Welcome to the Construction Permitting Page! This site is currently under construction. Look forward to a fully redesigned site that aligns with the new construction permitting upgrades later this year!
Below is helpful information to use while the site is under construction.
Applying for Construction Permits
Construction permit applications must be submitted online via the Citizen Access Portal.
Citizen Access Portal
Your access to government services online including Construction Permitting,
Rental Registration, Lead Safe Certification and record searches.
Getting Started
- Sign in to the Citizen Access Portal
- Navigate to Building & Housing > Permits and Registrations
- Read and accept the terms of the General Disclaimer
- Chose Commercial or Residential and the type of permit
- Select Continue Application
Cleveland is Working to Make it Easier to Build in our City
Later this year, the City will launch a new and improved construction permitting process. By using new technology and updating outdated policies, we’re removing barriers and making it easier to get your project moving.
Our Improved Permitting Process
A New Digital Front Door
Start your project online with a user-friendly system that’s easier to navigate and more transparent.
Clear and Predictable
From small home repairs to major developments, you’ll know what permits are required, who will review your application, and how long it should take.
More Efficient
With upgraded technology and better coordination across City departments, projects will move more smoothly, without the need for constant follow-up.
Improved Process at a Glance
APPLICANT STEP 1
Submit Project Application
- Upload applicable project plans (site plan, floor plan, or section/elevation drawing)
- Pay application fees
CITY REVIEW
 |  | |
| Project review | City reviews and the applicant revises as necessary | Project approval once all requirements are met |
Routed through these departments for project approval as applicable based on complexity and location of the project:
Building & Housing
Zoning
Planning
Bureau of Traffic
Cleveland Public Power
Cleveland Water Department
Complete & Green Streets
Department of Waste
Engineering and Construction
Fire Safety
First Energy
Landmarks
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSW)
Plats and Surveys
Records Room
Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
Right of Way
Traffic Engineering
Urban Forestry
Water Pollution Control
APPLICANT STEP 2
Apply for Building Permit
- Submit construction drawings
- Pay applicable fees
CITY REVIEW
| | |
| Project review | City reviews and the applicant revises as necessary | Approve construction drawings |
- Pay permit fees and download permit from the Permit Portal
- The City sends a list of mechanical permits you need for the project
APPLICANT STEP 3
Apply for Mechanical Permits
Includes Electric, HVAC, and/or Plumbing
CITY REVIEW
| | |
| Project review | City reviews and the applicant revises as necessary | Approve mechanical plans |
- Pay permit fees and download permit from the Permit Portal
Using the Digital Plans Room
This fall, the City of Cleveland is excited to launch a new integrated electronic plan review solution, the Digital Plan Room! After simplified plan upload, applicants and reviewers can communicate and collaborate on plan issues. The Digital Plan Room allows applicants to check the status of their project online and save on travel and printing costs. More information will be included in the new website.
See the video tutorials below for support.
Building Construction Permitting Overhaul
Executive Order 2024-01
Mayor Bibb is committed to making Cleveland a better place to do business, which is why, on July 25, 2024, he signed Executive Order 2024-01, a public commitment to overhauling the building construction permitting process in the City of Cleveland. Over the next year, the public will experience changes to processes and technology - all designed to make these processes easier to navigate, more transparent, and more efficient. This dashboard details the City's progress on implementing the process improvements required to make this overhaul a reality.