How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?

The minimum permit fee is $25 (fence); $75 (deck under 1,000 sq ft); $50 (demolition); $60 (electrical); $75 (HVAC); $50 (roof/siding/window replacement). Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based for main building permits: $120 for first 1,000 sq ft; plus $10 per 100 sq ft for additional area. Commercial/non-residential occupancy without permit penalty: $500. Certificate of Zoning Compliance: $275.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; not charged separately.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?

The following work is generally exempt: Above-ground pools (exempt from building permit but may require zoning compliance); Accessory structures 200 sq ft or under (no permit required; zoning compliance may apply). Note: Standard state exemptions per 2019 RCO Section R105.2 apply. Heating and electrical work are never owner-exempt; licensed contractors required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal, (614) 525-3166.

County Building Permits

Franklin County, OH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, Ohio. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Ohio Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

The Franklin County Building Department issues permits for unincorporated areas of Franklin County only -- meaning properties in the townships (outside any city or village limits). Incorporated cities and villages have their own certified building departments. The county building department handles 1-, 2-, and 3-family residential structures and associated development. Commercial permits in unincorporated Franklin County are issued by the State of Ohio (Ohio Board of Building Standards), not the county.

Department: Franklin County Building Department (within Economic Development and Planning -- EDP)
Address: 142 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3166
Email: building@franklincountyohio.gov
Website: https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/Business-Development/Development-Planning/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Franklin County Online Permit Center

Platform: SmartGov Community • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether the property is in unincorporated Franklin County (not within a city or village) by checking the county parcel map or calling (614) 525-3166
If the township requires a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, obtain that first from the EDP department
Access the SmartGov portal at co-franklin-oh.smartgovcommunity.com or submit electronically to building@franklincountyohio.gov
For residential building permits: submit 1 electronic copy (flattened PDF) including index, foundation plan, elevation, section views, site plan, floor plans, exterior wall envelope, and MEP layout
For new house construction also include recorded deed
County reviews plans for code compliance with 2019 Residential Code of Ohio
Building permits issued 7-10 days after full plan approval for properties with access to public water and sewer
Pay permit fees
Permit is issued
Schedule inspections as required at key construction stages
Complete all required inspections before covering work

Typical processing time: Review: 10-30 days depending on project type and complexity. Permit issuance: 7-10 days after full plan approval (properties with public water and sewer); may be delayed for properties on private well/septic pending public health sign-off.

Source: Franklin County Building Department (within Economic Development and Planning -- EDP)

General Requirements

Interior alteration (residential); replacement of doors, windows, roofing, and/or siding (residential); new construction (houses, garages, decks, pools, sunrooms); accessory structures greater than 200 sq ft; structure relocation; demolition. Separate permits required for electrical, heating, plumbing, well, and septic.

Required Documents

1 electronic copy (flattened PDF) of drawings including index, foundation, elevation, section views, site plan, floor plans, exterior wall envelope, and MEP layout
Recorded deed for new construction
Zoning compliance letter (for applicable townships and villages)

Building code: 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (1-, 2-, 3-family dwellings). Commercial building permits issued by State of Ohio (not county).
Owner-builder: Homeowners, contractors, or individuals acting as the owner's agent may apply for a building permit. Heating and electrical work requires a licensed contractor.
Contractor requirements: General structural permits do not require a contractor license for unincorporated Franklin County. For electrical, heating, and plumbing work, a valid state OCILB license is required. Contractor registration available through SmartGov portal (electric, general, HVAC registration).

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25 (fence); $75 (deck under 1,000 sq ft); $50 (demolition); $60 (electrical); $75 (HVAC); $50 (roof/siding/window replacement)
Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; not charged separately
Permit fee formula: Square-footage-based for main building permits: $120 for first 1,000 sq ft; plus $10 per 100 sq ft for additional area. Commercial/non-residential occupancy without permit penalty: $500. Certificate of Zoning Compliance: $275.
Reinspection fee: $75 per reinspection
Penalty (no permit): Working without a permit: $150 plus 3x the applicable permit fee
Payment note: Online through SmartGov portal; in person at 142 S. Front Street; or by mail

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Above-ground pools (exempt from building permit but may require zoning compliance)
Accessory structures 200 sq ft or under (no permit required; zoning compliance may apply)

Important: Standard state exemptions per 2019 RCO Section R105.2 apply. Heating and electrical work are never owner-exempt; licensed contractors required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

SmartGov portal (online)
(614) 525-3166 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation; structural; rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC; framing; insulation; final. Separate inspections required for electrical, heating, plumbing (separate permits, separate inspectors).

Additional Resources

Building code: 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (1-, 2-, 3-family dwellings). Commercial building permits issued by State of Ohio (not county).
Verify contractor license: Ohio eLicense Contractor Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Permits FAQs
EDP Forms and Applications
License lookup guide: Ohio Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Ohio Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Ohio hub: Ohio Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Franklin County Building Department (within Economic Development and Planning -- EDP) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?: Interior alteration (residential); replacement of doors, windows, roofing, and/or siding (residential); new construction (houses, garages, decks, pools, sunrooms); accessory structures greater than 200 sq ft; structure relocation; demolition. Separate permits required for electrical, heating, plumbing, well, and septic.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?: The minimum permit fee is $25 (fence); $75 (deck under 1,000 sq ft); $50 (demolition); $60 (electrical); $75 (HVAC); $50 (roof/siding/window replacement). Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based for main building permits: $120 for first 1,000 sq ft; plus $10 per 100 sq ft for additional area. Commercial/non-residential occupancy without permit penalty: $500. Certificate of Zoning Compliance: $275.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; not charged separately.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?: 1. Determine whether the property is in unincorporated Franklin County (not within a city or village) by checking the county parcel map or calling (614) 525-3166 2. If the township requires a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, obtain that first from the EDP department 3. Access the SmartGov portal at co-franklin-oh.smartgovcommunity.com or submit electronically to building@franklincountyohio.gov 4. For residential building permits: submit 1 electronic copy (flattened PDF) including index, foundation plan, elevation, section views, site plan, floor plans, exterior wall envelope, and MEP layout 5. For new house construction also include recorded deed 6. County reviews plans for code compliance with 2019 Residential Code of Ohio 7. Building permits issued 7-10 days after full plan approval for properties with access to public water and sewer 8. Pay permit fees 9. Permit is issued 10. Schedule inspections as required at key construction stages 11. Complete all required inspections before covering work
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?: Typical processing time is Review: 10-30 days depending on project type and complexity. Permit issuance: 7-10 days after full plan approval (properties with public water and sewer); may be delayed for properties on private well/septic pending public health sign-off..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?: The following work is generally exempt: Above-ground pools (exempt from building permit but may require zoning compliance); Accessory structures 200 sq ft or under (no permit required; zoning compliance may apply). Note: Standard state exemptions per 2019 RCO Section R105.2 apply. Heating and electrical work are never owner-exempt; licensed contractors required.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, OH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal, (614) 525-3166.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Franklin County can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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