Permit Review Process
Step 8: The Permit Review Process
Commercial applications are examined for compliance with the 2017 Ohio Building Code and all associated codes as adopted by the State of Ohio along with the most current updates.
Residential permit applications are examined for compliance with the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio and the City of Cincinnati Building Code.
Construction documents submitted for approval are reviewed in the order they're received.
Note: Ohio law requires that we review your permit application within 30 days from when we receive it.
Building Plan Review Model
The Department of Buildings & Inspections is now providing three different levels of plan review service for commercial (OBC) and residential (RCO) projects.
Tier 1
Tier 1 projects will be reviewed through a Same-Day Review service. Commercial (OBC) alterations and fire protection system alterations that are 5,000 square feet or less, on one floor, will qualify as a Tier 1 project. Commercial (OBC) projects that require a change of use and/or involve structural modifications will not qualify. Residential (RCO) detached garages, sheds, decks, alterations and additions that are less than 400 square feet will qualify for the Tier 1 service.
Tier 1 reviews will be completed on a first-come, first-served basis from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fee for Tier 1 projects will be determined by the regular permit fee schedule.
Tier 2
Tier 2 offers customers who qualify, the option to schedule a Review By Appointment. Qualifying projects include commercial (OBC) projects limited to tenant space improvements and fire protection systems that are 5,000 - 20,000 square feet in retail, office, and warehouse buildings that can be reviewed within 45 minutes. Residential (RCO) detached garages, sheds, decks, alterations, and additions greater than 400 square feet projects that can be reviewed within 45 minutes, are also included in this category. Projects that involve structural alterations, food service, or change of occupancy will not qualify for Tier 2.
To determine if a project qualifies for Tier 2, the customer may come into the Permit Center to fill out an application or call (513) 352-3316. If the project qualifies, a building plan examiner will contact the customer within one (1) business day to schedule the appointment for review.
* The applicant and designer (or designee) must be present at the appointment to mark up the drawings based on the findings of the building and zoning plan examiners. A premium service fee will be charged for the Tier 2 program in addition to the standard permit fees.
Tier 3
The remaining OBC and RCO projects, including new buildings, additions, and alterations, submitted for building permits, will be reviewed per the standard review process. The fee for Tier 3 projects will be determined by the regular permit fee schedule.
If all reviewing agencies determine compliance with the code and other applicable regulations, your application is approved, and we issue a permit for your project.
Review By Other Departments
Other city departments and agencies have regulations that control certain phases of construction. Depending on the nature of the project, the review could involve several departments such as Fire, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Health, Metropolitan Sewer District, and Transportation & Engineering.
We will electronically route plans to these departments so they can review them at the same time.