City of Cincinnati

New buildings; additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.); alterations (decks, garages, fences, carports, awnings, interior demolition, etc.); building repair; structural demolition; change of occupancy or use; excavation or fill; developments in a floodplain; elevators; fire alarm and suppression systems; food service operations; HVAC work; parking lots over 800 sq ft; plumbing installations and fixtures; signage; swimming pools; tents; retaining walls; electrical work.

• Exempt Window replacement of same size and type (1-, 2-, and 3-family homes)
• Exempt Roof covering replacement of maximum two layers (1-, 2-, and 3-family homes)
• Exempt Gutters and downspouts including valleys, flashings, soffits, fascia, and associated trim work
• Exempt Siding replacement
• Exempt Flagpoles
• Exempt Play equipment under 12.5 feet in height without electrical or heating components
• Exempt Storage sheds under 100 square feet and 8 feet average height placed in rear yards

Note: Historic properties require Historic Conservation Office approval regardless of whether a building permit is otherwise exempt.

Building code

Cincinnati Building Code (local); Ohio Building Code (2024 edition for commercial); Residential Code of Ohio (IRC 2021-based); Cincinnati Zoning Code

Permit validity

Permits expire if work does not commence within a specified period or if there is a prolonged gap in inspections; contact Permit Center for specific validity rules.

Owner-builder

Owner of a 1-, 2-, or 3-family dwelling is exempt from contractor registration if the owner personally performs the work and will occupy the residence for at least one year after completion. Licensed architects and engineers acting within their licensed scope are also exempt from contractor registration.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work in Cincinnati must maintain current annual city registration per Municipal Code Chapter 1106; initial registration fee is $131.25/year (base $125.00 plus 3% technology surcharge, 1% financial recovery fee, 1% training surcharge). State OCILB licenses required for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades. Cincinnati may impose city-specific requirements for electrical work in addition to OCILB state license.

Source: City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections -- Permit Center ↗

1. 01
   Determine project scope and consult OPENCINCY or the Permit Center to identify required permits (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical).
2. 02
   Prepare plans and documentation. Ohio-registered architect or professional engineer must seal plans for new construction and major alterations on buildings other than 1-, 2-, and 3-family detached dwellings.
3. 03
   Register all applicable contractors with the city (contractor registration required before permits can be issued).
4. 04
   Submit permit application with plans in person at the Permit Center or online via ezTrak for eligible permit types.
5. 05
   Pay the non-refundable application processing fee at submission.
6. 06
   Plans are reviewed; over 50% of eligible permits are issued same-day for Tier 1 work.
7. 07
   Pay remaining permit fees and receive permit.
8. 08
   Post permit on-site throughout construction.
9. 09
   Schedule required inspections by contacting the inspector listed on the permit.
10. 10
    Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of all final inspections.

Typical processing time: Tier 1 permits (simple residential) often issued same day; complex commercial varies. Over 50% of eligible Tier 1 permits are issued same-day.

Source: City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections -- Permit Center ↗

Surcharges added to all scheduled fees: Technology 3%, Training 1%, Financial Recovery 1%, Planning 5% (construction/plumbing/HVAC only), State surcharge 1% (1-3 family residential) or 3% (4+ units/commercial). Application processing fee is non-refundable and collected at submission.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 1, 2025) before budgeting.

• General Construction Inspections: 513-352-3275 (phone)
• Plumbing Inspections: 513-352-3280 (call 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM for same-day plumbing inspection) (phone)
• Elevator Inspections: 513-352-3270 (phone)
• View results through ezTrak (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections scheduled by contacting inspector directly during morning hours.

Inspection hours

Permit Center 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday

Typical sequence: (1) Soil inspection; (2) Foundation inspection (reinforcing steel verification); (3) Basement slab/sub-grade inspection; (4) Rough mechanical, plumbing, and electrical inspections; (5) Framing and initial fire stop inspection (framing cannot be scheduled until rough trades are approved); (6) Insulation and final fire stop inspection; (7) Final inspection (all trades plus site); Certificate of Occupancy issued after all final inspections pass.

Source: City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings and Inspections -- Permit Center ↗