City of Westerville

Before the start of any work, an owner or authorized agent must submit plans and an application for review. The city publishes detailed project-specific pages for work requiring permits, and code enforcement specifically notes that fences require permits.

• Exempt Home occupation may require no permit if certain conditions are met; otherwise conditional use approval may be needed
• Exempt Like-for-like driveway replacement may have no fee under city guidance
• Exempt Sidewalk replacement under 8 panels may have no fee under city guidance

Note: No single consolidated city exemption list was located; Westerville instead publishes permit requirements by project type.

Building code

Uses modern codes, industry standards, and city ordinances. Specifically references the Residential Code of Ohio for one-, two-, and three-family dwellings and the Ohio Building Code, Ohio Plumbing Code, and Ohio Mechanical Code for commercial buildings.

Contractor requirements

Commercial permits can only be issued to licensed contractors. Commercial portal applicants must submit their active Ohio license to register with the city. Multi-family HVAC replacement also requires contractor registration. The public pages reviewed do not show a blanket citywide residential GC registration rule.

1. 01
   Contact Planning and Development if needed to confirm permit type and submittal path.
2. 02
   For plan-reviewed permits, submit construction plans and application through the ePlan portal.
3. 03
   For selected online permit types, use the Permit Portal instead.
4. 04
   Upload supporting materials and pay the applicable fees.
5. 05
   Staff reviews for code and ordinance compliance.
6. 06
   Once fully compliant, the owner or authorized agent receives a valid permit and may start work.
7. 07
   Schedule inspections online through the inspection request system.

Typical processing time: Residential building permits are commonly approximately 10 business days. Ohio law requires review and response within 30 days of receipt. Some zoning and design-board approvals run about 15 to 25 business days or longer depending on meeting cycles.

Source: City of Westerville Building Division, Planning and Development Department ↗

Fees are paid through the online submission/permit process; the city warns applicants about invoice phishing and directs applicants to confirm with Planning and Development.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Online inspection request system (online)
• Right-of-way inspections: 614-901-6845 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests must be submitted before noon for next-day service

Time windows

Time windows given for footing, gas piping, and alteration/remodel inspections inside an occupied dwelling

Typical sequence: The city publishes commercial and residential inspection guides. Typical sequencing includes footing, rough trades, framing after rough electrical and rough plumbing, finals, and final approval/occupancy.