Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit our Contact Us page for phone numbers and email addresses.

The Government Center, located at 8200 McEwen Road, is generally open from 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Please call 937-433-0152 for more information.

Upcoming Board of Trustee meetings, as well as Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings, are included on the Township Calendar. Meeting minutes are archived and linked from the relevant page in the Government section of our website.

Please visit our Home Rule Resolutions page to view the full text of Home Rule Resolutions passed since 2013.

Click here to view the Township's Zoning Resolution.

There are three trash haulers that operate in unincorporated Washington Township. Please visit their websites for more information:

• Waste Management

• Rumpke Waste Removal and Recycling

• Republic Services (formerly Allied Waste Systems) 

Water service must be obtained through Montgomery County Water Services.

Current job postings are available on our Employment Opportunities page.

Yes! Please follow these instructions to submit a Business Recognition Event Request:

1. Access our online application here.

2. Click on the blue Apply Online button.

3. Click on Sign Up to create an account.

4. Complete the form with all the details about your event. You’ll also be able to attach a flyer if you have one.

5. Township staff will receive a notification once you’ve submitted the form and will respond to your request.

In the event of an emergency, Washington Township will use these information outlets, to the extent they are available, to provide emergency updates:

• CodeRED emergency phone notification

• Centerville High School radio station WCWT 107.3 FM

• Washington Township Facebook page

• Washington Township website

In order to inform residents, Washington Township uses CodeRED, an emergency alert system that relays information to residents by phone. The high-speed messaging system can deliver customized emergency notification and instructions at a rate of 60,000 calls per hour.

How to Register for CodeRED
Residential landline telephones automatically receive CodeRED messages. To register your mobile device for CodeRED alerts, enroll on the Township's registration website or text WASHINGTONTWP to 24639 to receive a direct link to the enrollment form. Click here to view step-by-step registration instructions.

Residents should register for CodeRED if they:

• Want their cell phone called

• Want to provide a work phone as a back-up to their home phone

• Want to provide a caregiver back-up number

• Recently moved and kept their old phone number

• Have changed their phone number in the past six months

• Use a TDD/TTY

How to Register a Business
Washington Township businesses are not automatically enrolled in CodeRed. Please register online if you wish to receive emergency notifications at your place of business.

Please visit the Finance section of our website to view budget documents and check registers.

Local property taxes made up almost three-quarters of the Township's revenue in 2025. This includes 3.05 inside mills (unvoted taxes authorized by the state constitution) as well as 10.58 mills (effective rate) from voted levies. These voter-approved levies give residents considerable influence over how local funds are spent.

Fees collected for Township services, such as permits or recreation fees, account for about 12% of our income. The remaining 14% of our revenue comes from interest and intergovernmental funding, such as the Local Government Fund, motor vehicle license and gasoline taxes, and state grants.

No. In Ohio, townships do not have their own authority to collect income or sales tax.

That means if you live and work in a township, you do not pay a local income tax.

If you work in a city, you must pay income tax to that city if they have a local income tax. Your employer usually withholds tax for you. Washington Township does not receive any of that money.

If you own the property where your business is located, you are subject to Township property tax for real property (land and buildings). Property tax on tangible property (inventory and fixed assets) has been eliminated by the State of Ohio. Businesses and employees are not subject to any local income tax for income earned in Washington Township.

The Township monitors over 3,000 fixed assets in seven departments at 40 locations (including the incorporated part of the Township). A bar code tag is affixed to each taggable item and can be scanned for a yearly inventory using a portable scanning device. Items that cannot be tagged are assigned a 10-digit tracking number based on location of the item and when it is put into service. The portable scanning device uploads to a computer which keeps a database of current assets.

Please see our Request for Proposals page for active projects.

For the 2025 tax year (taxes paid in 2026), Washington Township will collect a total of 13.63 mills for a residential/agricultural property. This includes 3.05 inside mills and 10.58 outside mills. The Township's estimated revenue in 2026 is $34,481,417.

