City of Mentor

The city states a building permit application is required for all construction, including decks, pools, siding, sheds, porches, enclosures, and similar work.

Note: No jurisdiction-specific exempt-work list was published on the permit page reviewed.

Building code

Local administration of Ohio codes; use OBC for commercial and ORC/RCO for residential work.

Owner-builder

Mentor warns owners not to pull permits for contractors. If someone else performs the work, that contractor must be registered with the city.

Contractor requirements

General and trade contractors must register with the City of Mentor before work. Specialty contractors must show current Ohio licenses where applicable. Registration is $100 ($50 timely renewal), requires liability insurance and a $10,000 bond per trade, and expires December 31.

Source: Engineering and Building Department, City of Mentor ↗

1. 01
   Confirm permit type on the city permit page and gather required plans and trade information.
2. 02
   Submit through Mentor Gateway or file the paper application and plans with the Engineering and Building Department.
3. 03
   For residential accessory work, submit two copies of drawings and a site plan with location and setbacks; larger projects require fuller construction documents.
4. 04
   City staff performs plan review and may request additional documents or subtrade permit applications.
5. 05
   After approval, pay permit fees and any required deposits.
6. 06
   Schedule required inspections before concealment and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: 7 to 10 working days on average for plan review.

Source: Engineering and Building Department, City of Mentor ↗

• Schedule through the Engineering and Building Department (other)

Inspection hours

Weekdays, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Typical sequence: All required inspections must be scheduled and approved before work is concealed, with final approval at completion.

Source: Engineering and Building Department, City of Mentor ↗