Home Building, Rehab, and Repair

Homeowners and Do-it-Yourselfers Permit Information

Homeowners who have hired contractors should call 216.664.2884 to verify that their contractor is registered and should ask the contractor for copies of permits before work begins. Work should not be accepted prior to final inspection by a Building and Housing inspector.

Owner-occupants of one- or two-family homes may perform alterations or build homes without being registered as contractors, but are subject to the same regulations that apply to contractors for permits, plan examination and inspection.

Contractors: Bonding, Insurance, Registration, and Licenses

216.664.2884 - Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm

To build or rehabilitate Cleveland homes, contractors must be bonded, insured and registered. Electricians and plumbers must also be licensed.  Additional information is available on the Permit Guide webpage.

Plan Examination and Approval Process

Once permit applications are made, plans are reviewed by the City for code compliance.  There is a charge of $15 per 1000 square feet of work and a minimum fee of $15 for reviewing plans for homes, garages, sheds, fences, and swimming pools. The review period varies according to the project’s complexity. In general, review of one- and two-family homes can be completed in three to five working days.

For more information see the permit guide.

Building and Housing Inspections

Contractors and do-it-yourselfers are responsible for scheduling inspections by calling the office number listed on the building permit. Inspections should be made after foundation excavation (before pouring concrete), after rough-in (before concealing work), and upon completion. NOTE: If faulty work is discovered, the inspector will issue a violation notice, and a specific period of time is allotted to correct the problem.