Columbus building permits
Building permits in Columbus are issued by the City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS)1. You can apply and request inspections online through portal.columbus.gov1.
On this page
- Building department contacts
- Do you need a permit in Columbus? Common projects
- Building codes in force in Columbus
- Columbus building permit fees
- How to get a building permit in Columbus
- Permit expiration and extensions
- Inspections in Columbus
- Building without a permit in Columbus
- Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Ohio rules that also apply in Columbus
- Sources
Building department contacts
City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS)1
Building permits
- Website
- columbus.gov2
- Apply online
- portal.columbus.gov1
- Phone
- (614) 645-74333
- [email protected]2
- Address
- 111 N Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 432152
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., City holidays excluded2
- Inspections
- Online via Citizen Access Portal or automated phone line (614) 645-8235, until midnight for next business day4
City of Columbus Department of Public Service (Right of Way permits)7
Public works and right-of-way
- Phone
- (614) 645-74977
Historic / design review commissions (Planning Division contact)7
Historic preservation
- Phone
- (614) 645-44377
To look up permits already issued for an address (useful before you buy, or to check a contractor's work), use the city's official permit search: portal.columbus.gov9.
Do you need a permit in Columbus? Common projects
Each project below has its own page with Columbus's exact rule, the official wording, fees and inspections.
| Project | Permit needed? | Key limit in the city rule |
|---|---|---|
| Fence | Depends on size or scope | Exempt up to this height: 6 feet5 |
| Deck | Depends on size or scope | Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet10 |
| Shed | Depends on size or scope | Exempt up to this area: 200 square feet7 |
| Roof | Yes | Like-for-like replacement exempt? No11 |
| Pool | Depends on size or scope | Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches12 |
| Water heater | Yes | Like-for-like replacement exempt? No2 |
Building codes in force in Columbus
These are the model codes Columbus enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Ohio building codes.
| Code | Title as adopted | Model edition | Effective | Adopted by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2019 Residential Code (RCO)13 | 201814 | 15 | Ohio Board of Building Standards16 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2023 National Electric Code (NEC – NFPA 70)13 | – | – | – |
| Energy code, residential | 2018 International Energy Conservation Code13 | – | – | – |
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2024 Ohio Building Code13 | – | 13 | Ohio Board of Building Standards13 |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code13 | – | – | Ohio Board of Building Standards13 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code13 | – | – | Ohio Board of Building Standards13 |
Columbus building permit fees
Fees come from the 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule17.
How valuation is set. Flat fees for 1, 2, 3 family permits; square-footage fees use gross square footage per C.C. 4113.4317.
Each line is worded as in Columbus’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| New Construction and Additions (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | New Construction and Additions (includes 6 inspections) $1,10017 |
| Alterations/Accessory Structures (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Alterations/Accessory Structures (includes 2 inspections) $38517 |
| Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (includes 2 inspections) $27517 |
| Minor Work Permit - Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing only (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Minor Work Permit - Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing only. Must be on the Approved Minor Work Permit List (includes 1 inspection) $14017 |
| Roof, Siding, Windows, and Doors (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Roof, Siding, Windows, and Doors (1 inspection) $14017 |
| Swimming Pools - Above-Ground (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Above-Ground (includes 1 inspection) $10017 |
| Swimming Pools - In-Ground (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | In-Ground (includes 2 inspections) $30017 |
| Deck (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Deck (includes 3 inspections) $35017 |
| Fence (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Fence (includes 2 inspections) $30017 |
| Advanced Construction Start (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Advanced Construction Start $12517 |
| Demolition (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Flat fee | Demolition (includes 1 inspection) $27517 |
| Additional Inspection Trip | Re-inspection | Additional Inspection Trip $22517 |
| After-Hours Inspection, first 2 hours | After-hours inspection | Fee for first 2 hours $65017 |
| Certificate of Occupancy for an existing 1,2,3 family building not associated with a building permit | Flat fee | Certificate of Occupancy for an existing building not associated with a building permit - 1,2,3 Family dwelling units $30017 |
| 1, 2, 3 Family Dwelling Plan Revisions, Plan Review Only - first hour | Plan review | 1, 2, 3 Family Dwelling Plan Revisions, Plan Review Only First Hour $22517 |
| Permit Extensions (OBC 105.3) | Flat fee | Permit Extensions (OBC 105.3) $100 per permit17 |
| Zoning Clearance Only (no associated building permit), 1-4 dwelling units | Flat fee | Zoning Clearance Only (no associated building permit): 1-4 dwelling units $10017 |
How to get a building permit in Columbus
- Step 1: Do I live within City of Columbus boundaries?7
- Any planned work, regardless of whether it involves new construction, alterations to an existing building or space, or a change in occupancy, requires a building permit with plan review.7
- Permits can be issued to property owners or City of Columbus licensed/registered contractors.7
- In general, new construction, additions, or alterations to existing buildings require plans and specifications.7
- Some applications can be submitted through our Citizen Access Portal, which is the preferred method when available.7
- Records must be paid for before they are assigned to a reviewer.7
- Plan approval is not permit issuance.7
- Inspections for the next day of business, or an upcoming business day of your choice, can be scheduled until midnight through our Citizen Access Portal or automated phone system.7
- After your final inspection is complete, your permit will automatically close.7
- Apply online
- Yes7
- Over-the-counter permits
- Minor Work Permit list items: no plan review7
- Posting the permit
- Permit and approved drawings on site for the inspector18
Permit expiration and extensions
- How long a permit lasts
- Work must begin within 1 year after issuance; no delay over 6 months once begun19
- Extensions
- Written request to [email protected] plus fee; one 12-month extension to start work, two 6-month extensions for delays7
Inspections in Columbus
Columbus’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).
