The City of Parma Ohio

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Civil Division

Generally, the office handles litigation wherein the City or its employees are named parties, rendering assistance in miscellaneous administrative hearings, drafting legislation, the rendering of legal opinions to City officers, and the prosecution of misdemeanor crimes under both Ohio statute and Parma Ordinances.

The office produces several formal written legal opinions, as well as numerous confidential legal opinions and email responses to legal questions. A countless number of informal oral opinions are also rendered to City officers either in person or via telephone. Further, over 200 pieces of legislation (ordinances or resolutions) are prepared annually. 

Claims Management:

Within the Law Department is a Claims Division, which has initiated policies to recover funds from persons who have damaged city property and adjust claims by individuals damaged as a result of city activity. If an individual wishes to pursue a claim of damage for review, the request must FIRST be registered by phone at (440) 885-8083 or by registering a complaint online using the Resident Services link below. After a complaint has been filed, the City will initiate an investigation to determine any City liability.

Click here to initiate a complaint with Resident Services


In addition, the Law Department conducts Risk Management Committee Meetings comprised of Department Heads within the City on an annual basis to review and address areas of concern pertaining to the City’s Risk Management Program.

Landlord-Tenant Information:

City Council has approved a contract with Katz Consultants, LLC, to provide rental information and advice, but not legal services, to both commercial and residential landlords and tenants of Parma properties. For more information, please contact the City of Parma's Consultant Gary Katz with Katz Consultants, LLC, at 216-926-4999 or email at katzconsultants@gmail.com.  For additional information, please see the  Ohio Landlord and Tenant Law document.

Miscellaneous:

  • Representation of City before the Liquor Control Commission in Columbus and Cleveland regarding objection to issuance or renewal of liquor permits.
  • Representation of City administrators in responding to grievances filed to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
  • Attendance at meetings of Council, City administrative boards, and Cuyahoga County Law Director's Association.
  • Representation of Parma City School Board on various issues.
  • Representation of Parma Public Housing Agency in such diverse areas as compliance with federal laws and regulation, tenant relations, evictions, and relations with HUD.