Contractor Licensing/Registration

Contact Us

Building and Zoning Services
111 North Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215   

Office:  (614) 645-7433   

Weekdays: 9:00AM to 4:00PM 
Please note that the Zoning Review room will be closed the second Tuesday of the month from 9 -10:30 AM for staff training.

Additional Contacts
Directions to our office
Parking Map for BZS

Citizen Access Portal

2023 Observed Holidays

Monday, January 2
New Year's Day (Observed)
Monday, January 16
Martin Luther King Jr Day
Monday, February 20
Presidents’ Day
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day
Monday, June 19
Juneteenth (Observed)
Tuesday, July 4
Independence Day
Monday, September 4
Labor Day
Friday, November 10
Veterans Day (Observed)
Thursday, November 23
Thanksgiving Day
Monday, December 25
Christmas Day

In accordance with the Columbus City Code, Chapter 4114 - License and Registration - General Provisions, the Department of Building and Zoning Services issues licenses and registrations to individual contractors who wish to perform work within the city. All contractors performing work within the city are required to obtain the appropriate license or registration before they can apply for permits and begin the job. The purpose of issuing licenses and registrations is to provide minimum qualification standards and provide for the safety and welfare of the general public, owners and occupants of buildings and structures within the city. 

License and registration applications can be found in the Document Library of this site or in our office. The applications detail the requirements, fees, and process for obtaining each license or registration. 

Listed below are various licenses and registrations required by our department, based on the specific area of work.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR City of Columbus registered general contractors are permitted to perform Construction of all new structures or buildings and structural additions, alterations or repairs to existing commercial or multi-family dwellings. - learn more

Home Improvement Contractor Home improvement refers to the repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement or addition of existing 1, 2, or 3 family dwellings. - learn more

Demolition Contractor City of Columbus registered demolition contractors are permitted to remove any structure to grade.
- learn more

OHIO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD (OCILB) CONTRACTOR The City of Columbus requires registration for any Ohio Construction Industry Licensed Contractors (Electrical, Warm Air Heating, Refrigeration, Hydronics, Plumbing). - learn more

JOURNEYPERSON PLUMBER The City of Columbus requires and issues licenses for individuals who intend to work in the City of Columbus as a journeyperson plumber. - learn more

GENERAL OR LIMITED SIGN ERECTOR Any applicant who wishes to perform the work of a sign erector in the City of Columbus must first be licensed. - learn more

Sewer Water Contractor Any sewer, water, or combination sewer and water contractor who wishes to work in the city of Columbus, must first be licensed. - learn more

Fire Contractor In order to perform fire alarm and detection equipment and fire protection work in the City of Columbus, contractors are required to register as a Fire Contractor Company. - learn more

SPECIAL INSPECTORS City of Columbus registered special inspectors perform and report on inspections that are specific to certain aspects of building construction and outside the expertise of inspectors employed with this department. - learn more