Board of Building Standards & Appeals

Ohio Board of Building Standards 2024 Code Update Information

Effective March 1, 2024, the Ohio Building Code (OBC), Ohio Mechanical Code (OMC), and the Ohio Plumbing Code (OPC) will be updated to be based upon the 2021 International model codes. Additionally, the new Ohio Existing Building Code (OEBC) based on the 2021 International Existing Building Code is also effective March 1, 2024. Free online access to the entire 2024 OBC, OMC, OPC and OEBC are available on ICC's Ohio Digital Bookshelf: Ohio Building Codes - ICC Digital Codes

What We Do

The Board of Building Standards and Building Appeals is a 5-member body responsible for hearing appeals from any order, requirement, decision, or determination of the Director of Building and Housing, or any other administrative official or agency of the City of Cleveland. Relating to the location, design, materials, construction, alteration, repair, equipment, maintenance, removal or demolition of any building or other structure or appurtenance connected or attached to such buildings or structures, regulated by the Building code of the City of Cleveland.

Currently our office is open to the public, and  the Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals follows CDC recommendations and guidelines that are designed to mitigate the spread of the pandemic.

It is recommended that individuals who are immunocompromised continue to wear masks while inside City buildings.

Instructions to Appellant for Filing Appeals

1. A person filing an appeal must have legal and/or equitable interest in the property affected in the appeal or be an attorney or agent representing the person having legal or equitable interest.
2. The Board requires the owner or his/her representative to be present at the virtual/ public hearing.
3. The following listed items, properly executed and attached to the Appeal Application shall constitute an appeal, provided the thirty (30) day time limitation established by Ordinances 3103.20(e) and 367.09 has not expired. 

To File an Appeal

4. Prepare an explicit statement, with original signature, addressed to the Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals, setting forth the following:
   1. Request for hearing of appeal from decision of the Plan Examiner and or Building and Housing Ordinances.
   2. Clear and accurate description of the construction or use (if applicable).
   3. All facts and reasons why the determination sought should be granted.
5. Complete the Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals Application.
6. An appeal fee is required (Ord. No. 2393.02 Section 3103.21) when the appeal is filed. All checks are made payable to the City of Cleveland. The fee charged are as follows:
   1. One, Two, Three Family Dwellings    $30.00
   2. All Other Structures    $130.00
   3. Product Approvals & Any Other Appeals     $65.00
   4. Permit Extension $65.00
   5. Lead Extension  $65.00
7. Submit the aforesaid statement, drawings, pictures and application fee to the Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals, 601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 516, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Download the Application Here

APPEAL APPLICATION MUST BE EITHER MAILED OR HAND DELIVERED ALONG WITH APPLICABLE FEE

All preparations, including notices, necessary for the hearing of an appeal will be executed by this office after the receipt of all items listed above.

View and Download Previous Meeting Recordings on our YouTube Channel

New Hearing Procedures

The Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals meetings are now hybrid. The Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals meetings will also be live streamed on YouTube.

How to reach us:

We can be reached Monday through Friday via email at buildingstandards@clevelandohio.gov or (216) 664-2418.

For the quickest response please email us.

buildingstandards@clevelandohio.gov

Instructions

• Meetings are held twice a month on Wednesday's at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in-person and via WebEX Platform video-conferencing technology. Check the Board of Building Standards and Building Appeals webpage for hearing dates: https://planning.clevelandohio.gov/bza/bbs.html
• Your appeal may be dismissed if you do not appear.
• Postponements are not granted for the mere convenience of the parties, their representatives or witness(es). All participants are expected to arrange time off from everyday affairs, including management duties, work, school, vacation, doctor appointments, etc.
• All related documents for your appeal can be emailed and or submitted at the time of filing (i.e. digital drawings, pictures or contracts) etc.
• If an interpreter is need for these proceedings, please notify the Board immediately.
• If you find that the video-conferencing technology is not accessible, please notify the Board immediately.
• Unforeseen delays and or interruptions (i.e. loss of Wi-Fi connections) may transpire when utilizing technology. If this materializes you will have 24 hours and or until the next business day to contact the board for further instructions.
• If you have any witness (es), it is your responsibility to inform them of the date, time, format and or meeting location.

Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals email: BBSA@clevelandohio.gov

Board of Building Standards & Building Appeals office number: (216) 664-2418

Appeal Application

Adopted resolutions

Violation Notices

Resource Guide