On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Blue Ash
A permit is required prior to any regulated construction to ensure compliance with current code. All non-residential plans must be sealed by an Ohio Registered Design Professional.
- Exempt Face changes on signs (non-structural) do not require a permit and should not be included in multi-sign submittals.
Note: Additional exempt work categories in the "Do I Need a Permit?" guide (PDF); guide was not accessible as readable text during this research pass. Contact 513-745-8520 to confirm whether a specific project is exempt.
- Completed permit application PDF
- Separate plans PDF
- Ohio Registered Design Professional seal (required for all non-residential projects)
- Building code
- 2024 Ohio Building Code; 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code; 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code; NFPA 70 National Electric Code; Ohio Energy Code (2021 IECC); ASHRAE 90.1-2019; NFPA 13-2022; NFPA 72-2022; Blue Ash Zoning Code
- Contractor requirements
- State OCILB licenses required for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades. No Blue Ash-specific general contractor registration requirement identified on public-facing pages reviewed; confirm with department.
Application process
Typical processing: Commercial approximately 10 business days; residential approximately 5 to 7 business days from submission.
- 01 Confirm whether the project requires a permit by consulting the "Do I Need a Permit?" guide or by contacting the department at 513-745-8520.
- 02 Prepare the permit application (PDF) and separate plan PDF using the current 2025 application form on the permits page.
- 03 Submit application and plans via email to CDPermits@BlueAsh.com; hard copies may be brought in if page size is 11 x 17 or smaller.
- 04 A confirmation email is sent upon receipt; deposit receipt is emailed when processed.
- 05 Staff reviews plans; commercial review approximately 10 business days; residential review approximately 5 to 7 business days.
- 06 Respond to any comments or corrections.
- 07 Pay permit fees by check (payable to City of Blue Ash) or credit card (Visa/MasterCard only); life safety permit payments at Station 13, 10647 Kenwood Road, at 513-745-8647.
- 08 Approved permit and stamped plans are emailed to the applicant.
- 09 Begin work and schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Commercial approximately 10 business days; residential approximately 5 to 7 business days from submission.
Fee schedule
Effective 2026
Check payable to City of Blue Ash; credit card (Visa/MasterCard only) for life safety permits at Station 13, 10647 Kenwood Road, at 513-745-8647; no online payment portal identified.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Community Development Department (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Per code requirements for the permit type; contact 513-745-8522 for project-specific sequence.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Blue Ash permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Blue Ash, OH? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Blue Ash, OH? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Blue Ash, OH? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Blue Ash, OH? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Blue Ash, OH? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Blue Ash, OH? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Blue Ash Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.