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Do I Need A Permit?

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Step 2: Do I Need A Permit?
 

Bussines Permits

Business permits

See which permits you need to
start or renovate your business.

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Bussines Permits

Residential Permits

See which permits you need to 
build or renovate a home. 

Find Permits
 

Permits are required for the following:

  • New buildings
  • Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
  • Alterations (decks, garages, fences*, carports, awnings, haunted houses,interior demolition etc.)
  • Building Repair
  • Demolition (structure)
  • Change of Occupancy and Use
  • Excavation or Fill
  • Developments in a floodplain

Separate permits are required for:

  • Elevators
  • Fire alarm
  • Food Service Operation
  • Heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Parking lots (greater than 800 square feet in an area other than driveways)
  • Plumbing work, plumbing fixtures, or plumbing appliances (such as dishwashers)
  • Signs
  • Suppression systems and alarms
  • Swimming pools
  • Tents
  • Retaining walls
  • Demolition (buildings and structures)
  • Electrical

Note: These are required whether or not the work is done in conjunction with other work performed under a Building Permit.

When Don't I Need A Permit?

Generally, you don't need a permit for these projects at 1-, 2- and 3-family detached dwellings*:

  • Repair and replacement of windows (as long as they're the same size and same type)
  • Roof coverings (no more than two layers of roofing material)
  • Gutters and downspouts (includes valleys, flashings, soffits, fascia and associated trim work)
  • Siding replacement
  • Flagpoles
  • Play equipment not greater than 12.5 feet in height and that is not provided with electric or heating equipment
  • Storage sheds not greater than 100 square feet in area that are no higher than eight (8) feet in average height and located in a rear yard in accordance with the Cincinnati Zoning Code.

*If the property or building is designated as historic by the City of Cincinnati, you must apply for and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Urban Conservator (513-352-4848) before starting work.

Working With Other Departments

Other departments and agencies have regulations that control certain phases of construction. Generally, the Buildings & Inspections Department will forward project plans to these departments and agencies for review.

It's your responsibility to secure any permits required by other departments or agencies.

What's A Permit Cost?

You will pay either two or three separate fees to receive a permit. The cost of your permit depends on a number of factors.

Working Without A Permit

You will be charged an investigation fee equal to and in addition to the regular permit fee if you work without a required permit.

No portion of the investigation fee will be refunded.