On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Columbus
Any planned work, regardless of whether it is new construction, alteration to an existing building or space, or a change in occupancy. Most structural modifications, trade work, and site alterations require permits.
Detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) under 120 sq ft
Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade
Minor electrical repairs such as replacing lamps or fixtures (no new wiring)
Roof leak repairs involving concealed pipes (non-structural)
- Exempt Detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) under 120 sq ft
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Minor electrical repairs such as replacing lamps or fixtures (no new wiring)
- Exempt Roof leak repairs involving concealed pipes (non-structural)
Note: See 2019 Residential Code of Ohio Section R105.2 for full residential exemption list and IBC Chapter 1 for commercial
Required documents
- Completed Columbus building permit application
- Construction drawings (PDFs for online)
- Site or plot plan for exterior work
- Contractor license or homeowner affidavit
- Cost estimate of materials and labor
- Zoning clearance if applicable
- Energy compliance forms for new construction
- Building code
- Ohio Building Code (2024 OBC based on IBC 2021); Residential Code of Ohio (2019 RCO based on IRC 2018); Columbus Building Code (Chapter 41 of City Code); 2023 National Electrical Code
- Permit validity
- Work must begin within 1 year of issuance or permit expires; once started, no delays exceeding 6 months allowed; limited extensions available
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may perform structural work, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing alterations and repairs on a single-family dwelling they occupy. Only immediate family (without compensation) may assist; any non-family help requires a licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- OCILB-licensed trades (electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, hydronics, plumbing) need only their state OCILB license to work in Columbus -- no separate city trade registration. General contractors and home improvement contractors must register with the City Board of General and Home Improvement Contractors. General contractor registration requires a $25,000 surety bond. All contractors must hold required insurance.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential approximately 10 business days; commercial 15-30 business days. Work must begin within 1 year of permit issuance; no gaps exceeding 6 months once started.
- 01 Create an account on the Citizen Access Portal at ca.columbus.gov/ca/
- 02 Select the applicable permit type (building, electric, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, etc.)
- 03 Complete the online application and upload required documents (construction plans as PDFs, site plan, contractor license or homeowner affidavit, energy compliance forms for new construction, cost estimate)
- 04 Submit application; BZS reviews for code compliance and zoning
- 05 Respond to any plan correction letters with revised sets
- 06 Pay permit fees upon approval (fees are listed in the 2026 Fee Schedule)
- 07 Permit is issued; post at job site before commencing work
- 08 Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling (614) 645-8235
- 09 Pass all required inspections
- 10 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance where applicable
Typical processing time: Residential approximately 10 business days; commercial 15-30 business days. Work must begin within 1 year of permit issuance; no gaps exceeding 6 months once started.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 22, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$125
02
Plan check fee
Included in the permit fee; not charged separately for standard residential. After-hours plan review available by request (additional fee applies).
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed flat and square-footage-based. Residential new construction/additions: $1,000 flat. Residential alterations/accessory structures: $350. Deck: $300. Fence: $300. Demolition: $250. Residential trade permits (plumbing, electrical): $250 each. Roofing (residential): $125. Commercial new construction/additions: $650 plus $6 per 10 sq ft over 1,000 sq ft (max $500,000). Commercial demolition: $200 plus $80 per 1,000 sq ft (max $3,000). Single inspection permit: $500.
04
Trade permit fee
$250 each
05
Reinspection fee
$125 per reinspection for missed or failed inspections
06
Penalty (no permit)
$125-$200 for advanced construction start
Fees due after plan approval and before permit issuance. Payable online via portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 22, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Citizen Access Portal (online)
- (614) 645-8235 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Typical sequence: Footings; foundation; rough framing; rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing; insulation; final building; trade finals; certificate of occupancy
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Columbus permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Columbus, OH? ▸
Any planned work, regardless of whether it is new construction, alteration to an existing building or space, or a change in occupancy. Most structural modifications, trade work, and site alterations require permits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Columbus, OH? ▸
Building permit fees in Columbus, OH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $125. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat and square-footage-based. Residential new construction/additions: $1,000 flat. Residential alterations/accessory structures: $350. Deck: $300. Fence: $300. Demolition: $250. Residential trade permits (plumbing, electrical): $250 each. Roofing (residential): $125. Commercial new construction/additions: $650 plus $6 per 10 sq ft over 1,000 sq ft (max $500,000). Commercial demolition: $200 plus $80 per 1,000 sq ft (max $3,000). Single inspection permit: $500.. Plan check fee: Included in the permit fee; not charged separately for standard residential. After-hours plan review available by request (additional fee applies)..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Columbus, OH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Columbus, OH, follow these steps: 1. Create an account on the Citizen Access Portal at ca.columbus.gov/ca/ 2. Select the applicable permit type (building, electric, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, etc.) 3. Complete the online application and upload required documents (construction plans as PDFs, site plan, contractor license or homeowner affidavit, energy compliance forms for new construction, cost estimate) 4. Submit application; BZS reviews for code compliance and zoning 5. Respond to any plan correction letters with revised sets 6. Pay permit fees upon approval (fees are listed in the 2026 Fee Schedule) 7. Permit is issued; post at job site before commencing work 8. Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling (614) 645-8235 9. Pass all required inspections 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance where applicable
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Columbus, OH? ▸
Building permit processing times in Columbus, OH typically run Residential approximately 10 business days; commercial 15-30 business days. Work must begin within 1 year of permit issuance; no gaps exceeding 6 months once started.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Columbus, OH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Columbus, OH. The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) under 120 sq ft; Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height; Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade; Minor electrical repairs such as replacing lamps or fixtures (no new wiring); Roof leak repairs involving concealed pipes (non-structural). Note: See 2019 Residential Code of Ohio Section R105.2 for full residential exemption list and IBC Chapter 1 for commercial When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Columbus, OH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Columbus, OH via: Citizen Access Portal, (614) 645-8235.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) ↗
entry id permits/ohio/franklin/columbus
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.