Perry County, OH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Department

Mid-East Ohio Building Department

Address

22 N. 5th Street, Zanesville, OH 43701

Phone

(740) 455-7905

Website

https://www.muskingumcountyoh.gov/Agencies/Building-Department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is OBC-regulated commercial or other scope within the department's authority.
2. Complete the plan approval application with project, location, zoning, plumbing, and floodplain fields.
3. Submit three copies of the construction documents.
4. Pay fees at time of submission.
5. Wait for plan review and any follow-up from the building official.
6. Obtain permit approval before starting work.

Source: Mid-East Ohio Building Department

General Requirements

The application form is for plan approvals for OBC-regulated work. The county page also says the department issues plan approvals for building activity regulated by the Ohio Building Code.

Required Documents

• Project description, address, estimated cost, zoning status, stormwater status, plumbing status, floodplain designation, construction documents, and three copies of plans.

Building code

2024 Ohio Building Code, 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code, 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code, 2017 Ohio Fire Code, 2021 IEBC, 2023 NEC, 2021 IECC, and related standards listed by the building department. Source: https://www.muskingumcountyoh.gov/Agencies/Building-Department/

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$220 processing fee appears as the base fee for many scopes

Plan check fee

Included in plan approval fee structure; special plans exam is $83 per hour

Permit fee formula

Many scope fees use a $220 processing fee plus per-square-foot or per-device charges

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ohio code exempt work still applies, including one-story detached accessory structures up to 120 sq ft, fences up to 7 feet high, retaining walls up to 4 feet high, and other Ohio exempt categories.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Plan approval first, then field inspections, then certificate of occupancy where applicable

Re-inspections for failed or not ready inspections are charged at $110

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2024 Ohio Building Code, 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code, 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code, 2017 Ohio Fire Code, 2021 IEBC, 2023 NEC, 2021 IECC, and related standards listed by the building department. Source: https://www.muskingumcountyoh.gov/Agencies/Building-Department/
• Mid-East Ohio Building Department jurisdiction list
• Perry County Health Department plumbing
• Perry County Health Department contact
• License lookup guide: Ohio Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Ohio Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Ohio hub: Ohio Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Perry County Building Permit FAQ

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

The application form is for plan approvals for OBC-regulated work. The county page also says the department issues plan approvals for building activity regulated by the Ohio Building Code.

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

The minimum permit fee is $220 processing fee appears as the base fee for many scopes. Fees are calculated as: Many scope fees use a $220 processing fee plus per-square-foot or per-device charges. Plan check fee: Included in plan approval fee structure; special plans exam is $83 per hour.

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

1. Confirm the project is OBC-regulated commercial or other scope within the department's authority. 2. Complete the plan approval application with project, location, zoning, plumbing, and floodplain fields. 3. Submit three copies of the construction documents. 4. Pay fees at time of submission. 5. Wait for plan review and any follow-up from the building official. 6. Obtain permit approval before starting work.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ohio code exempt work still applies, including one-story detached accessory structures up to 120 sq ft, fences up to 7 feet high, retaining walls up to 4 feet high, and other Ohio exempt categories..