- Inspection trips: each site visit debits one trip from the permit4
- Deck: footing, framing, final7
- Certificate of Occupancy (new use / change of use)7
- How to schedule
- Citizen Access Portal or (614) 645-82354
- Re-inspection fee
- Additional Inspection Trip $22517
- After the final inspection
- Permit closes automatically after final inspection7
Building without a permit in Columbus
| Consequence | Applies to | As the city states it |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation fee Columbus City Code Ch. 4113 (per affidavit); contractor discipline per C.C. 4114.537, 4114.727 | Work performed without the required permit (violation of Columbus Building Code Ch. 4113)20 | Working Without a Permit: Level 1 $200; Level 2 $750; Level 3 $1750; Level 4 $400017 |
| Civil penalty | Occupying without a Certificate of Occupancy17 | $250017 |
| Criminal penalty | Violations of the Housing, Zoning, and Environmental codes (code enforcement notices)6 | Fines up to $1,000 plus court costs and 180 days in jail6 |
| Daily fine | Continued non-compliance with a code enforcement Violation Notice6 | Daily fines up to $250 per day6 |
For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.
Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Homeowner may pull a building permit
- Yes7
- Homeowner electrical work
- Conditional: existing single-family dwelling the owner occupies; not new construction7
- Homeowner plumbing work
- Conditional: existing single-family dwelling the owner occupies; not new construction8
- Owner and occupancy requirement
- Owner lives or will live in the single-family home and uses it only as their home8
- Affidavit or declaration
- Yes: notarized Building Permit Owner Affidavit (and MEP Homeowner Affidavit for trade permits)21
Ohio's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Ohio permit guide.
Ohio rules that also apply in Columbus
- Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections in Ohio
- Contractor licensing in Ohio
- Selling a home with unpermitted work in Ohio
Sources
- Building & Zoning ServicesCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Typical Residential ProjectsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised March 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- BZS Contact SheetCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised March 2026Checked November 6, 2026
- Building InspectionsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Fences (information sheet)City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Code EnforcementCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 6, 2026
- BZS Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Permit Homeowner's AffidavitCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised March 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Records ResearchCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Construction Industry Communication #23: 1, 2 and 3 Family Dwelling Decks and Exterior Egress ComponentsCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 3, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Construction Industry Communication #11: Minimum Construction Document Standards for Roofing/Window/Door Permit…City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 3, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Swimming Pools (information sheet)City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Getting Started: Commercial & Residential CodesCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 6, 2026
- Amendments Group CVII (107) Proposed Residential Code of Ohio Rules, Public Hearing DraftState of Ohio, Department of Commerce, Board of Building StandardsPublished December 4, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
- OAC 4101:8-34-01 Electrical (RCO Chapter 34), effective 4/15/2024State of Ohio, Department of Commerce, Board of Building StandardsEffective April 15, 2024Checked November 6, 2026
- 2019 Residential Code of Ohio Building Department Resource PackageState of Ohio, Department of Commerce, Board of Building StandardsPublished July 2019Checked November 7, 2026
- 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Decks: Deck Requirements (Deck Information with Illustrations)City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished January 2019Checked November 7, 2026
- Get or Track a Building PermitCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Affidavit Working Without A PermitCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised March 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Building Permit Owner AffidavitCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised March 2026Checked November 7, 2026