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Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of frequently asked questions for the City of Delphos. If at any time you need more information
or further explanation, please contact the Safety Services Director at 419-695-4010, or by email: gberquist@cityofdelphos.com.

Animal Control

1. Where do I report a stray dog or cat?

In Allen County call the Allen County Dog Warden 410-222-0319. In Van Wert County call Van Wert County Humane Society at 410-238-5088.

2. Who do I call for barking dog concerns?

Call the Delphos Police Department at 419-692-4015.

3. What are the leash laws for the City of Delphos?

Except for your own private property, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Building & Safety

1. When is a permit required?

The best way to determine if a proposed project requires a permit is to contact the Safety Services Director at (419) 695-4010.

A permit is generally required for any new building, addition, or change in use of an existing building or structure and site improvements. Examples of residential items that require permits include:

	•	New residential structures
	•	Building additions to exiting residential structures
	•	Adding a garage
	•	Erecting a shed
	•	Installing fencing
	•	Constructing a deck
	•	Installing a swimming pool
	•	Installing sidewalks or a driveway

Examples of commercial and no-residential items that require permits include:

	•	Building additions to existing residential structures
	•	Installing sidewalks or driveway
	•	Installing a fence
	•	Constructing canopies or overhangs
	•	Removal of bearing walls or non-bearing demising walls between two or more spaces
	•	Changes made to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems
	•	Change in occupancy

2. What is exempt from permits?

The following are exempt from permits:

	•	Sidewalks and driveways replacement
	•	Painting, siding, or refinishing siding
	•	Replacing or repairing roofing materials
	•	Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes
	•	Swings and other playground equipment
	•	Window and awnings replacement

Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of other laws or ordinances.

3. Do walls/fences require a building permit?

The best way to determine if a proposed project requires a permit is to contact the Safety Services Director at (419) 695-4010.

Freestanding walls and/or fences require permits. Retaining walls may require a building permit.

4. Are contractors required to register with the CIty of Delphos?

Regardless of the discipline, all contractors are required to register annually with the city before beginning any construction project. Registration application are available in the City of Delphos Income Tax Office, 608 N. Canal Street, Delphos, Oh 45833 or online at www.cityofdelphos.com/forms.

5. Who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of my house?

Even though the sidewalk is usually located within the city’s right of way the property owner is responsible for clearing the sidewalk, all repairs and if necessary the replacement of sidewalks that fail to meet code.

Code Enforcement

1. Why do I have to leave my name and phone number?

Code Enforcement does not accept anonymous calls. There are many times when an Enforcement Officer will need to talk to the complainant to ask questions or to get more information. Your information as the complainant is kept confidential.

2. What are the trashcan regulations?

At all times other than when the trash containers are placed for collection service pick-up, they shall be stored away from the street. Containers must have a lid or a method to eliminate the debris from being blown out of the container. Containers may be placed for collection 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up. Containers should be removed from the collection point no later than 24 hours after service pick-up.

3. How are code violations enforced?

Code complaints are addressed according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order that they are received. For all code complaints, the first step is to verify that a violation exists. A notice of violation is sent to the resident or legal property owner, who is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation in a timely manner. If the correction is not made in a reasonable amount of time the individual may be subject to further enforcement action.

Contacting the City

1. How do I obtain copies of City Records?

You may contact the City Building at:
Ph: (419) 695-4010
Fax: (419) 695-5102
e-mail: sgeorge@cityofdelphos.com

2. How do I obtain copies of my EMS Bill?

You may contact the City Building at:
Ph: (419) 695-4010
Fax: (419) 695-5102
e-mail: sgeorge@cityofdelphos.com

3. How do I obtain information about my Income Taxes?

You may contact the City Building at:
Ph: (419) 695-4010
Fax: (419) 695-5102
e-mail: taxdept@cityofdelphos.com

4. How do I obtain information about my utilities or utility bill?

You may contact the City Building at:
Ph: (419) 695-4010
Fax: (419) 695-5102
e-mail: utilities@cityofdelphos.com

Community Development

1. What are typical hours for construction?

Under normal circumstances, construction hours are:

Mon.-Sat. 07:00 A.M. to 07:00 P.M.
No construction on Sundays
Exception to this may be granted by the Safety Services Director.

