Permits

• New construction
• Additions: creating an entirely new space
• Alterations:
  • Reconfiguring interior spaces (e.g., removing or adding non-load-bearing walls)
  • Replacing windows or doors (not just the glass—full unit replacement requires a permit)
  • Changing structural components (e.g., modifying beams, supports, or egress paths)
  • Upgrading or relocating systems like:
    • Electrical wiring
    • Plumbing lines
    • HVAC equipment
    • Drainage or vent systems
  • Installing new equipment that affects safety or building function (e.g., new HVAC units, elevators)
  • Modifying exterior features that impact appearance or structure (especially in historic districts)
• Enlargement: expands existing space
• Replacement: removing an existing building component or system and installing a new one in its place. Example: Replacing a roof, windows or furnace.
• Repair
• Movement: move the structure to a new location
• Demolition
• Removal
• Changes in use
• Changes in occupancy
• Location changes: change the placement of something on the same property
• Equipment installation (general): solar panels or a generator hooked into the building's electrical.

• Plumbing
• Heating
• Ventilation
• Central air conditioning
• Refrigeration
• Electrical systems
• Elevators
• Escalators
• Lifts
• Dumbwaiters
• Amusement rides
• Solar Panels

• Garages
• Sheds
• Decks
• Swimming pools
• Awnings
• Canopies
• Fences
• Parking lots

• Site development
• Temporary uses
• Special events

Structural Changes

• Cutting away any wall, partition, or portion thereof
• Removing or cutting any structural beam or load-bearing support
• Removing or changing any required means of egress
• Rearranging parts of a structure that affect egress requirements

Systems & Utilities

Addition, alteration, replacement, or relocation of:

• Standpipes
• Water supply lines
• Sewer or drainage systems
• Drain leaders
• Gas piping
• Soil, waste, or vent piping
• Electrical wiring
• Mechanical systems (e.g., HVAC)

• Patching walls
• Patching leaking roof coverings
• Pointing masonry
• Replacing shingles (same material, ≤10% of roof area)
• Replacing siding (same material, ≤10% of wall area)
• Replacing floorboards (same material, ≤10% of floor area)

• Replacing broken glass or glazing (not full window units)

(created when you complete your Construction Project Application)

This is an example of a site plan.

When Drawings Are Required To Obtain A Permit

Many permits require the submittal of drawings which must be reviewed and approved prior to the issuance of a permit. Drawings are required to be submitted with an application for building permit for all new construction, additions, changes in use and occupancy, establishment of use, temporary use, movement, enlargement, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected to such buildings or structures. Drawings are required for the installation of elevators, escalators, lifts, dumbwaiters, amusement rides, garages, sheds, decks, swimming pools, awnings, canopies, signs, fences, parking lots and site development.

Drawings are required for alterations to an existing building or structure when the anticipated scope of work includes any of the following:

1. Any structural changes.
2. The cutting away or removal of any wall or partition or portion thereof.
3. Any change in the egress, access to the egress, or egress discharge.
4. Any rearrangement of the internal spaces or their intended uses.
5. Replacement of doors, windows, or other openings where the size of the opening will differ from the existing opening.
6. Any increase in the structural load above the existing allowable live load.
7. Any increase in occupants above the existing allowable occupancy load.
8. Installation of new plumbing, gas piping, heating, ventilating, refrigeration, or electrical systems, and alterations or extensions to the same. If this work is part of a project requiring a building permit, the plan review of these building systems is required as part of the building permit plan examination.

Exceptions:

1. Extensions of less than 50’ of pipe for gas, HVAC, or plumbing work do not require a plan approval.
2. Installation of temporary wiring does not require a plan approval.
3. Replacement of any component part of a plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, or electrical system, where the replacement does not extend, alter or void the approval of the entire system.

Professional Seal Requirements:
Many drawings require the seal of a registered architect or professional engineer. This applies to all buildings regulated by the OBC whenever design analysis is required, and necessarily includes new commercial construction, additions and alterations.

Exception: 1-, 2-, 3-Family Dwellings
Drawings for 1-, 2-, 3-family dwellings are recommended but, are not required to be sealed. Design calculations may be substituted.

Exception: Use Only – No Construction
Drawings proposing to establish the use, change of use, or the temporary use of a commercial facility or premises may not need to be sealed by a design professional if the following conditions are met:

1. When no work is required in order to comply with the current code for the intended use and occupancy of the space; and no work other than finishes, furnishings, and equipment will be installed.
2. The drawings are prepared to scale and are sufficiently dimensioned and noted; and all spaces are identified as to the intended use, showing all walls, partitions, fire-rated assemblies, windows, doors/swings, stairs, ramps, and sanitary facilities.
3. The drawings indicate all required building systems including lighting, power, heat, ventilation, water supply and drains are existing, operational and adequate for the intended use.

If at anytime it becomes evident, and the building official or commissioner determines that the applicant’s drawing submittal is inadequate for review, he (she) may require the applicant to secure professional assistance before proceeding further with a plan examination.

A Homeowner Affidavit is a signed statement that confirms what the owner says about the status of the property is true.

The owner confirms things like:

• They actually own the property
• There aren’t any hidden problems, like unpaid bills or legal disputes
• No one else is living there or has a claim to it

Please note, a Homeowner Affidavit MUST BE notarized.

Homeowner Affidavit

Include the existing and proposed site plan. Site plan must be measured, to-scale and include the following: north arrow, scale, legend and key dimensions and notes.

Per Ohio Building Code, Construction Drawings may or may not require Project Specifications and drawings as outlined in OBC 106. These include architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, details), structural drawings, mechanical drawings, electrical drawings, and plumbing drawings or other specialty drawings required for construction.

Typical floors: a standard, repeated floor layout. Especially when multiple levels share the same flooring.

Include architectural drawings or clear, marked-up elevation images.

Required for sediment and erosion control and post-construction stormwater management.