In Ohio, a “mill” is how property taxes are calculated. It stands for 1/1,000. Therefore, each mill generates $1 of taxes for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

1 mill = $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value

All Ohio residents pay a base tax rate of 10 mills. This base rate, called inside millage, is set by the Ohio Constitution and is meant to provide local government units with a base amount of operating revenue.

Inside millage is the part of your tax rate that is set by the Ohio Constitution — up to 10 mills total — and does not require voter approval. That 10 mills is shared among local government units, such as the county, township, city, and school district. Of those 10 mills, Washington Township is allocated 3.05 mills from residents of unincorporated Washington Township and 0.7 mills from residents of the incorporated area.

Outside millage is any millage that has not been allocated by the Ohio Constitution. All outside millage is voted on by residents.

Reduction factor is a formula applied to businesses and homes in a taxing district so that Fixed Income Status will be maintained during triennial reappraisals. Specifically, the tax reduction factor equals the percent by which the sums levied for a particular levy would need to be reduced so that the current year’s taxes equal the prior year's net taxes. This results in what is called the effective tax rate.

For an emergency, dial 911. For non emergency calls needing the assistance or response of a crew, please dial the non-emergency dispatch number at 937-225-HELP (4357).

The administrative offices can be reached at 937-433-3083, Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm. Please note that this is a non-emergency number.

Yes! To more quickly locate your home in an emergency, our Fire Department offers a reflective sign that clearly displays your street address. We'll even install it for you if you'd like!

The 6-inch-by-18-inch signs can be installed easily on a mailbox post and will allow your street address to be prominently displayed on both sides. Our online order form explains more, including fees.

Knox lock boxes can be placed on front doors of homes or businesses to help aid the Fire Department in entering your property during an emergency. Residents can contact our Fire Marshal at 937-433-3083 for detailed information. 

Fire extinguishers can be disposed of at the Montgomery County Solid Waste Department. Visit their website or call 937-225-4999 for more details. Additional hazardous waste disposal information can be found through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Please contact Fire Headquarters at 937-433-3083 to report the location of the leaking hydrant.

Sometimes this can occur after fire hydrants have been flushed. Try running your water for several minutes to clear the line. If this doesn't work, please contact the Montgomery County Water Department at 937-781-2500.

Yes. We offer three types of classes through the American Heart Association. More details, including class dates, times, and registration information are available on our CPR & Other Classes web page.

The Washington Township Fire Department hosts six blood drives each year. Please visit our Blood Drive page for upcoming events and to schedule an appointment.

Please visit Dayton Children's for information on car seat safety or to schedule an appointment with one of their certified car seat technicians.

For an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency calls, please call 937-225-HELP (4357).

The MCSO Washington Township Substation administrative offices can be reached at 937-432-2777, Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4 pm. Please note that this is a non-emergency number.

To report a traffic violation in progress, such as speeding, running a stop sign, hit and run accident, or reckless operation, call dispatch at 937-225-4357.

For an ongoing traffic issue, call the traffic services deputy at the MCSO Washington Township Substation at 937-432-2751.

Contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office to report an auto accident. If you believe someone may be injured, please call 911. If the accident has not resulted in injury, call the non-emergency line at 937-225-4357.

Accident reports can be obtained through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Records Department by calling 937-225-4096. Reports are available after a minimum of 72 working hours. The cost is a flat fee of $4.

Parking is prohibited: 

• In front of a public or private driveway

• Within an intersection

• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant

• On a crosswalk

• Within 1 foot of another parked vehicle

• Within 30 feet of, and upon the approach to, any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control device

• At any place where signs prohibit stopping, standing, or parking, or where curbing is painted yellow

• In a specified handicap space without a permit

For more information, call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 937-225-4357.

Fingerprint card services are handled at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office building at 345 W. Second Street in Dayton. Please visit the MCSO website for more information and to book an appointment.