2. Can I operate a business in my home?

Home based businesses are permitted providing the business owner or operator is the only employee. The business must also be able to support the parking requirements of its customers.

Economic Development

1. What sites are currently available?

Industrial and business sites are available. More information may be obtained for the Delphos Chamber of Commerce at www.delphoschamber.com, Allen County Economic Development at www.aedg.org, Van Wert Economic Development Office at www./vanwertcounty.org or from the Safety Services Director of the City.

Emergency

1. In the event of an emergency who can I call?

If the emergency involves fire, emergency medical or law enforcement dial 911.

Non-emergency contacts numbers are:

Delphos Police Department	419-692-4015
Delphos Fire Department	419-695-2911
Allen County Sheriff’s Office	419-227-3535
Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office	419-238-3866
Ohio State Highway Patrol	419-228-2421

2. Does the City have a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP)?

Since events are usually not contained to the political boundaries of any municipality. The City’s NHMP is incorporated into the Allen County NHMP. A copy of the plan is located at the City Building for viewing.

3. Will the City take care of its residents in the event of a disaster?

City resources will most likely be overwhelmed following a disaster. Residents are encouraged to stock auxiliary supplies, prepare a family plan, and be prepared to be on their own at least 72 hours following a disaster.

4. Where can I obtain emergency preparedness information?

Preparedness literature is available online at the following websites: www.ready.gov (United States Department of Homeland Security.) and www.redcross.org (American Red Cross).

5. If residents are asked to evacuate, where do we go?

In the event of an evacuation order, the City will activate an Evacuation Center/Emergency shelter where residents can receive information and emergency services. Public schools have been pre-identified as potential sites and will be activated according to the size and location of the emergency evacuation.

New Resident Information

1. Who provides water, sewer & trash collection services for residents in the City of Delphos?

The City of Delphos provides high quality water, sewer, and trash services in a cost-effective manner. Your utility bill includes water, sewer and trash collection fees.

For water, sewer or trash services contact the City Utility Department, 608 N. Canal Street, Delphos, OH. 45833 or call (419) 695-4010 Ext. 100.

Providing our customers with safe, high quality drinking water is our highest priority. The drinking water supplied by the City is safe and meets or exceeds all quality standards set forth by both the state and federal government.

2. What utility company provides electricity?

American Electric Power (AEP) is the sole source of electrification for the city. AEP can be contacted by telephone 800-672-2231 or by www.AEPOhio.com.

3. What is the name of the local Cable TV Company?

Time Warner Cable services most areas of Delphos. However, some of the neighborhoods are also being serviced by Ft. Jennings Telephone. Both companies offer the following solutions:

	•	Digital Phone Services
	•	High Speed Online Services
	•	Digital Cable Services

Sewer Lines

1. What is storm water pollution?

Storm water pollution occurs when pollutants, such as automobile fluids, pet wastes, and sediments, enter the storm drain system. Rain water picks up pollutants as it flows across paved surfaces and carries them into the storm water conveyance system and out to local waterways.

2. Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

Sewers and storm drains are not the same thing. Sewers collect wastewater from indoor plumbing, such as toilets, sinks, washing machines and floor drains. The municipal sewer system includes the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage water. A municipal storm water system only transports water for flood control purposes; no treatment of storm water occurs before it is discharged to local bodies. Approximately, 70 percent of the city sewer system is a combined sewer. In a combined sewer both waste water and storm water are collected and transported to the municipal sewer system for treatment.

3. If yard clippings and leaves are natural, why are they considered pollutants?

As yard clippings and leaves decompose, they deplete water of dissolved oxygen that aquatic species, including fish and turtles, need to survive. Excessive plant material also encourages algae growth.

Yard clippings and leaves can be bagged and placed at the curb with your trash. The solid waste collection service will remove the debris.

