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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Wadsworth
City zoning permits are required for new homes, additions, decks and patios, accessory structures, pools, driveway expansions, fences, home occupations, and most non-residential development. Building permits for residential, commercial, and industrial work are issued by Medina County.
- Exempt Above-ground pools containing less than 24 inches of water do not require a zoning permit
Note: No broader Wadsworth public exemption list was located for all permit categories.
- City zoning submissions: zoning permit application, site plan or lot sketch
- County building submissions: application, drawings or plans, site plot, zoning approval, and other supporting approvals as needed
- Building code
- Wadsworth zoning is governed by the city zoning code. Building-code permits are administered through Medina County under Ohio building and residential codes.
- Contractor requirements
- As of January 1, 2025, HVAC and electrical contractors are no longer required to register with the City. General contractors no longer need city registration because building permits are issued by Medina County.
Application process
Typical processing: Medina County Building Department's minimum plan review time is 3 weeks for commercial projects. No citywide zoning turnaround was clearly posted.
- 01 Determine whether the project needs only a city zoning permit, or both city zoning approval and a Medina County building permit.
- 02 For city zoning permits, download the Wadsworth zoning permit application and submit it by email, mail, or drop box with a site plan and supporting materials.
- 03 For commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects, obtain required Planning Commission approval before the city issues zoning approval.
- 04 For building-code permits, submit the county application, plans, and site plot through the Medina County PCS process after confirming jurisdiction and obtaining city zoning approval.
- 05 Pay city zoning fees and county plan review and permit fees.
- 06 Schedule county inspections for building-code work and complete final approvals.
Typical processing time: Medina County Building Department's minimum plan review time is 3 weeks for commercial projects. No citywide zoning turnaround was clearly posted.
Fee schedule
Wadsworth building permit fees
City: applications may be submitted by email or mail, payments may accompany mailed applications or be made after approval by credit card over the phone. County: payments handled through automated email links, online payment, or at the counter.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 330-722-9220 (County) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- County inspection requests must be received before 3:00 PM for next-business-day eligibility.
- Inspection hours
- County: ETA information available after 8:30 AM on the day of inspection.
Typical sequence: County building inspections typically follow footing, foundation, rough framing and systems, insulation where applicable, and final inspection. City zoning approval occurs before county permit issuance.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Wadsworth permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Wadsworth, OH? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Wadsworth, OH? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Wadsworth, OH? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Wadsworth, OH? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Wadsworth, OH? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Wadsworth, OH? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Wadsworth Planning and Zoning for zoning permits; Medina County Building Department for building permits, plan review, and inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.