1, 2 and 3 Family Residential Plans

Our residential plan review process stands as a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering safe, sustainable, and vibrant neighborhoods throughout Columbus. With attention to detail and a deep understanding of state building codes and regulations, our expert team ensures that every residential plan meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and compliance. Whether you're a homeowner initiating a renovation or a contractor managing a new construction endeavor, our team brings expertise and dedication to the plan review process. This process saves the applicant time and money as it is more economical to make revisions prior to the start of construction. We take pride in protecting the integrity and quality of residential construction projects.

General Information

Most applications can be submitted through our Citizen Access Portal, which is the preferred method when available. After you create an account and log in, a Purchase Permit or Inspection Trip link will appear under the building section on the page. Click the link. Once you agree to the terms and conditions, the application category page will provide a list of the types of projects that are eligible for online submission. Select the appropriate option and follow the steps to apply for the permit. Drawings and other documents to be uploaded must be in pdf format detailed in our User Guide and Submission Standards for online permitting through the Citizen Access Portal. Be sure to use the naming standards from the Submission Standards document.

Plan Review Requirements

Plans - General Requirements

2 sets of plans and scope of work required
Plans must be neat and legible, reasonably clear and contrasting
- Not too busy or confusing and must use straight edge
  - Free hand sketches not accepted
Each page of plans must indicate:
- The project address
- Floor being worked (basement, 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, attic)
- What type of plan it is (floor plan, electrical plan, etc.)
Plans must include a plot plan (site plan) with dimensions to property lines and other structures
Plans must include fire separation walls, for 2 & 3 family dwellings or walls less than 5 feet from property line
Plans shall be scaled or rooms shall contain dimensions (1/8 in = 1 ft)
Floor plan/layout of every floor is required if work is taking place on that floor
Plans shall have every room labeled (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, dining room, loft, etc.)
Plans must differentiate between new and existing construction
Plans involving alterations to structural elements must sufficiently detailed and may require design calculations
Plans convey method of energy conservation compliance (pertains to insulation, exterior openings, mechanical systems)
- Prescriptive method
- Home builders association
- RESCheck

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Plans General Requirements

All same as general plan requirements plus:
- Mechanical (HVAC, gas piping and prefabricated fireplace)
  - Provide location of furnace, air conditioning unit and gas meter
  - Provide ventilation requirements
- Plumbing
  - Provide location of new plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, tubs, showers)
  - Size of building drain, stack(s), water service and water distribution mains
  - Material standard for water distribution piping and sanitary drains and vents
  - Fixture Schedule with appropriate standards
  - Proper spacing/clearance for fixtures is detailed
  - **In other than new construction – clearly indicate where tie-ins for new drains and vents will be**
  - Detail for freeze protection when needed
  - If a sewage ejector is part of the design, will need detail for how it is tied into the system including the size of the drain it will be tied into.
- Electrical
  - Provide service load calculations (only if adding additional load to system/service)
  - Provide location of new receptacles (outlets), switches, can or ceiling lights, ceiling fans, and smoke detectors
  - Provide location of electrical panel

Scope of Work

Bullet point list of exactly what you plan to do
Divided into 4 categories
- Structural
- Electrical
- Mechanical (HVAC, gas piping and prefabricated fireplace)
- Plumbing

Certificate of Appropriateness

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 theOnline Zoning Mapto 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.