It is prohibited to place yard clippings and leaves on the street or curb. Yard clippings and leaves will block the storm water intakes, fill the catch basins and clog the sewer lines.

Permits

1. When is a permit required?

	•	New residential structures
	•	Building additions to exiting residential structures
	•	Adding a garage
	•	Erecting a shed
	•	Installing fencing
	•	Constructing a deck
	•	Installing a swimming pool
	•	Installing sidewalks or a driveway

Examples of commercial and no-residential items that require permits include:

	•	Building additions to existing residential structures
	•	Installing sidewalks or driveway
	•	Installing a fence
	•	Constructing canopies or overhangs
	•	Removal of bearing walls or non-bearing demising walls between two or more spaces
	•	Changes made to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems
	•	Change in occupancy

2. What is exempt from permits?

The following are exempt from permits:

	•	Sidewalks and driveways replacement
	•	Painting, siding, or refinishing siding
	•	Replacing or repairing roofing materials
	•	Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes
	•	Swings and other playground equipment
	•	Window and awnings replacement

Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of other laws or ordinances.

3. Do walls/fences require a building permit?

4. When do I need to possess a Variance?

A Variance is typically required when a project proposes to deviate from standards set by the Zoning Codes (the number of required parking spaces, building height, setbacks etc.) due to exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property which do not apply generally to other properties in the same vicinity and zone.

Variance Applications can be obtained at the City Building, 608 N. Canal Street, Delphos, OH. 45833.

5. Are modular/prefabricated homes allowed in Delphos?

Generally yes, modular/prefabricated homes are allowed in Delphos; however, they must comply with all building standards. Some subdivisions prohibit modular/prefabricated homes by the convenience on the deed.

6. Are temporary signs allowed for my business?

Temporary signs are only permitted for grand openings, or special events. Additional information relating is included in Section 1189 of the City’s Codified Ordinances.

7. How do I find out the zoning for my property?

The zoning map is available for review on the City’s website or at the City Building Zoning questions may be directed to the Safety Services Director at (419) 695-4010.

Recreation

1. How can I rent the Gazebo or a Shelter House?

We currently have 5 parks available for rent with a gazebo and/or shelter houses. Reservation must be made in person through the Utility Department.

Seniors

1. Does the City of Delphos have a senior center?

Yes, the city does have a senior center. Many seniors utilize the Delphos Senior Citizen Center located at 301 Suthoff Street. Their telephone number is (419) 692-1331.

Transportation

1. Is the City serviced by a Regional Transportation Authority?

The answer is no. However the Delphos Senior Citizen Center offers a transportation services for its senior clients.

Black and White Taxi Service of Lima also services the Delphos Area.

Trash

1. If it is a holiday will my trash still be picked up?

Your collection will be delayed by one day for the following holidays:

Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day.

2. How do I dispose of yard waste?

Yard clippings and leaves can be bagged and placed at the curb with your trash. The solid waste collection service will remove the debris.

3. How many trash containers am I allowed to put out for pickup?

Under the current contract there is no limit.

4. How do I find out my Trash Pick-up Day?

Contact Utility Office at 419-695-4010.

5. How do I get bulky items picked up?

NO construction material, to include toilet, sinks and etc, will be collected by the city’s solid waste collection provider!

To aid in the disposal of large, bulky items such as furniture, dishwasher, stoves, and water heaters, please contact the City Utility Department to make disposal arrangements. Please be prepared to list the items you need picked up.

A service charge will be assessed for any item that contains Freon.

6. Does the City pick up hazardous waste?

No, Some hazardous waste can be disposed of through the Northwest Solid Waste Management District. They may be contacted at (419) 228-8278.

Utility Billing

1. How do I establish water/trash/sewer utility services?

Services may be stabled by contacting the utility office at 419-695-4010. Ext. 100.

2. How can I pay my bill?

You can pay your bill in person with cash or check. For your convenience, you may also deposit your payment in the City's night drop box located in the front of the City Building on Canal Street. Payment may also be mailed.

3. Does the City have an Automatic Payment Program for utilities?

Yes. The City offers a service called "Automatic Clearing House" (ACH). You may sign up for ACH at that time or anytime after you establish service.