Checks on persons for employment, housing permit holders, etc. are made through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Records Department at 345 W. Second Street in Dayton. Hours are 8 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $3 fee per record check. Call the Records Department at 937-225-4096 for more information.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is authorized to remove any abandoned junk vehicle left unattended upon any street for longer than 72 hours. Any vehicle that is illegally parked, and constitutes a hazard or obstruction to the normal movement of traffic, will be removed. Owners of illegally parked or unattended vehicles may receive a citation and can be liable for towing and/or impound fees.

Junk (unlicensed or inoperable) vehicles may not be left on public or private property. Removal of abandoned vehicles on private property is typically the responsibility of the property owner. For more information, contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 937-225-4357 or Washington Township Zoning Department at 937-433-0152.

Old medications can be safely disposed of at a secure prescription drug drop-off box in the lobby of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Washington Township Substation, 8190 McEwen Road. Please visit our Medication Disposal page for more information about what items are accepted.

Animal bites should be reported to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Regional Dispatch Center at 937-225-4357 or by contacting Montgomery County Animal Resource Center at 937-898-4457. 

Traffic, misdemeanor, criminal, and civil court matters are handled in Kettering Municipal Court at 2325 Wilmington Pike. For information, call 937-296-2461.

Juvenile cases are handled in Montgomery County Juvenile Court. For information, call 937-225-4199.

Felony criminal and civil court matters are handled in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court at 41 N. Perry Street. For information, call 937-496-7213.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) locations closest to Washington Township are:

• Centerville: 108 W. Spring Valley Road, 937-435-5970

• West Carrollton: 5582 N. Springboro Pike, 937-866-9511

In Washington Township, solicitors are prohibited from entering onto private property and selling goods or services when a "No Soliciting" sign is clearly displayed. Township regulations also prohibit vendors from entering premises marked with such signage or from obstructing public ways and private property.

"No Soliciting" stickers are available for free (while supplies last) at the Washington Township Government Center, 8200 McEwen Road.

If solicitors ignore posted signage, residents can file a report by calling the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 937-225-4357.

Washington Township approved an updated noise ordinance in 2025. Violations will be determined based on whether the noise would disturb the comfort, peace, or health of a reasonable person – meaning an average person using ordinary judgment in a similar situation. Fines will be issued as follows: $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for each additional violation.

Noise violations in Washington Township can be reported by calling the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 937-225-4357.

Deputies at the MCSO Washington Township Substation work in partnership with all Township residents to help prevent crime. Officers are available to discuss home, neighborhood, business, and personal security, as well as specific safety topics. Contact the Community Oriented Policing Deputy at 937-432-2771 to learn more.

Generally, most types of work done by a contractor within 12 feet of the edge of the roadway require a permit. The $50 fee covers the cost of inspections, which ensures that the work is completed to Township standards. Remember that sprinkler systems, invisible fences, and landscaping should be kept 15 feet away from the street to minimize possible damages during road improvements or utility work.

Our Right-of-Way Permits page explains how to obtain a permit.

To arrange for the removal of bulk items, please contact your waste hauler:

• Republic Services Bulk Waste Removal

• Rumpke Bulk Trash Pickup

• Waste Management Bulk Trash Pickup

No resident may directly or indirectly discharge the water from a swimming pool, sump pump, downspout, or other similar source within 10 feet of the property line separating adjacent properties or the street right-of-way.

The Township encourages all property owners to connect their sump pumps to the storm sewer system when applicable and subject to approval by the Washington Township Public Works Department.

• Newer plats may have a drain underneath the curb that can be used for this purpose.

• Residents in slightly older neighborhoods may be able to connect to a nearby catch basin.

In the case of chlorinated pool water, or similar treated water sources, property owners must follow EPA guidelines for decontamination.

The responsibility for the maintenance and improvement of drains, streams, ditches, and watercourses, whether established County/Township ditches or not, rests entirely upon the landowners affected and benefited. It is not the obligation of the County/Township to maintain or improve the storm drainage facilities across any individual’s property for either agricultural purposes or development of suburban home sites. When an individual purchases property, the principal of “Caveat Emptor” or “let the buyer beware,” is the purchaser’s best guideline. Land ownership has many potential and real benefits, but also comes with certain liabilities. Storm drainage facilities fall under the liability category of property ownership. These storm drainage facilities cannot be closed, obstructed, or altered in any way which would reduce the capacity for conveying storm water across private property. Any owner is liable for upstream property damage for failure to properly maintain storm drainage facilities across his own property.”

