Parma City Charter: Mayor and Council Powers

General Governance and Administration Ohio 3 Minutes Read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of Ohio

Parma, Ohio city government divides responsibilities between the mayor and city council under the city charter and municipal code. The mayor carries primary executive duties such as administering departments, enforcing city laws, and preparing the budget, while council enacts ordinances, approves budgets and appointments, and conducts legislative oversight. For the controlling charter language see the City Charter link below and for implementing rules consult the Parma municipal code and department regulations.City Charter[1] Parma Municipal Code[2]

Mayor and Council: Roles & Legislative Process

The mayor proposes administrative appointments and a yearly budget and has veto authority where provided by the charter; council proposes, amends and adopts ordinances and resolutions, holds public hearings and confirms certain mayoral appointments. Council rules, committee structure, meeting schedules and ordinance adoption procedures are governed by the municipal code and council-adopted rules.

Council approval is required to adopt ordinances and appropriate funds.

Checks, Appointments, and Administrative Powers

The charter sets nomination and confirmation procedures for department heads and boards; many operational powers are exercised by the mayor as the city’s chief executive subject to council appropriation and oversight. Specific appointment processes and term limits for boards and commissions are listed in the charter and code.Parma Municipal Code[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties for violations of Parma ordinances—such as property maintenance, zoning, and licensing infractions—are primarily set out in the Parma Municipal Code and in specific ordinance sections. Where a fine amount or escalation schedule is not printed verbatim on the cited page, the amount is "not specified on the cited page" and enforcement practice is described below.Parma Municipal Code[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for general ordinance violations; individual ordinance sections list amounts where applicable.
  • Escalation and repeat/continuing offences: not specified on the cited page; many local ordinances treat continuing violations as separate daily offences when so stated.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: correction orders, abatement, stop-work orders, permit suspension, and referral to court for enforcement are used depending on the ordinance.
  • Enforcement agencies: Code Enforcement and Community Development coordinates many civil code actions; Parma Police handle public-safety related violations. Official department contacts are on the City Departments & Contacts page.City Departments & Contacts[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and statutory time limits are set by ordinance and Ohio law; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page and may be stated in the individual ordinance or administrative order.
If an enforcement order imposes a deadline, act quickly to seek administrative review or filing in the appropriate court.

Applications & Forms

Many permits, variances and licenses are handled by Community Development or Building Services and require standardized forms and payments; the municipal code references permitting authority but specific form names, numbers, fees and online submission links are provided on department pages. If a required form is not listed on the official department pages, it is "not specified on the cited page."City Departments & Contacts[3]

Action Steps

  • To request an ordinance change: prepare a written proposal and submit to the City Clerk or your council member for referral to committee.
  • To report a code violation: file a complaint with Code Enforcement via the department contact page.
  • To pay fines or fees: follow payment instructions in the citation or contact the issuing department.
Document communications and retain receipts when you submit permits or complaints.

FAQ

Who can introduce ordinances in Parma?
Ordinances are typically introduced by members of city council or by the mayor; procedural rules are in the municipal code and council rules.
Can the mayor veto council ordinances?
The charter specifies any mayoral veto power and the council process to override a veto; consult the City Charter for exact provisions.City Charter[1]
Where do I find the municipal code for specific penalties?
Specific penalties and procedures are in the Parma Municipal Code; look up the ordinance section relevant to the violation.Parma Municipal Code[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the specific ordinance or code section that applies to your issue using the Parma Municipal Code online.
  2. Gather evidence: photos, dates, correspondence and permit documents, if any.
  3. File a written complaint or permit application with the appropriate department using the contact information on the City Departments page.
  4. Attend any hearings or inspections, and if you disagree with an administrative decision, follow the appeal procedures stated in the order or ordinance.

Key Takeaways

  • The charter defines mayoral executive duties; council holds legislative power and oversight.
  • Ordinance details and penalties live in the municipal code and individual ordinance sections.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Parma - City Charter
  2. [2] Parma Municipal Code (Municode)
  3. [3] City of Parma - Departments & Contacts

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