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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Massillon
Permits are generally required whenever a project is $100 or more and whenever something is added to or enlarged on the lot. Examples include additions, basement waterproofing, decks, drywall layover, electrical work, new or replacement fences, glass block windows, gutters and downspouts, HVAC, hot water tanks, kitchen cabinets, covered patios, plumbing work, reroofing, sheds and accessory buildings, siding, soffits and fascia, sump pumps with electric work, swimming pools, and new or replacement windows and doors.
Concrete work, except street opening or public sidewalk work
Installing phone or cable TV wire
Painting or carpeting
Uncovered patio
Replacing floor coverings in residential use
Replacing residential tub surround
Retaining wall unless it creates a drop over 30 inches
- Exempt Concrete work, except street opening or public sidewalk work
- Exempt Installing phone or cable TV wire
- Exempt Painting or carpeting
- Exempt Uncovered patio
- Exempt Replacing floor coverings in residential use
- Exempt Replacing residential tub surround
- Exempt Retaining wall unless it creates a drop over 30 inches
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plot plan for additions, decks, porches, garages, fences, sheds, swimming pools, and similar projects
- Structural drawings or wall section for structural work
- For new homes: two plan sets and related approvals
- Building code
- State of Ohio requirements; Massillon operates as a certified Ohio building department
- Contractor requirements
- Massillon annually registers all construction contractors, including general building trades, home improvement, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, low voltage, fire suppression, and sign contractors. Annual registration expires December 31 and requires insurance, workers compensation, and city tax registration. State licenses are required for state-licensed trades.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Up to 72 hours from a complete submission for new house approval.
- 01 Confirm whether your project requires a permit; as a general rule, when a project is $100 or more, a permit is needed; permits are also needed whenever something is being added to the lot or enlarged.
- 02 Prepare the building permit application and supporting documents.
- 03 For additions, decks, porches, garages, fences, sheds, pools, and similar work, prepare a plot plan showing property dimensions and setbacks.
- 04 For structural changes or additions, submit a wall cross-section or drawing showing construction details and specifications.
- 05 For a new house, submit a plot plan, house number form, allotment developer approval if applicable, and two sets of house plans including foundation, wall section, elevations, floor plans, and energy path documents.
- 06 Submit the application and plans to the Building Department.
- 07 Pay plan review and permit fees.
- 08 Permit is issued after review.
- 09 Call ahead to schedule inspections.
Typical processing time: Up to 72 hours from a complete submission for new house approval.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Massillon building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00 base fee for each permit issued
02
Plan check fee
Residential dwelling plan examination fee is $75.00
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based: $5.00 per $1,000 of job cost plus a $50.00 base fee, with the rate dropping to $1.00 per $1,000 over the initial $100,000; alternatively expressed as $0.50 per $100 of estimated cost up to $100,000 and $500 plus $0.10 per $100 over $100,000
04
Reinspection fee
$35.00 for code violation; $75.00 for no-show reinspection
Portal for online payments and submissions is currently unavailable. Current payment method should be confirmed directly with the department.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 330-830-1724 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Building, plumbing, and heating inspections daily 10:00 am to 3:30 pm; electrical inspections daily 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Typical sequence: Plan review, permit issuance, rough inspections as applicable, final inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Massillon permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Massillon, OH? ▸
Permits are generally required whenever a project is $100 or more and whenever something is added to or enlarged on the lot. Examples include additions, basement waterproofing, decks, drywall layover, electrical work, new or replacement fences, glass block windows, gutters and downspouts, HVAC, hot water tanks, kitchen cabinets, covered patios, plumbing work, reroofing, sheds and accessory buildings, siding, soffits and fascia, sump pumps with electric work, swimming pools, and new or replacement windows and doors.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Massillon, OH? ▸
Building permit fees in Massillon, OH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00 base fee for each permit issued. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: $5.00 per $1,000 of job cost plus a $50.00 base fee, with the rate dropping to $1.00 per $1,000 over the initial $100,000; alternatively expressed as $0.50 per $100 of estimated cost up to $100,000 and $500 plus $0.10 per $100 over $100,000. Plan check fee: Residential dwelling plan examination fee is $75.00.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Massillon, OH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Massillon, OH, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether your project requires a permit; as a general rule, when a project is $100 or more, a permit is needed; permits are also needed whenever something is being added to the lot or enlarged. 2. Prepare the building permit application and supporting documents. 3. For additions, decks, porches, garages, fences, sheds, pools, and similar work, prepare a plot plan showing property dimensions and setbacks. 4. For structural changes or additions, submit a wall cross-section or drawing showing construction details and specifications. 5. For a new house, submit a plot plan, house number form, allotment developer approval if applicable, and two sets of house plans including foundation, wall section, elevations, floor plans, and energy path documents. 6. Submit the application and plans to the Building Department. 7. Pay plan review and permit fees. 8. Permit is issued after review. 9. Call ahead to schedule inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Massillon, OH? ▸
Building permit processing times in Massillon, OH typically run Up to 72 hours from a complete submission for new house approval.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Massillon, OH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Massillon, OH. The following work is generally exempt: Concrete work, except street opening or public sidewalk work; Installing phone or cable TV wire; Painting or carpeting; Uncovered patio; Replacing floor coverings in residential use; Replacing residential tub surround; Retaining wall unless it creates a drop over 30 inches. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Massillon, OH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Massillon, OH via: 330-830-1724.
last verified April 2026
source City of Massillon Building Department ↗
entry id permits/ohio/stark/massillon
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Massillon Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.