Franklin, OH — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Building & Zoning Division, Department of Safety

Street address

1 Benjamin Franklin Way, Franklin, OH 45005

Phone

937-746-9921 ext. 1001; administrative contact 937-993-0842

acopenhaver@franklinohio.org

Coverage

Franklin's Building & Zoning Division is state-certified for review, inspection, and approval of residential and commercial construction. For commercial building permit inspections, the city contracts with Warren County.

Online portal

iWorQ Citizen Portal

iWorQ

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin

Permits required for: new construction, additions, alterations and remodels, garages, awnings, decks and porches, certificates of occupancy, change of use, electrical, fire alarm and suppression, gas line, hood suppression and exhaust, hot tubs, HVAC, new buildings, storage structures over 200 sq ft, pools, rooftop solar, signage, standby generators, tents, and similar work

Note: The city publishes a 'Do I Need a Permit?' page that lists exemptions, but it requires page-by-page parsing.

Required documents

Permit application
Plans
Supporting documents
Authorization letters where required
Approved plans must be on site for inspections

Building code: Part Thirteen of Franklin Codified Ordinances; state-certified review and inspection
Permit validity: One-year permit renewal available for $100 under OBC and RCO section 105.5
Contractor requirements: No local general contractor license requirement found. Plumbing permits are through Warren County Board of Health.

Source: Building & Zoning Division, Department of Safety ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Residential up to 2 weeks; commercial up to 30 business days

01

Go to the Franklin Building & Zoning page and open the Applications and Permits portal.
02

Choose the correct application; the city separates building permits, curb and sidewalk permits, demolition, floodplain permits, garage sale permits, and other categories.
03

Complete all fields and upload plans and supporting documents, or email materials when the city instructs that route.
04

For building permits, Franklin processing time is up to 2 weeks for residential and up to 30 business days for commercial.
05

Schedule inspections after permit issuance and keep approved plans on site.

Typical processing time: Residential up to 2 weeks; commercial up to 30 business days

Source: Building & Zoning Division, Department of Safety ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Franklin building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

Many residential permits start at $30, $35, $50, or $75 depending on type; examples: temporary electric pole $50, certificate of zoning compliance $50

Plan check fee

Residential after second revision $24 per hour; commercial plan examination $75 per hour

Permit fee formula

Mixed base-plus-area formulas, per-device formulas, flat zoning fees, hourly plan examination, and penalty charges

Reinspection fee

First callback reinspection no charge; further residential callback $50; further commercial callback $100

Penalty (no permit)

Starting work without permit $100 or double permit fee whichever is greater; missed inspection $100; one-year renewal $100

Plumbing fees handled under Warren County Board of Health unless otherwise specified by city council

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

937-746-9921 ext. 1001 (residential); 513-695-1290 (commercial/Warren County) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: No same-day inspections
Inspection hours: Residential inspections 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; commercial on day of inspection call Warren County inspector between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM for time frame

Source: Building & Zoning Division, Department of Safety ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Franklin permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Franklin, OH? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Franklin, OH? ▸

Building permit fees in Franklin, OH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Many residential permits start at $30, $35, $50, or $75 depending on type; examples: temporary electric pole $50, certificate of zoning compliance $50. Fees are calculated as: Mixed base-plus-area formulas, per-device formulas, flat zoning fees, hourly plan examination, and penalty charges. Plan check fee: Residential after second revision $24 per hour; commercial plan examination $75 per hour.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Franklin, OH? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Franklin, OH, follow these steps: 1. Go to the Franklin Building & Zoning page and open the Applications and Permits portal. 2. Choose the correct application; the city separates building permits, curb and sidewalk permits, demolition, floodplain permits, garage sale permits, and other categories. 3. Complete all fields and upload plans and supporting documents, or email materials when the city instructs that route. 4. For building permits, Franklin processing time is up to 2 weeks for residential and up to 30 business days for commercial. 5. Schedule inspections after permit issuance and keep approved plans on site.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Franklin, OH? ▸

Building permit processing times in Franklin, OH typically run Residential up to 2 weeks; commercial up to 30 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Franklin, OH? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Franklin, OH via: 937-746-9921 ext. 1001 (residential); 513-695-1290 (commercial/Warren County). No same-day inspections.

last verified April 2026 source Building & Zoning Division, Department of Safety ↗ entry id permits/ohio/warren/franklin-city

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building & Zoning Division, Department of Safety before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Franklin

Permit authority

When a permit is required

Application process

Fee schedule

Required inspections

Frequently asked

Other jurisdictions in Warren County.