Buildings Menu

Frequently Asked Questions

 

About the Permit Center              Back to Top         

Q: Where are we located?

A: 805 Central Avenue, Suite 500, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Q: How can I contact the Department?

A: Call 513-352-3271, and use the following number options to reach a certain service:

  1. Status or Payment of a Permit or Registration

  2. Property Maintenance Code Enforcement

  3. Zoning

  4. Plan Examination

  5. HVAC/General Building Inspections

  6. Plumbing

  7. Elevator

  8. Boards & Appeals

  9. Customer Service

Q: What is the status of my permit?

A: Use ezTrak to check the status of your permit.

Q: What is the status of my complaint?

A: Use ezTrak to check the status of your complaint.

Business Development Services                  Back to Top

Q: What Do I Need to do to Open A Daycare Home or A Daycare Center?

A:

  1. Contact Rodney Ringer, the representative who handles Small Business Development Services for the City of Cincinnati Zoning Administration, at (513) 352-4847 or rodney.ringer@cincinnati-oh.gov. Mr. Ringer will determine whether the proposed location is within the City limits and whether a Daycare Home or a Daycare Center is a permitted land use in the proposed location. Mr. Ringer can also arrange for a Courtesy Inspection, but there is an associated fee.
  2. You will need to apply with the State of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Family Assistance, Bureau of Child Care Licensing and Monitoring.
  3. You will need to have the property inspected by a Buildings & Inspections Inspector. The contact number is (513) 352-3961. The inspection report should then be submitted to the Bureau of Child Care Licensing and Monitoring to receive proper licensing.

Q: How Do I Schedule A Courtesy Inspection?

A: A business owner can apply for a Courtesy Inspection by submitting the Courtesy Inspection Program Application to Rodney Ringer or by visiting the City of Cincinnati's Development & 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 to schedule an inspection.

Q: What is a Coordinated Site Review?

A: The Coordinated Site Review process is designed to help developers identify any regulatory conditions that may affect their project. The goal of Coordinated Site Review is to give developers written feedback from all departments involved in the site plan approval process. By giving this feedback early on, the applicant will be able to change minor or major details before applying for the necessary permits. It is highly recommended that complex development projects are reviewed through the Coordinated Site Review process prior to applying for permits.

Q: How Do I Schedule a Coordinated Site Review?

A: Please contact the Development Services Manager, Rodney D. Ringer, at 513-352-4847 (w) - 513-262-5681 (c) or email at dev.services@cincinnati-oh.gov. 

Q: Who can help me walk through the permitting process?

A: Rodney Ringer, the Development Services Manager (DSM), provides guidance through the permitting process by working with clients to map out what the process will look like from start to finish for their project, as well as by providing them with resources from partner agencies in an effort to help them open their business successfully.

Historic Conservation                  Back to Top

Q: How Do I Know If I Am in A Historic District or a Historic Landmark?

A: Status can be determined by checking jurisdiction and zoning online, or by visiting the following links.

Q: How Does My Property Become Designated As a Historic Landmark or Within a Historic District?

A: For information, review our Historic Conservation page.

Q: How Do I Get a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A: To view the application or for more information, review our Certificate of Appropriateness page.  

Q: When Do I Have to Get a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A: A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application is required for projects which alter locally designated landmarks and properties located in locally designated historic districts. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the Historic Conservation Office staff during the planning stages of a project, prior to formal application for a Building Permit or a COA.

Q: How Do I Know What Historic Conservation Guidelines Apply To My Project?

A: Each historic district or landmark has its own set of conservation guidelines, which are used to evaluate proposed work. These guidelines are intended to protect the character of an individual building and site as well as the surrounding historic district. The Historic Conservation Office staff can provide technical assistance on a project and advice on the compliance of a project with the guidelines. Staff can also advise an applicant on whether the HCB must review the work and give a preliminary indication of how it will respond to a given application.

Q: When Does the Historic Conservation Board Meet?

A: The Historic Conservation Board usually meets every-other Monday at 3:00 p.m. in the Public Hearing Room, II Centennial Plaza, 5th Floor, 805 Central Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

Permits

Check Your Zoning              Back to Top         

Q: How Do I Check Jurisdiction and Zoning?

A: Use the on-line Zoning Map to determine the zoning on your property and what jurisdiction it falls under.

Q: Who Do I Contact If My Project Requires a Zone Change, Historic Review, or Variance?

A: If your project requires a:

  • Zone Change, contact the Department of City Planning at 513-352-4845
  • Historic Conservation Review, contact Douglas Owen, Urban Conservator either by phone at 513-352-4848 or by email at douglas.owen@cincinnati-oh.gov
  • Variance, contact Zoning Information at 513-352-2430

Do I Need A Permit?                  Back to Top

Q: Do I Need A Permit?

A: Permits are required for all significant site development, new construction, major repairs, alterations, and additions, which include structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical changes. For more information, review permit requirements.

Q: When Can I Submit A Building Permit Application?

