Medina County, OH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Medina County issues building permits for unincorporated county areas within county building jurisdiction. Zoning approval remains local at the township level.

Department

Medina County Building Department

Address

Permit Center, 791 W Smith Road, Medina, OH 44256

Phone

330-722-9220

Email

General inquiries: contact department , Residential plans: res_plans@medinaco.org , Commercial plans: com_plans@medinaco.org

Website

https://www.medinaco.org/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Use Jurisdiction Lookup to verify the property is within Medina County Building Department jurisdiction and identify the correct local zoning contact.
2. Obtain local township zoning approval and any other required approvals (health department septic approvals, flood zone approvals, sanitary permits, highway permits, etc.).
3. Complete the correct county residential or commercial application.
4. Upload or email the application, plans, and site plot through the PCS process, or use the county kiosk or counter if needed.
5. Receive the automated email with the plan review amount and pay online or at the counter.
6. After plans are approved, pay the permit fee, then schedule required inspections and complete the work through final approval.

Typical processing time: Residential plan review: 3 to 5 days depending on workload, beginning when the plan review fee is paid. Commercial plan review: typical response time of 18 to 22 days.

Source: Medina County Building Department

General Requirements

County regulations and public guides require plan approval and permits before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, changing occupancy of a building, or installing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, or other building service systems.

Required Documents

• Application
• Drawings or plans
• Site plot
• Zoning approval
• Health approval where septic or wells are involved
• Energy compliance documents for conditioned homes or additions
• Other supporting approvals depending on the project

Permit validity

Permit expires if work does not begin within 12 months of plan approval, subject to one 12 month extension if timely requested and paid. If work is delayed or suspended for more than 6 months during construction, approval becomes invalid, with up to two 6 month extensions available if timely requested and paid.

Building code

County administers Ohio building and residential codes through county regulations and current Ohio code editions adopted by the state. County regulations effective for 2026, with residential and commercial guides updated in 2025 and 2026.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$40.30

Plan check fee

$40.30 for all others such as decks, additions, and garages; $65.55 for new dwellings; $105.95 for residential sprinkler review

Permit fee formula

Mixed. County public materials show flat residential plan review fees and project-specific permit charges. Commercial fee details handled through county guides and permit review.

Penalty (no permit)

Permit extension fees may be charged up to $100 per extension under county regulations.

Payment note

County sends an automated email with amount due and a link to pay online. County also accepts cash and checks at the counter. Online payment carries an added convenience fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Residential accessory buildings 200 square feet and less do not require a county building permit (although zoning approval may still be required)
• Agricultural buildings are excluded from the Ohio Building Code

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County inspection page (online)
• County office or inspector route contact (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be received before 3:00 PM on a business day to be eligible for next business day schedule.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; inspectors reachable by phone 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

Time windows

ETA information available after 8:30 AM on inspection day.

Typical inspection sequence: County public materials point to footing, foundation, framing and systems, insulation where applicable, pool or specialty inspections where applicable, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: County administers Ohio building and residential codes through county regulations and current Ohio code editions adopted by the state. County regulations effective for 2026, with residential and commercial guides updated in 2025 and 2026.
• Verify contractor license: Ohio eLicense Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Building Department
• Inspector Routes and Voicemail
• Inspection Portal
• 2026 County Regulations
• Accessory Building Requirements
• License lookup guide: Ohio Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Ohio Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Ohio hub: Ohio Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Medina County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Medina County, OH?

County regulations and public guides require plan approval and permits before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, changing occupancy of a building, or installing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, or other building service systems.

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

The minimum permit fee is $40.30. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. County public materials show flat residential plan review fees and project-specific permit charges. Commercial fee details handled through county guides and permit review.. Plan check fee: $40.30 for all others such as decks, additions, and garages; $65.55 for new dwellings; $105.95 for residential sprinkler review.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Medina County, OH?

1. Use Jurisdiction Lookup to verify the property is within Medina County Building Department jurisdiction and identify the correct local zoning contact. 2. Obtain local township zoning approval and any other required approvals (health department septic approvals, flood zone approvals, sanitary permits, highway permits, etc.). 3. Complete the correct county residential or commercial application. 4. Upload or email the application, plans, and site plot through the PCS process, or use the county kiosk or counter if needed. 5. Receive the automated email with the plan review amount and pay online or at the counter. 6. After plans are approved, pay the permit fee, then schedule required inspections and complete the work through final approval.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Medina County, OH?

Typical processing time is Residential plan review: 3 to 5 days depending on workload, beginning when the plan review fee is paid. Commercial plan review: typical response time of 18 to 22 days..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Residential accessory buildings 200 square feet and less do not require a county building permit (although zoning approval may still be required); Agricultural buildings are excluded from the Ohio Building Code.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: County inspection page, County office or inspector route contact. Inspection requests must be received before 3:00 PM on a business day to be eligible for next business day schedule..