Passage from Montgomery County Engineer pamphlet, “Responsibility and Procedure for Improvement and Maintenance of Drains, Ditches and Watercourses."

Although every leaf season is different, leaf collection in Washington Township usually takes place from October through December. More information, including routes and helpful tips for a smooth leaf season, are posted to our Leaf Collection web page.

Some roads in Washington Township are either state or Montgomery County roads. Other roads run through both Washington Township and the City of Centerville, so they may be maintained by the either the Township or the City, depending upon the location.

The following roads are not maintained by Washington Township's Public Works Department:

State Roads

The Ohio Department of Transportation is responsible for these roads:

• State Route 48

• I-675 and ramps

• State Route 725

County Roads

Montgomery County maintains the following roads:

• Alex-Bell Road

• Austin Pike

• Clyo Road (south of Franklin)

• Mad River Road

• Paragon Road (from 725 to Spring Valley)

• Rahn Road (from Mad River to 48)

• Social Row Road

• Spring Valley Pike (east of 48)

• West Whipp Road

• Yankee Street 

Note: Montgomery County and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) roads are spread over a large area and sometimes response times can be delayed.

City of Centerville Roads

The following roads are maintained by the City of Centerville:

• Clyo Road (north of Franklin)

• East Whipp Road

• State Route 48 (within city limits)

Some roads in Washington Township are either state or Montgomery County roads. Other roads run through both Washington Township and the City of Centerville, so they may be maintained by the either the Township or the City, depending upon the location. Please see the question above for a list of roads maintained by other jurisdictions.

Please visit our Street Maintenance, Repair & Improvement page for a list of streets in this year's Street Improvement Program, which includes concrete curb and sidewalk repair, as well as asphalt milling and paving.

For removal of animals on a roadway, the answer depends upon which jurisdiction is responsible for maintaining the road. Please see the question above for a list of roads maintained by other jurisdictions.

• If the animal is on a Township road, call our Public Works Department at 937-433-0152 to have the carcass removed.

• If the animal is on a Montgomery County road, call 937-837-2528.

• If the animal is on a state road, call ODOT at 937-492-1141.
  

If the animal is located in your yard, you may have to dispose of it in a plastic bag in your trash.

Washington Township does not spray for mosquitoes. Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County’s mosquito control program monitors for mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile Virus. PHDMC will announce any affected areas, dates for spraying, and what insecticide is being used. For more information, visit www.phdmc.org or follow @PublicHealthDMC on Facebook.

Please visit the Recreation portion of our website. The RecPlex also maintains a frequently asked questions page.

Most parks in Centerville-Washington Township are operated by the Centerville-Washington Park District. CWPD maintains 51 parks encompassing more than 1,000 acres and offering varying amenities.

Washington Township operates Countryside Park, which is located adjacent to the RecPlex on Miamisburg-Centerville Road.

Stubbs Park is maintained by the City of Centerville.

When planning an exterior improvement to your property, start by contacting our Development Services Department at 937-433-0152. Many outdoor projects require a zoning certificate. Our staff can tell you if a certificate is necessary for your project and provide the information you need to get started.

A zoning certificate is required for a shed or other type of accessory structure.

The most important consideration is making sure that the proposed structure meets setback requirements. Depending on the zoning district in which you live, required setbacks could be as little as 5 feet from the side property line or as large as 40 feet from the side property line. Square footage and height requirements also apply.

In addition, structures 200 square feet and larger require a building permit. Residents should contact Montgomery County at 937-225-4622 to see if a building permit is required for their structure.

A zoning certificate is required for a fence, and an application request must be submitted to the Township's Development Services Department prior to installation. Also, Montgomery County requires a building permit if you are planning to construct a concrete wall.