ACH is an automatic withdrawal program for your quarterly utility bill. You receive a copy of the bill, but your bank pays it for you with funds from either your savings or checking account. Payments are withdrawn from your account on the 10th of a collection month. The application form is on our website.

Automatic Debit Request Form

4. Does the City have automated payment processing on its website?

Not at this time.

5. How do I close my utility account?

Your services may be terminated by contacting the Utility Department at 419-695-4010 Ext. 100.

6. Why was my account sent to collections?

Your account was closed with an unpaid balance and sent to a collection agency to pursue collection of payment of the debt.

Water

1. Why does the Delphos Water Department let water run down the street?

When old pipes are replaced or new ones are installed, the pipes must be disinfected with chlorine before they are connected into the City’s system.

Water is flushed through the pipes to rinse out the chlorine before the pipes are put into use. In addition, the City regularly runs water through the system to flush lines where stagnant water can collect. This is done to assure high quality to our valued customers.

2. What is water main flushing?

Water mains (pipes) need to be flushed to remove sediment from corrosion that has built up over years of use. The pipes are cleaned by forcing water through at high speeds. Flushing removes the sediment that can cause water to appear dirty or discolored. It may also improve the water's taste.

3. If I have a leak, who is responsible for repairing it?

It depends on the location of the leak. If the leak on a waterline is located on any line after the water tap, it is the customer’s responsibility to have it repaired. If the leak is on the waterline, it is the City's responsibility to
repair it.

Water Quality

1. How much water is used in the City of Delphos daily?

City of Delphos customers use an average of 800,000 gallons of water daily. The average American uses nearly 50 gallons per day.

2. What makes ice cloudy?

Commercially made ice is stirred as it is being frozen; household ice is not. Without mixing, many more ice crystals form, and air is trapped in the ice. Light rays are distorted by these crystals and air, giving the ice a cloudy appearance. Dissolved minerals being forced to middle and frozen can also cause it.

3. Is my water safe to drink?

Yes, nearly all water suppliers in the United States meet all US Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for safe drinking water. In addition the City of Delphos meets and exceeds the standards required by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

4. Is my drinking water completely free of microbes?

No, but don’t be alarmed; most microbes are harmless. For example, if you licked your finger you would get microbes in your mouth, but you would not get sick. Drinking water contains harmless microbes. It should however be, and probably is free from germs.

5. Is fluoride in my drinking water safe?

Yes. When added or naturally present in the correct amount, fluoride in water has greatly improved the dental health of American consumers.

6. If there are traces of chlorine in the water, is it safe to drink?

Yes. Many tests have shown the amount of chlorine found in treated drinking water is safe to drink, although some people object to its taste. The City recently installed am Granulated Activated Carbon System that significantly reduces the Almost all household water filters can reduce or remove chorine in drinking water.

7. How much chlorine do I have in my water?

The City is required by the State and Federal government to add disinfection to our drinking water supply to kill or prevent bacteria growth. We use small levels of chlorine as a disinfectant. The levels range between .20 parts per million 1.10 parts per million.

8. Why does my drinking water often look cloudy when it first comes from the faucet and then clears up?

The cloudy water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to gas bubbles in carbonated soft drinks. After awhile, the bubbles rise to the top and are gone. These bubbles are caused by over production of City operated wells and aerators at the tap. These bubbles are harmless.

9. Should I buy bottled water?

Remember that US bottled water is less regulated than municipal drinking water. You do not need to buy water for health reasons. Delphos water meets and exceeds all drinking water standards.

10. Who is making sure that my water is safe and healthy to drink?

Ohio has very strict regulations for the quality of tap water. There are also laws and additional state and federal agencies that help keep harmful things out of drinking water sources. Your utility must make sure that your water meets these requirements.

