Cleveland's Permit Portal
- Apply for permits
- Submit Plans
- Pay for permits
- Track permit progress
- See permit history at a specific address
Construction Permitting is Going Digital!
Beginning on April 13th, 2026, we will no longer accept paper plans or paper applications.
- Submit applications in the Permit Portal.
- Upload plans and supporting documentation in the Digital Plan room.
- Download permits and stamped plans.
Why Go Digital?
- Save money not printing 4 copies of paper plans.
- Save time uploading from your office or home.
- Track progress of reviews in real-time.
- Eliminates misrouted or misplaced documents.
- Allows for simultaneous review by different departments.
- All comments are consolidated on one digital document.
- Easily compare plan versions.
Need Help Going Digital?
- Plans with fewer than 5 pages, size 10x18" or smaller, can be scanned and uploaded in City Hall, room 505.
- Kiosks are available in City Hall, room 505, to submit digital applications.
Check the Status of Your Permit
Anyone can look up a permit—no login needed and you don’t have to be the person who filed it.
Cleveland is Working to Make it Easier to Build in our City
Our Improved Permitting Process
- A New, User-Friendly Navigation System: The public will now start their construction permitting journey through a new digital front door that is user friendly, transparent, and easier to navigate.
- More Predictability on Project Status: No matter the size of a construction project, applicants will know what permits are necessary, what information they will need to apply, who will need to review their application, and roughly how long the process will take, through consistent communication.
- Efficiency: By implementing process changes, upgrading technology, and improving cross-departmental communication, we’re creating a system where projects move more efficiently through the process. The City’s reformed construction permitting process is clear, accountable, and designed to work without constant customer 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 |
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
Permit Portal Overview
The video from the Oct 23rd webinar.