Fences should be no higher than 4 feet in height if located in the front yard, or 6 feet in height if located in the side or rear yards. Height requirements vary for a corner or double frontage lot. It is recommended that you contact us for additional information.

While fences may be placed directly on your property line, residents are encouraged to speak first with their neighbor to make sure maintenance of the other side of the fence is not going to be a problem. It is recommended that you have your property surveyed prior to installing your fence. There are several qualified licensed surveyors listed online.

In order to assure that pools meet proper setbacks and fencing, the Township requires zoning certificates for all swimming pools. A building permit from Montgomery County is also required. Pools must have a minimum 4-foot high fence around them, and all gates must have an operable lock.

Most site plans for lots within Washington Township are kept on file in the Development Services office. If you wish to obtain a copy of your site plan, please call 937-433-0152 with the name of your subdivision and your lot number or your address. Official deeds and easement information are on file at the Montgomery County Administration Building, 451 W. Third Street in Dayton.

This information is outlined in Article 7 of the Township's Zoning Resolution.

Zoning district information for properties may be found in the Township's Zoning Map, which determines specific criteria. Please contact the Development Services Department at 937-433-0152 if your property is zoned PD-R (Planned Development Residential).

Recreational vehicles and equipment must be screened from adjacent properties by a solid evergreen hedge row or a solid fence at least 5 feet longer than the object being screened. Residential properties are limited to one recreational vehicle.

Height requirements for the two types of screening:

• Evergreen - Equal in height to the items being screened or at least 8 feet tall

• Solid fence - 6 feet tall if the RV or equipment is 8 feet or less in height 

RVs and recreational equipment also:

• Must be parked behind the front line of the house

• Cannot be stored in the required side and rear yard setbacks

• Must be parked on an impervious surface, not grass 

RVs and recreational equipment may be stored on a driveway for routine maintenance for 7 days at a time and for no more than 45 days per calendar year. The maximum allowable length is 35 feet for recreational vehicles.

Residential properties are limited to one utility trailer. These must be screened from adjacent properties by a solid evergreen hedge row or a solid fence that is:

• At least 6 feet high

• At least 5 feet longer than the object being screened 

Utility trailers also:

• Must be parked behind the front line of the house

• Cannot be stored in the required side and rear yard setbacks

• Must be parked on an impervious surface, not grass 

Utility trailers may be temporarily stored for 48 consecutive hours within a 7-day period, but no more than 45 days per calendar year. The maximum allowable length is 30 feet for utility trailers.

If a neighbor's property becomes overgrown (weeds and grasses higher than 8 inches) or if debris is strewn about the yard, the Development Services Department can probably help resolve the situation.

You can submit a Code Violation Complaint online or call us to report a violation. You can remain anonymous.

Our department will ask the property owner to mow the lawn and/or pick up the trash. For those unwilling to comply, the Township hires a contractor to do the work and assesses the property tax.

Although state law prohibits townships from working on private property, we will be glad to meet with you and discuss possible solutions to your drainage problems. Sump pump drains are allowed to be connected to the storm sewer, but not to the sanitary sewer. The Township prohibits sump pump or downspout lines from discharging directly onto the sidewalk or into the street. Discharge points must be at least 10 feet from the property line.

Property owners are responsible for all tree and debris removal on private property. Failure to remove debris will result in Township enforcement action. Washington Township does not determine responsibility for trees that have fallen across property lines, which must be worked out between neighbors.

Montgomery County has authority concerning flood plains. However, Washington Township can provide you with copies of the FEMA flood maps. The maps are used by most mortgage companies to determine if a particular lot lies within the flood plain.

Chickens are only permitted in Washington Township within Agricultural zoning districts. Please contact the Township's Development Services Department at 937-433-0152 for zoning confirmation and additional chicken-raising requirements.

All commercial signs, both permanent and temporary, require a zoning certificate. Specific provisions for different types of signs are provided in the Township's Zoning Resolution, or you can call the Development Services Department at 937-433-0152 for further information.

If you do not see your question answered here, please contact the Development Services Department at 937-433-0152. We’re happy to speak with you about your project!