Bexley, OH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Bexley, Franklin County. Small enclave city surrounded by Columbus. Self-certified building department. Major exterior construction changes are also subject to Architectural Review Board (ARB) and/or Board of Zoning and Planning (BZAP) approval before building permit issuance.

Department

Building and Zoning Department

Address

2242 E. Main Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209

Phone

(614) 559-4240

Website

https://bexley.org/building/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create or log in to account at bexleyoh.viewpointcloud.com
2. Select applicable permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, zoning)
3. For major exterior changes (new construction, additions, significant alterations): submit to ARB at least 4 weeks before monthly meeting; BZAP at least 6 weeks before meeting if ARB recommendation required
4. Upload application and supporting documents
5. Building and Zoning Department reviews for code compliance and zoning
6. Pay permit fees
7. Permit is issued
8. Schedule inspections online at forms.gle/NScE85q6KwnWTYMJ9 or by calling (614) 559-4240
9. Complete required inspections
10. Obtain occupancy approval where required

Source: Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Air conditioning and heating units, electrical and plumbing work, construction (additions and remodeling), demolition of structures, driveways, fences, yard light installation, sidewalks, swimming pools and hot tubs. Exterior alterations also subject to ARB or BZAP review.

Required Documents

• Application through portal
• Construction drawings
• ARB/BZAP approval documents where applicable
• Contractor registration and insurance documentation

Building code

Ohio Building Code (state-certified department); Building Maintenance Code enforced. Follows state mandate of 2024 OBC effective March 1, 2024.

Contractor requirements

All general contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing, and HVAC contractors must register with City of Bexley. Annual registration fee: $125 per contractor (January 1 through December 31). State OCILB license required for applicable trades.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 (minor interior residential); $200 (minor interior commercial)

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat and square-footage-based. New 1-, 2-, 3-family dwellings: $500 plus $0.10/sq ft. Additions and alterations: $0.12/sq ft. Exterior improvements (roofing, siding, window replacement): $90 each residential ($70 each for 2 or more); $190 commercial ($150 each for 2 or more). Garages/carports/accessory structures over 200 sq ft: $150 single garage plus $50 each additional space.

Payment note

Online payment through portal; in person at 2242 E. Main Street. Ohio BBS fee: 1% of permit fees (residential) and 3% (commercial) added to all building permits. Contractor registration: $125/year per trade.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online inspection form (online)
• (614) 559-4240 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Follows OBC/RCO standards for project type

Additional Resources

• Building code: Ohio Building Code (state-certified department); Building Maintenance Code enforced. Follows state mandate of 2024 OBC effective March 1, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: Ohio eLicense Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Code Enforcement
• Chapter 244 Building Department
• License lookup guide: Ohio Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Ohio Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Ohio hub: Ohio Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Bexley Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bexley, OH?

Air conditioning and heating units, electrical and plumbing work, construction (additions and remodeling), demolition of structures, driveways, fences, yard light installation, sidewalks, swimming pools and hot tubs. Exterior alterations also subject to ARB or BZAP review.

How much does a building permit cost in Bexley, OH?

The minimum permit fee is $100 (minor interior residential); $200 (minor interior commercial). Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat and square-footage-based. New 1-, 2-, 3-family dwellings: $500 plus $0.10/sq ft. Additions and alterations: $0.12/sq ft. Exterior improvements (roofing, siding, window replacement): $90 each residential ($70 each for 2 or more); $190 commercial ($150 each for 2 or more). Garages/carports/accessory structures over 200 sq ft: $150 single garage plus $50 each additional space.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Bexley, OH?

1. Create or log in to account at bexleyoh.viewpointcloud.com 2. Select applicable permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, zoning) 3. For major exterior changes (new construction, additions, significant alterations): submit to ARB at least 4 weeks before monthly meeting; BZAP at least 6 weeks before meeting if ARB recommendation required 4. Upload application and supporting documents 5. Building and Zoning Department reviews for code compliance and zoning 6. Pay permit fees 7. Permit is issued 8. Schedule inspections online at forms.gle/NScE85q6KwnWTYMJ9 or by calling (614) 559-4240 9. Complete required inspections 10. Obtain occupancy approval where required

How do I schedule a building inspection in Bexley, OH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online inspection form, (614) 559-4240.

Other cities in Franklin County