Delphos is committed to deliver water that is as good or better than required. If for some reason your water did not meet the health and safety regulations, you would be notified immediately. Each of us also has a responsibility to take care of the drinking water on our property. For example, if you use a water filter, make sure you change the filter often so bacteria does not grow inside and spoil the water. Clean out your older plumbing or drains properly so that your water doesn't collect odd smells, tastes or colors. While a funny color, taste or smell usually doesn’t mean your water is unsafe, you still may want to correct the problem.

11. Why does my water sometimes look dirty, cloudy or have a funny color?

From the time your drinking water is purified at a treatment plant until it pours from your tap, there are a lot of chances for it to pick up things that can change the way it looks. Sometimes this happens as close as your home’s own plumbing. Water is cloudy when air gets in and makes tiny bubbles. The bubbles are harmless and will disappear if you let the water sit in a glass for a few minutes.

Usually when water looks dirty or has a funny color, it’s because of changes in the way that the water delivery system is being operated. When the direction that water flows in the pipe is changed—for maintenance work on a water main, when a fire hydrant is broken in a car accident, or there is a break in a water main— materials at the bottom of the pipes get stirred up. Often, the water only looks dirty for a short time. You should not drink it until it looks clear. One way to speed the dirty water out of your own pipes is to run all of your faucets for a few minutes. If the water is still not clear, then do the same thing again every half hour or so. The problem should go away within two to four hours. If it does not, call the Water Treatment Plant at (419) 695-4916.

12. Why does my water sometimes taste or smell funny and is it safe to drink?

Many people think that if their water tastes or smells funny, it will make them sick if they drink it. In fact, the things that most commonly cause tap water to taste or smell strange aren’t harmful to drink. When your water tastes or smells funny, the problem might be in the water or it may not. You see, odors may actually be coming from your sink drain where bacteria grow on hair, soap, food and other things that get trapped. Gases in the drain that smell get stirred up when water pours into the pipe. Odor can also come from bacteria growing in water heaters—usually ones that have been turned off for a while or have the thermostat set too low. The list below describes where many odd tastes and smells come from.

CHLORINE
Chlorine is added to tap water to make sure that any harmful germs in the water are killed. When you can taste or smell a bit of chlorine, your water has been properly treated. There are regulations that limit the amount of chlorine added to tap water so that it keeps the water safe to drink. An easy way to get rid of the chlorine taste and smell is to let water sit in a glass for a few minutes. Then, put the water in a covered container and chill it in the refrigerator. Cold water tastes and smells better than water at room temperature.

EARTHY OR MUSTY
Algae, which are plants that live in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and other bodies of water, get into open-air reservoirs that store large amounts of our drinking water. Sometimes algae are not controlled by the usual treatment and naturally make substances that can give your water an earthy or musty smell, but is not harmful in the small amounts found in water. This happens most often in the warmer months when the sun heats up the water and grows food for the algae.

ROTTEN EGGS OR SULFUR
This smell can occur when the source of the water is underground. The smell is from a chemical made by a bacterium and is not harmful in the small amounts found in water. The same smell can also be made by bacteria that grow on hair, soap and food in your drain.

TIPS FOR GETTING RID OF FUNNY SMELLS
Since some smells in tap water may be due to problems with your sink drain or water heater, there may be things you can do. To find out if the smell is coming from your sink drain or water heater, rather than the water itself, answer the following questions:

	•	Does the smell come from only some of your faucets?
	•	Does the smell go away after running the water for a few minutes?

If the answer is no - the smell comes from all the faucets and it does not go away in a few minutes, then the problem is likely in the water. To be sure, take a clean glass and go to the hose bib at the front of your property. Make sure to disconnect any hoses before running the water. Open it to its fullest, and run it for a few minutes. After that, fill the glass straight from the tap and smell it. If the water is better at the front faucet than at the faucets inside your property, you should flush your plumbing system by running all the faucets for a few minutes. If the odor is really strong and does not go away, contact the Water Treatment Plant at (419) 695-4916.

13. Why does my water leave spots on my glasses, coffeepot and showerhead?

There are minerals in water that are white and settle when water is heated, cooled, or evaporates. The spots contain nothing harmful. Filling your coffeepot with vinegar and letting it sit overnight usually removes the spots. Make sure to rinse well before using. You can also clean your showerhead by soaking it in a vinegar-filled bowl. There are some store products you can use to avoid spotting when glasses are washed and allowed to air dry.

