City Building Permits

Worthington, OH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Ohio Franklin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Worthington, Franklin County. Self-certified municipal building department covering the entire incorporated city.

Department
Division of Building Regulation (within the Planning and Building Department)
Address
374 Highland Ave., Worthington, OH 43085
Phone
(614) 431-2424
Website
https://www.worthington.org/139/Building-Regulation

Online Permit Portal

Open EnerGov Customer Self Service Portal

Platform: EnerGov Customer Self Service • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Access the EnerGov CSS portal at worthington.org/css or obtain paper application at City Hall, 374 Highland Ave.
  2. Submit application with construction documents detailing the scope of work
  3. For simple projects (sheds, fences, equipment replacements): a site plan showing location and construction method may suffice; manufacturer literature may be acceptable for replacements
  4. For complex projects (additions, new buildings): complete construction documents required
  5. Zoning compliance review may be required for projects affecting the building footprint or site
  6. Plans examiner reviews for code compliance; Ohio law requires review decision within 30 days of receipt
  7. Pay permit fees (invoice emailed after review; payment through CSS portal or in person)
  8. Permit is issued
  9. Schedule inspections through the CSS portal
  10. Complete required inspections at each stage before work is covered
  11. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy, Completion, or Compliance issued on request

Typical processing time: Ohio law requires approval or denial within 30 days of receipt. Simple permits often faster.

Source: Division of Building Regulation (within the Planning and Building Department)

General Requirements

New construction, additions, alterations, and equipment replacements. Separate permits required for electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, use of public property, and tents.

Required Documents

  • Varies by complexity: application
  • Site plan (available from Franklin County or City GIS)
  • Construction documents
  • Manufacturer literature for like-for-like replacements
  • Complete drawings for additions and new construction
Building code
2024 Ohio Building Code (based on IBC 2021, via Chapter 1301 of Codified Ordinances); 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (1-, 2-, 3-family dwellings, via Chapter 1305); 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code; 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code; 2023 National Electrical Code (Ohio Electrical Code); 2022 Ohio Fire Code (via Chapter 1501); 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 1311)
Contractor requirements
State OCILB license required for electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and related trades. Separate permits required per trade. Confirm any Worthington-specific contractor registration requirements with department.

Fees

Plan check fee
Included in permit process; separate charge not specified on reviewed pages
Payment note
Invoice emailed through CSS portal after plan review; fee payment available online through CSS or in person

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Fences not over 6 feet in height (no Certificate of Occupancy/Completion required)
  • Most sign permit face replacements (no certificate required)
  • Sheds under 200 sq ft

Important: Other exemptions follow 2019 Residential Code of Ohio Section R105.2 and 2024 OBC Section 105.2

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Footings; foundation; rough electrical, plumbing, HVAC; framing; insulation; finishes; final building/zoning inspection

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Division of Building Regulation (within the Planning and Building Department) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worthington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Worthington, OH?
New construction, additions, alterations, and equipment replacements. Separate permits required for electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, use of public property, and tents.
How do I apply for a building permit in Worthington, OH?
1. Access the EnerGov CSS portal at worthington.org/css or obtain paper application at City Hall, 374 Highland Ave. 2. Submit application with construction documents detailing the scope of work 3. For simple projects (sheds, fences, equipment replacements): a site plan showing location and construction method may suffice; manufacturer literature may be acceptable for replacements 4. For complex projects (additions, new buildings): complete construction documents required 5. Zoning compliance review may be required for projects affecting the building footprint or site 6. Plans examiner reviews for code compliance; Ohio law requires review decision within 30 days of receipt 7. Pay permit fees (invoice emailed after review; payment through CSS portal or in person) 8. Permit is issued 9. Schedule inspections through the CSS portal 10. Complete required inspections at each stage before work is covered 11. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy, Completion, or Compliance issued on request
How long does it take to get a building permit in Worthington, OH?
Typical processing time is Ohio law requires approval or denial within 30 days of receipt. Simple permits often faster..
What work is exempt from building permits in Worthington, OH?
The following work is generally exempt: Fences not over 6 feet in height (no Certificate of Occupancy/Completion required); Most sign permit face replacements (no certificate required); Sheds under 200 sq ft. Note: Other exemptions follow 2019 Residential Code of Ohio Section R105.2 and 2024 OBC Section 105.2
How do I schedule a building inspection in Worthington, OH?
Inspections can be scheduled via: EnerGov CSS portal, (614) 431-2424.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Worthington 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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