Paulding County, OH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Paulding County, with county guidance stating that outside village limits residents obtain a county building permit from their township zoning officer, except Brown and Jackson Townships, which obtain permits from the county auditor's office.

Department

Address

115 N. Williams St., Suite 101, Paulding, OH 45879

Phone

(419) 399-8205

Website

https://www.pauldingcountyauditor.com/

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project requires a building permit under county guidance.
2. Obtain the permit application through the township zoning officer or county auditor office.
3. Submit the permit request before starting work.
4. County/township staff review the request and issue the permit if applicable.
5. Pay the permit fee and any late penalty if the permit was not obtained before construction began.

Source:

General Requirements

County auditor guidance states permits are required for any new structure, additions, decks, patios, porches, window replacement affecting at least 25 percent of windows, siding replacement affecting at least 25 percent of siding, finishing an attic or basement into living area, and utility sheds 12x16 or greater, including agriculture-related structures such as grain bins and pole barns.

Building code

Ohio Building Code, as administered at the state level. Local permit process references zoning and county building permits rather than a separate county code adoption.

Contractor requirements

County guidance does not describe a county contractor license regime. Ohio trade licensing still applies for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

County permit cost is stated as $15.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Because the county handout is framed as a list of work that does require a permit, treat anything outside that list cautiously and verify with the township zoning officer.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County handout says if no one is home, a card is left and the owner may call the county auditor office at (419) 399-8205 (online)

Typical inspection sequence: County handout describes an appraiser visit for properties with reported new construction or demolition, and an interior inspection if needed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Ohio Building Code, as administered at the state level. Local permit process references zoning and county building permits rather than a separate county code adoption.
• County auditor forms page
• County permit handout
• County auditor home page
• License lookup guide: Ohio Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Ohio Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Ohio hub: Ohio Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Paulding County Building Permit FAQ

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

County auditor guidance states permits are required for any new structure, additions, decks, patios, porches, window replacement affecting at least 25 percent of windows, siding replacement affecting at least 25 percent of siding, finishing an attic or basement into living area, and utility sheds 12x16 or greater, including agriculture-related structures such as grain bins and pole barns.

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

The minimum permit fee is County permit cost is stated as $15..

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

1. Confirm whether the project requires a building permit under county guidance. 2. Obtain the permit application through the township zoning officer or county auditor office. 3. Submit the permit request before starting work. 4. County/township staff review the request and issue the permit if applicable. 5. Pay the permit fee and any late penalty if the permit was not obtained before construction began.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Because the county handout is framed as a list of work that does require a permit, treat anything outside that list cautiously and verify with the township zoning officer..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: County handout says if no one is home, a card is left and the owner may call the county auditor office at (419) 399-8205.