The following permits are available for construction of a 1, 2 or 3 family residential home.It is important to note that acquiring the appropriate permits for the proposed project, in some instances, is not the only requirement of the Columbus City Code.
There are multiple historic districts and commission areas in our city that require a review of the proposed design prior to obtaining the permits to begin construction.
Please refer to the Online Zoning Map to verify if your project is located in one of these areas. A Certificate of Appropriateness will be required from the historic district or commission area for all projects located there.
Depending on the scope of the project, one or more of the permits listed below will be required for construction. Contractors licensed and registered with the City of Columbus must perform this work unless the property is a single-family home, and the work is being performed by the occupying homeowner. Please refer to the following links to find out the details of this requirement.
Chapter 4113 Permits and Fees
• Building Permits: (E ) 1-6
• Electric Permits: (A) 1-2
• Mechanical Permits: (A) 1-2
• Plumbing Permits: (A) 1-2
A design professional is not required for these types of structures, but construction documents adequately detailing the work to be performed must be submitted for plan review prior to the issuance of a permit in most cases. Please refer to the Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) Section 106 for further clarification about this requirement.
It should also be noted that permits are issued for each and every building regardless of how many buildings are located on a project site or parcel. Each building will require a certified address prior to the issuance of a permit. Please refer to the City Map Room to obtain the necessary certified address form.
The information below gives a brief explanation of the types of permits available for your project. Applications and informational links are also included for your use and assistance in obtaining the required permits.
New construction
This building permit is required for new construction of a 1, 2 or 3 family residential home.
Additions, alterations and accessory structures
These are essentially modifications, renovations or accessory structures to an existing, established residence.
Deck
A permit is required for a deck if any of the following conditions are applicable:
o It's larger than 200 square feet in area
o Any component is 30 inches above grade at any point
o It's attached to the building and serves as a landing to the required exit door
Deck publications: Decks w/Illustrations
New construction,additions, alteration, accessory structure and decks all use the
Building Permit Application.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing
These are the specialty trade permits associated with any new construction or additions, alterations, accessory structures or replacement of existing trade work.
Below are trade permit applications.
Mechanical Permit Application
Electric Permit Application
Plumbing Permit Application
Minor limited scope
These permits are considered to be associated with minor repair work, related to an existing 1, 2 or 3 family residence that requires a permit to be obtained, one inspection of 15 minutes or less and does no plan approval.
Refer to the MLS List.
Minor limited scope projects require one of the below permit applications.
Building Permit Application
Mechanical Permit Application
Electric Permit Application
Plumbing Permit Application
Roof, siding, doors and windows
When replacing a roof, siding, exterior door or window, an appropriate permit for this work is required. Any combination of the above items may be obtained under a single permit if applied for at the same time. This permit only comes with one inspection.
Important: If a combination of items are applied for, complete all work prior to requesting an inspection or an additional inspection trip will be required.
The Building Permit Application is used for roof, siding, doors and windows.
Removal start
This is a permit that is issued prior to plan approval to allow the owner to begin work on an existing building, up to the point of first inspection. No inspections are provided with this permit and it is intended to be used for work involving fire damage, vehicle damage, weather damage and commercial interior alteration or tenant improvement projects or other minor work as approved by the Chief Building Official. This is not a plan approval or permit and the owner is performing work at their own risk, subject to the plan approval process. A follow-up building permit is required.
Complete this form for a Removal Start. You may also need one of the below forms to start your project.
Building Permit Application
Mechanical Permit Application
Electric Permit Application
Plumbing Permit Application
Secure permit
When a building is damaged or abandoned and is not secure from entry, a Secure Permit is required. This permit is valid for a 3 month period and must be renewed until the building has been brought back to condition fit for occupancy.
To apply for a secure permit you need to complete the Building Permit Application.
A permit is required per the Columbus City Code - 4109.09.Click the link for more details.
Demolition
A demolition permit is required for residential structures and their accessory structures. A contractor licensed or registered with the City of Columbus is required to perform this work in most cases.
To complete any demolition work its required per the Columbus City Code - 4113.79
to complete a Demolition Permit Application.