On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clark County
The county's public permit guide says permits are required for many structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roofing, deck, addition, pool, accessory structure, and demolition projects.
Fence work is listed as no permit required, but zoning still applies.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, lawn irrigation systems, and playground equipment are listed as no permit required.
Minor repairs with no impact on access, safety, or health are listed as no permit required.
Siding repair or replacement is listed as no permit required.
Repairs to loose or damaged roof shingles under 50 square feet are listed as no permit required.
- Exempt Fence work is listed as no permit required, but zoning still applies.
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, lawn irrigation systems, and playground equipment are listed as no permit required.
- Exempt Minor repairs with no impact on access, safety, or health are listed as no permit required.
- Exempt Siding repair or replacement is listed as no permit required.
- Exempt Repairs to loose or damaged roof shingles under 50 square feet are listed as no permit required.
Note: The public county materials list several no-permit items, but zoning and other approvals may still apply.
Required documents
- 2 sets of building plans
- A building notice from the auditor
- Plumbing approval or site approval when applicable
- Building code
- 2019 Residential Code of Ohio, based on the 2018 IRC, for residential; 2024 Ohio Building Code, based on the 2021 IBC, for commercial
- Owner-builder
- The county publishes an owner affidavit form, but the public page reviewed does not spell out the rule in summary text. Thin data.
- Contractor requirements
- Clark County publishes a contractor registration form and fee schedule. The portal page says contractors need an access code. Contractors must also comply with Ohio trade licensing rules for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
Source: Clark County Community Development, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm zoning and whether the project requires a permit.
- 02 Prepare application and construction documents.
- 03 Submit through the online permit portal or by following county instructions for paper submittals.
- 04 County reviews the submittal and uploads approved documents to the portal.
- 05 Pay fees and any required state fee.
- 06 Permit is issued after all required submittals and fees are received.
Source: Clark County Community Development, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Clark County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
The residential schedule shows a Residential Application Fee of $42.00 and a Residential Plan Review Fee of $21.00.
02
Plan check fee
Residential Plan Review Fee is $21.00; residential plan approval minimums are $285.00 habitable and $142.00 non-habitable plus 1 percent state fee.
03
Permit fee formula
County fee schedules are formula-based and include inspection fees, application fees, plan review fees, and state fee.
04
Reinspection fee
Additional Inspection/Reinspection Fee is $50.00 on the residential schedule.
Online application fee is $2.00 per application; credit card fee is 2.50 percent per transaction.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call 937-521-2160 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call by 3:30 PM for next working day inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical inspections include lot line, footer, foundation, framing, slab, rough electrical, rough mechanical, rough fuel gas, rough plumbing, insulation, weather protection, finals, and other special inspections as needed.
Reinspection fees may apply if work is not ready or does not comply with code.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clark County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, OH? ▸
The county's public permit guide says permits are required for many structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roofing, deck, addition, pool, accessory structure, and demolition projects.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clark County, OH? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Clark County, OH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is The residential schedule shows a Residential Application Fee of $42.00 and a Residential Plan Review Fee of $21.00.. Fees are calculated as: County fee schedules are formula-based and include inspection fees, application fees, plan review fees, and state fee.. Plan check fee: Residential Plan Review Fee is $21.00; residential plan approval minimums are $285.00 habitable and $142.00 non-habitable plus 1 percent state fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, OH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, OH, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and whether the project requires a permit. 2. Prepare application and construction documents. 3. Submit through the online permit portal or by following county instructions for paper submittals. 4. County reviews the submittal and uploads approved documents to the portal. 5. Pay fees and any required state fee. 6. Permit is issued after all required submittals and fees are received.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clark County, OH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Clark County, OH. The following work is generally exempt: Fence work is listed as no permit required, but zoning still applies.; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, lawn irrigation systems, and playground equipment are listed as no permit required.; Minor repairs with no impact on access, safety, or health are listed as no permit required.; Siding repair or replacement is listed as no permit required.; Repairs to loose or damaged roof shingles under 50 square feet are listed as no permit required.. Note: The public county materials list several no-permit items, but zoning and other approvals may still apply. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, OH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, OH via: Call 937-521-2160. Call by 3:30 PM for next working day inspections..
last verified April 2026
source Clark County Community Development, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/ohio/clark/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clark County Community Development, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.