14. Do I need to purchase a home treatment device to make my tap water safe?

People do not need to purchase a home treatment device (e.g., a water filter) to make water safe. That’s because your tap water already meets very strict government regulations for quality.

If, however, you are considering buying a home treatment device because of health concerns (e.g., you have a severely compromised immune system), make sure that the device is certified by the Ohio Department of Health Services (OHS). OHS certifies more than 350 home treatment devices that claim to reduce toxic chemicals or provide better health protection. All devices that make such claims must be state certified to be legally sold.

This includes carbon filters, distillation, reverse-osmosis, ion-exchange and ceramic filters.

If you want to improve the look, taste or smell of your tap water, a home treatment device can be the answer. Performance of these types of devices is certified by the independent National Sanitation Foundation. For more information call (800) 673-8010 or log onto their Web site.

If you do decide to purchase a home treatment device, remember the following:

	•	Don’t be fooled by a sales demonstration that shows funny looking "stuff" settling to the bottom of a glass of tap water. The "stuff" you see is usually nothing more than the minerals that naturally occur in water.
	•	Home treatment devices have to be properly serviced to work well. If they aren’t maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions, water from the device may be less safe than water straight from the tap.
	•	Water that is treated by a home treatment device is usually much more expensive than water straight from the tap, when you take into account the cost of maintaining the device.
	•	Make sure the device removes the things you are concerned about. Not all home treatment devices remove the same things. If you have a severely weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about the type of home treatment device to use.

15. Should I boil my water?

On very rare occasions, the local health department or the City may issue a notice to boil your water. This may happen when there is an earthquake or other emergency. Otherwise, unless you have a severely weakened immune system or your doctor advises you, you do not need to boil your tap water. It already meets strict state and federal regulations for quality.

16. Do I need a water softener?

No one needs a water softener to make tap water safer. A softener removes the dissolved minerals that make water hard but are not harmful. The hardness of water is different throughout Northwest Ohio and depends on the water source. The City of Delphos recently invested in a state of the arts water treatment plant that will deliver to our customers at approximately 130 parts per million hardness. The old water supply could at best old offer our customers 550 parts per million hardness.

Before purchasing a water softener, make sure it has a salt efficiency rating of no less than 4,000 grains of hardness removed per pound of salt used in regeneration. Softer water has both good and bad features. Some of the good things include a softer feel to hair and skin, the need to use less dish soap and laundry detergent (because soap lathers more quickly in soft water), and less mineral deposits in pipes and on pots and pans, glasses and cars. However, water softeners add sodium to the water which may be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets, and salt discharge can have an adverse impact to our water supplies.

17. How do I treat water in the event of an emergency?

Sometimes you may need to treat your water during an emergency (e.g. an flooding) when the water’s safety may be in doubt. You can treat your tap water by either boiling it, or disinfecting with unscented household liquid bleach or commercial disinfection tablets. For the best taste, chill the water before drinking.

Option One:
Bring water to a rolling boil and then boil rapidly for at least one minute. Allow the water to cool before drinking. This is the preferred method.

Option Two:
Add unscented household liquid bleach to tap water. Add 8 drops per gallon (16 cups) of water. Stir, cover and let sit for 30 minutes before using. If the water is very dirty, double the number of bleach drops to 16. The disinfected water should have a slight chlorine smell. If it doesn’t, add another dosage of bleach and let sit for 15 minutes more before using. Do not use scented, powdered or swimming pool bleach since these products may contain dangerous chemicals.

Option Three:
Use commercial disinfection tablets, often found in sporting good stores, and follow package directions.

If you are without water for some time, here are some other sources of water in the house: melted ice cubes, your water heater, canned vegetables, and water taken from the toilet tank (not the bowl) and then disinfected as described before.

18. Who should I call if I have a problem with my tap water?

Contact the City of Delphos Water Department at (419) 695-4616.