The food truck legislation can be found in Code 154.04(G)(42), which was adopted by city council on August 19, 2019. Click here to view the ordinance.

Applications for food truck permits are available here or at the planning window in the Tipp City Government Center.  All applications must be submitted to the planning window 48 hours before vendors begin operation.

Yes, you do. You will need to provide written proof of consent from the property owner in either letter or email form.  Additionally, you will need a copy of a valid Ohio Department of Health mobile food license.

The Tipp City Zoning Administrator must first approve your application to ensure the food truck is in a permissible area to operate.  An inspection will then be scheduled with fire and emergency services the day of the event to ensure compliance with all fire and health codes.

There is no fee associated with obtaining a food truck permit.

An approved food truck permit is good for the entire duration of the event.  However, a new permit is required for each event you intend to operate.

Before your scheduled inspection, please make sure you are properly set up prior to the arrival of the fire department.  Make sure a printed copy of a valid Ohio Department of Health mobile food license is in the truck.  The fire inspector will then work through a mobile food unit checklist. The mobile food unit checklist stems from the 2017 Ohio fire code, section 320.

Yes, the City offers the EcoSmart Choice program to all customers. The EcoSmart Choice program allows the customer to add an additional charge on their monthly electric bill which is used to purchase Renewable Energy Certificate’s (RECs). A REC is created when a renewable energy resource produces energy and the REC is sold into the REC market. By purchasing RECs, the customer is directly supporting renewable energy resources.

Yes, but customers must review & complete the interconnection application.  Once approved a Tipp City Zoning Permit will be required along with a Miami County Building Permit.  The project must meet all requirements within the interconnection application, Tipp City zoning regulations, and Miami County Building regulations for a project to move forward.  

Yes.  Tipp Electric will allow you to use your excess power generated as a credit to reduce your monthly electric bill.  This credit cannot be carried forward and the City does NOT currently provide any monetary compensation for additional power generated once you’ve reduced your monthly bill down to zero (customer charge still applies).  

As a public power utility, the City of Tipp City operates a not-for-profit electric utility. Most of the Utilities Department's expenses are fixed costs, meaning the expenses don't change much based on a customer's usage. The City's electric rates are based on a Cost of Service Study that examines all of the expenses to provide the electrical needs of our community. The expenses include, but are not limited to, power supply contracts, transmission and capacity obligations, the cost of infrastructure such as electric poles, lines, and transformers, and finally, the cost to ensure our staff and equipment are available and equipped to respond to electrical issues anywhere in the city at a moment's notice, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The rates that are charged to customers are designed for full-service requirement customers (a customer that purchases all of their energy needs from the City). In this way, the City ensures that our expenses are equitably collected from each customer based on their use of the electric system. The Cost of Service Study is the best way to ensure that the customer charges are fair and equitable.

When a customer installs rooftop solar, they become a partial-service requirement customer. This means that the customer does not purchase all of their energy needs from the City because they are offsetting some or all of their energy needs with their own generating system. The customer relies on the City to provide all of their electric service at any given time.  The customer also depends upon the City's electric distribution system in order to receive a credit for their excess generation.

The Monthly Customer Charge is necessary to recover the unavoidable fixed expenses mentioned above that are incurred by the City. Again, these costs include system maintenance, transformers, debt service, capital improvements, power supply, transmission, capacity, buildings, equipment, and labor. 

Trash and recycling should be set out the night before your trash service day. If your trash or recycling is missed or you need to schedule the pickup of a large item, please contact Republic Services directly at 877-535-0573.  

Republic offers a low volume and standard service option for trash and recycling pickup. The 96-gallon trash cart provides for unlimited trash service. Should you choose the 35-gallon low volume trash cart, please note that all contents will need to fit inside the cart. Republic will not service extra bags set out with a low volume cart, unless they are tagged with a special sticker that must be purchased at the Tipp City Government Center.