A: Applications for permits, certificates or licenses can be made at the Business Development and Permit Center, 805 Central Ave., Suite 500, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on what is required to apply, review permit requirements.

Do I Need To Submit Plans With My Permit?                  Back to Top

Q: When Are Plans Required?

A: Generally, plans, specifications and energy report forms are required for any significant site development, new building, addition or alteration to an existing building. For more information, review permit requirements. Note: An Ohio registered architect or professional engineer must prepare plans and associated construction documents for new construction and major alteration work for buildings and structures regulated by the Ohio Building Code (except for 1-, 2-, and 3- family detached dwellings).

Q: What Should Be Included in the Plans?

A: A complete description of information to be submitted on the plans is specified in Section 1101-21 of the Cincinnati Building Code and Section 4101: 2-1-19 of the Ohio Basic Building Code. Generally, plans, specifications and energy report forms are required for any new building, addition or alteration to an existing building.  All plans must be drawn to scale and must accurately show all detail of proposed work.  A plot plan and/or site survey usually is requested for exterior site work, building alterations, changes of use, new buildings and building additions.  Plans and associated construction documents for new construction and major alteration work for buildings and structures regulated by the Ohio Basic Building Code are required to be prepared by an Ohio registered architect or professional engineer. For more information, please review Step 3 of the Permit Guide.

  • Note: The 1-, 2-, 3-Family Checklist lists the information required on drafted, scaled drawings for 1, 2, and 3-family dwellings with no shared egress based on the Residential Code of Ohio when three stories or less in height.

Consultations/Pre-Development Conference                  Back to Top

Q: How Can I Schedule A Consultation?

A: The "Pre-Development Conference" is a staff preliminary review session offered to assist developers with identifying regulatory conditions that impact their project. For more information about a Pre-Development Conference, visit the Consultations section of our website. To apply for a Pre-Development Conference, please complete and submit the Pre-Development Conference Application and Worksheet to Rodney Ringer at rodney.ringer@cincinnati-oh.gov.

Contractor Registration                  Back to Top

Q: Do I Need A Registered Contractor?

A: When performing construction within the City of Cincinnati, contractors are required to be registered by the City prior to the start of work. For more information, visit the Contractor Registration section of our website.

Q: How Can I Check If My Contractor Is Registered?

A: To determine if your contractor is registered, use the Contractor Registration feature on our website.

Q: How Do I Register As A Contractor?

A: Contractor registration requirements can be found on the Contractor Registration page.

Q: What Do I Need to Renew My Contractor's Registration?

A: (1) Current Certificate of Liability Insurance, (2) Annual payment fee. Please refer to the  Contractor Registration page for fee information.

Q: How Much Is It to Renew or Register for Contractor Registration?

A: Information and details can be found Contractor Registration There may be additional fees if you are a state licensed contractor.

Q: Why Does It Say Not Approved for Contractor Registration Approval?

A: Verification of the contractor on the project is the final check prior to the issuance of a permit. It is done after all approvals have been completed by all other agencies. It does not mean that the contractor on the project is not a registered contractor. It simply means that the verification of the contractor’s registration has not been completed.

Fill Out Permit Applications & Other Required Documents                  Back to Top

Q: Can I Apply Online?

A: EzTrak also offers you an easy way to apply and pay for licenses and permits with the touch of a button.

Submit Permit Application & Other Required Documents                  Back to Top

Q: How Do I Submit A Building Permit Application?

A: For details regarding application submission, visit the Submit Application section of our website.  

Q: How Can I Submit Digitally – What Does it Mean to Submit Digitally?

A: A digital submission occurs when an application is submitted with a disc and 3 sets of paper plans versus submitting 4 paper sets, and a fee for scanning.  Please refer to the  permit fee guide on our website for more information.

  • The disc must have the proper formatting and acceptable file type. For more information, review our submission guidelines.

  • To use the program you must install the DOCUMENT SUBMITTAL ASSISTANT which is located on the website.

  • For more information on submitting digitally please see the Digital Document Submission section of our website.

Q: May I Fax an Application Or Plans?

A: This service is designed to provide easy and rapid access for obtaining permits for commercial and residential work which does not require drawings.  Permits for items such as furnace or air conditioning replacement, repairs, and plumbing work can be faxed. Visit the Fax-A-Permit section of our website for more information.

Q: How Much Does a Permit Cost?

A: Base permit fees are determined by the cost of work in most instances. There are additional fees if there are premium services, scanning and/or additional services not associated with the permit fee. Please refer to the  permit fee guide on our website for more information.

Q: How Much is Due When I Submit My Application?

A: All permit applications are assessed a one-time non-refundable fee that is due at the time of application.  Please refer to the  permit fee guide on our website for more information.

  • Residential (RCO) application
  • Commercial/ 4+ family (OBC) application
  • This fee does not apply to plumbing/HVAC repair/replacement applications that do not require plans.

Permit Review Process                  Back to Top

Q: What Happens After I Submit a Building Permit Application?

A: Following submission, permit applications are subject to the review process.

Q: How Long is the Plan Review?

