Law Department
Law Department Contact Information
Eric J. Moore: Law Director
Patrick DiChiro: Assistant Director of Law for Prosecutions
Joseph Grandinetti: Assistant Director of Law for Building and Zoning
Teri Matson: Secretary - tmatson@sevenhillsohio.org or law@sevenhillsohio.org
Direct Line: 216-525-6237
Fax Line: 216-525-6256
City Hall: 216-524-4421 #237
Summary of Law Department Functions
The Law Department is dedicated to the protection of the legal interests of the City of Seven Hills so that the Mayor, Council, and all Departments can most fully serve our citizens. The Law Department of the City of Seven Hills, under the direction of Law Director functions as the attorneys for the City of Seven Hills and its officials by providing legal advice to the Mayor, City Council and all of the various departments. The Law Department reviews legislation, contracts and all legal documents to ensure all business of the City is conducted in a proper and legal manner, and represents the City in all proceedings before any court of law or administrative body.
While criminal/traffic cases are initiated by the Police Department, the Assistant Law Director/ Prosecutor pursues prosecution on behalf of the City of Seven Hills. The Assistant Law Director/Prosecutor also provides legal opinions, advice and support to the Police Department.
Law Department Duties and Responsibilities
Works with the Mayor, City Council and the Administration to ensure enforcement of the Codified Ordinances and Charter of the City of Seven Hills.
Prepares and reviews ordinances and resolutions for passage by City Council
Attends Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and other miscellaneous meetings.
Provides legal opinion and advice to Council on the legal criteria required for a variance ensuring that the applicant meets the local zoning codes
Provides legal opinion and advice to Council, Mayor, and the Administration if an applicant appeals the denied variance according to the appeal process found in Chapters 2505 and 2506 of the Ohio Revised Code
Provides legal opinions and advice to Council, Mayor, and Administration
Supports the Police Department as legal adviser on all matters pertaining to law enforcement
Prosecutes all criminal and traffic matters on behalf of the City
Provides legal representation on behalf of the City on litigation matters before the Municipal, Common Pleas, Appellate Courts, and various administrative agencies
Reviews all contracts for necessary services and supplies and other miscellaneous contracts involving the City
Assists the City's Building Department on land use issues including inspections, code violations, and vacant property concerns
Represents the City in labor disputes including grievances, unfair labor practices, mediations, and hearings
Provides guidance to residents on legal concerns involving the City
Assists the City in collective bargaining unit recognition and in negotiating union contracts
Provides City officials and employees with legal updates on matters of importance
Role and Responsibilities of the City Prosecutor
The City Prosecutor is responsible for the prosecution of misdemeanor crimes and traffic violations that occur within the borders of the City of Seven Hills. The most common types of crimes and traffic violations that confront the City Prosecutor are Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving Under a Suspended License (DUS), Domestic Violence, Theft, and Moving Traffic violations.
Occasionally, the Prosecutor is requested to assist the police with reviewing unique factual patterns to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
The City of Seven Hills Mayor Court is usually set for every other Tuesday afternoon at 4:00PM.
The City Prosecutor practices simple "open discovery". Lawyers for those accused of traffic offenses and crimes may send a simple one page discovery letter to the fax number of the Law Department. Those sending such requests will be faxed a copy of the incident police report and other supporting documents that can be used as an aid to either resolving the case or preparing for trial.
All persons who are charged with a DUI, DUS or serious misdemeanor crime are strongly encouraged to retain the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with municipal criminal/traffic law and procedures.
Role and Responsibilities of the City Prosecutor for Building and Zoning
Provides legal opinions and interpretations regarding building and zoning issues to various city departments
The City Prosecutor for Building and Zoning is responsible for the prosecution of violations of building and zoning codes in the Mayor’s Court or Municipal Court
Building violations are heard in the City of Seven Hills’ Mayor Court which is usually every other Tuesday afternoon at 4:00PM
Advises and assists the Building Department in daily operations and in preparing citations for code violations.
Attends meetings of relevant commissions, such as the Planning and Design Commission, to offer legal guidance as needed.
Note to Residents
Property Owner Sidewalk Responsibility
Our city streets and sidewalks receive a great deal of use and are subject to constant exposure to our region’s harsh weather conditions, which can lead to deterioration and unsafe conditions. While the City takes care of road maintenance, property owners are required to take care of sidewalk repairs. Sidewalks and driveway curb cuts in disrepair, are unsightly, can reduce property values, lead to injury, and prevent their safe use by all of us and our visitors.
Pursuant to Seven Hills Codified Ordinance 702.01, the construction, maintenance, and repair of all sidewalks within the City is the responsibility of and shall be done by and at the expense of the person owning the property. Specifications for sidewalk installation and repair can be found at SHCO 702.02 and 702.3. Permits are required.
Further, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a “trip hazard” as any vertical abrupt change of paving elevation over ¼ inch or more at any joint or crack. This includes protruding tree roots and transitions from concrete to blacktop services at curb cuts and where driveways adjoin sidewalks. Minor changes in elevation along walking surfaces of ½” can be ground down and beveled to be ADA compliant, while larger unlevel joints and pavement cracks may require removal and re-building of sections of sidewalk to be in compliance.
While maintaining the sidewalks of Seven Hills, Ohio is the legal responsibility of each property owner, it is also a matter of civic pride and duty to achieve a safer community for all of us. If you should have any questions, please contact the Building Department at (216) 524-4427.
General Ownership and Maintenance of Trees
Sole Ownership: If the tree trunk is entirely on your property, you own the tree and are responsible for its general care and maintenance.
Shared Ownership (Boundary Trees): If a tree trunk sits on the property line, it is considered a "boundary tree" and is jointly owned by you and your neighbor. Both parties share responsibility for its care, and neither can remove or significantly damage it without the other’s consent.
Easement & Public Rights: If a tree is on your land but within a utility easement, utility companies generally have the right to trim it to protect infrastructure. Local governments may also require you to trim trees if they obstruct public rights-of-way, such as sidewalks or streets.
Liability for Damage
"Acts of God": If a healthy tree falls due to natural causes like a severe storm, the owner is typically not liable. In most cases, the owner of the property where the tree lands must file an insurance claim for cleanup and repairs.
Negligence: If you knew (or should have known) that a tree was dead, diseased, or hazardous and failed to address it, you may be held liable for damages if it falls on a neighbor's property.
Duty of Care: Owners have a duty to periodically inspect their trees for visible signs of decay or weakness.
Neighboring Property Rights
·Right of "Self-Help": Neighbors have a legal right to trim overhanging branches or encroaching roots back to the property line. However, they must not trespass on the tree owners’ property to do so and must not kill or permanently damage the tree.
Tree Debris: Fallen leaves, twigs, and fruit from your tree that land on a neighbor’s property are generally the neighbor’s responsibility to clean up.
Civil and Criminal Penalties: Recklessly damaging or removing a tree on someone else's land can lead to severe penalties, including "treble damages" (paying three times the tree's value) and criminal misdemeanor charges