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Commercial Courtesy Inspection Program

When an existing building or space within a building is being considered for a future business, it is important that the interested party has as much information as possible before making a decision to enter into a purchase agreement or lease.   The Courtesy Inspection Program was designed to reduce the amount of risk involved in re-using existing buildings by identifying major building code and zoning code issues that can result in costly upgrades and delays.
 

Commercial Courtesy Inspection Fees

 Please see the current fee schedule for the review and filing fee at https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/building-permit-forms-applications/permit-costs/.  Checks made payable to the City of Cincinnati.

Commercial Courtesy Inspection Process

A business owner can apply for a Courtesy Inspection at the City of Cincinnati- Permit Center, 805 Central Avenue – II Centennial Plaza, Suite 500 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Hours of operation are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Please allow 30 minutes to complete an application.

A business owner can also contact the Development Services Manager (DSM), Rodney Ringer by email or by calling (513) 352-4847 (w) or (513) 262-5681 (c) to schedule an inspection.

Applicants will need to provide the following information to request a Courtesy Inspection:

  • Address of the property including the unit number (if applicable).
  • The proposed use of the space, i.e.
  • What type of business or activity will be conducted within the building or space. It will be important to include all proposed uses. The building and zoning codes contain different and sometimes multiple requirements that are dependent upon the use. 

Depending on the proposed use of the building or space a series of other questions will be asked, such as:

  • What type of business are you proposing? 
  • What type of equipment will be used within the space? 
  • What type of materials or merchandise will be stored and/or sold?

Applicants should be prepared to provide as much detail as possible to assure their Courtesy Inspection provides them enough information to make a sound business decision. 

Staff will perform a zoning check. The use of buildings is regulated by the City’s zoning code. The City is divided into many different districts and each district has a zoning designation. The zoning designation of the district in which your building resides will impact the type of uses that are allowed at that location. Staff will check to see if your proposed use is permitted or prohibited use under the City’s zoning code. There is a process to appeal zoning designations and/or request authorization for zoning relief. The Zoning Hearing Examiner (ZHE) or the Historic Conservation Board (HCB) hears these cases and has the authority to grant zoning approval.

The building or tenant space is inspected by DSM and other inspection groups to determine what items need to be brought into compliance with the code for the proposed use. A Courtesy Inspection Report (CIR) will be provided which will provide an overview of the modifications, upgrades, and repairs that will be required before the building can be occupied.   This information is not intended to identify every design detail or code requirement for the building or space. This process will help guide the client as they move toward operation of the site.

The prospective business owner can use the information from the CIR to make a purchase or lease decision.

If the prospective business owner makes a decision to move forward with the selected location, it may be necessary to retain the services of a design professional to prepare detailed plans and specifications for the alterations needed to prepare the building or space for your business. Before a business can occupy a building or space, it will be necessary to obtain an occupancy permit, Board(s) of Zoning Approval (if necessary) and any applicable license.

How to start the process:

The Permit Center at 805 Central Avenue – II Centennial Plaza, Suite 500 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 is the place to begin. Courtesy Inspections are available via a separate application.

To schedule a Commercial Courtesy Inspection:

1. After an application is made for the Courtesy Inspection, the DSM will arrange a date and time for the inspectors to visit the site with the owner or owner’s representative. The general contact number for the DSM is (513) 352-4847 (w) or (513) 262-5681 (c).

2. Depending on the building, proposed use, size of the building, building components, etc. it may be necessary for multiple inspectors to inspect the building or space to provide a complete overview. The DSM, along with inspectors will assess the building. The DSM will provide you with a CIR within two to three business days after the Courtesy Inspection has been completed. The CIR will identify the major impediments you will need to address before occupancy of the building or space. The Commercial Courtesy Inspection is not intended to identify every detail or every code requirement. The intent is to identify significant deficiencies in the building or space (based on the applicant’s proposed use) that will add a significant cost to their plan to occupy the space. It will still be necessary for the applicant to obtain the services of a professional to prepare plans and specifications for their project.

COMMERCIAL COURTESY INSPECTION PROGRAM APPLICATION

Additional Building Permit Information

Remodeling, Alterations, Rehabilitation, or Additions

The building or space will require plans and permits if the business owner is planning to alter, rehabilitate, remodel, or add an addition.  Applications for these permits are obtained at the Permit Center.  Before any work can begin, plans must be submitted and permit obtained.