A: Please review plan review times.

Q: How Can I Expedite the Building Permit Process?

A: To better accommodate the often-changing needs of development while providing customized services and "just-in-time" permit approval and inspections, the City of Cincinnati's Department of Buildings and Inspections offers optional Premium Services.

Revision Process                  Back to Top

Q: What’s the Status of My Permit?

A: Customers can use ezTrak to view the status of their permit.

Q: What is the Revision Process?

A: This is a request for additional information and/or correction(s) to be made to the documents or drawings. For more information, visit the Revision Process page of our website.

Q: What Happens if My Plans Are Denied?

A: If your application is denied, you have the option to appeal this decision to the Board of Building Appeals. For more information, visit the Revision Process page of our website.

Q: Can You Pre-Review My Revisions Before I Submit Them?

A: No. However, the Building Plans Examiner can discuss specific code issues you may have if you contact them in advance.

Q: Can I Mail or Electronically Send in My Revisions?

A: Revisions must be made in person. Mailed or electronically submitted revisions will not be accepted.

Q: Can I Get My Revised Plans Reviewed the Same Day?

A: Revisions for applications originally submitted as Tier 1 or Tier 2 projects are reviewed the same day. Tier 3 revisions are reviewed within 5 working days. For more about revisions, visit the Revision Process page of our website.

Issued Permits                  Back to Top

Q: Can I Get My Permit the Same Day?

A: Tier 1 projects are reviewed through a Same-Day Review service, which allows for permits to be issued the same day. Tier 2 projects are reviewed By Appointment, which allows for permits to be issued the same day as the scheduled appointment.

Q: How Do I Apply For An Electrical Permit?

A: Please visit the Electrical Permit Process section of our website.  

Q: Where Do I Obtain My Electrical and/or Plumbing Permit?

A: For electrical permits, contact Inspections Bureau Inc. at 513-381-6080 or 205 W. Court St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. For plumbing permits, visit the Plumbing Inspections page of our website.

Q: How Long Is a Permit Valid?

A: Please visit the Issuing the Permit section of our website.

Inspections                  Back to Top

Q: How Can I Schedule an Inspection?

A: Each phase of construction must be inspected to make certain the work conforms to the Code, Building Permit and the Approved Plans. To schedule an inspection or for more information, visit the Inspections section of our website.

Q: What Are The Results of My Inspection?

A: You can view the results of your inspection through EzTrak.

Field Changes                  Back to Top

Q: What If I Need to Make a Minor Change to My Permit?

A: Minor changes to the approved plans may be submitted as an Engineering Change without applying for an additional alteration permit.

Q: What is the Difference Between An Engineering Change and A New Permit?

A: In general, the construction, erection, and alteration of a building, or additions, alterations, equipment and maintenance of the same, shall conform to required plans which have been approved by the Division of Buildings & Inspections. Minor changes to the approved plans may be submitted as an Engineering Change without applying for an additional Alteration Permit. Minor changes do not include changes in the size, location, change of use of buildings or structures, or as-built drawings with multiple changes that will require a substantial plan review. For more information about engineering changes, please review the Engineering Change Informational Handout.  

Related Certificates and Licenses                  Back to Top

Q: Can I Get a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy?

A: The Building Construction Inspections section may issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy when a building is safe to occupy temporarily while remaining issues are resolved and approved. Initial Temporary COs will be issued for a maximum of 90 days and thereafter are renewable every 30 days. Please review Policy Directive No. 5 for more information.

Q: How Do I Get My Certificate of Occupancy?

A: Please visit the Permit Guide to find information regarding Certificates of Occupancy.

Appeal Decision                  Back to Top

Q: How Do I File An Appeal?

A: Several boards are available to those seeking relief from the interpretations, orders, or rulings of the Department. Please visit the Office of Administrative Boards website for additional information about the application process.

Request for Building Permit Records                  Back to Top

Q: How Do I Obtain Records About a Permit?

A: All of our building permit records are available for public inspection.

Property Maintenance Code Enforcement                  Back to Top

Q: How Much Time Do I Have to Complete the Orders?

A: The code affords for a reasonable time to comply with the orders. The Landlord Tenant Laws require violations to be corrected within 30 days for rental property. If you receive a violations notice (orders), and you believe you need more time to comply, contact the Inspector whose name, phone number, and e-mail appear on the notice and explain your circumstances to request an extension. You may also file an appeal of the orders to request additional time from the Board of Appeals.

Q: Do I Need A Registered Contractor to Comply With Code Violations?

A: The need for registration depends on the type of work necessary to comply, who will do the work, and other factors. To learn when to hire a registered contractor, visit the Contractor Registration page of our website.  

Q: Do I Need a Building Permit to Comply With Code Violations?

A: Permits are required for all work except minor repairs and decorating. Minor repairs to structures may be made without a permit, but such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements; nor shall minor repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, waste supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical equipment or other work affecting public health or general safety.

Q: If I Do Not Agree With the Orders, How Can I Appeal the Orders?

A: Yes, orders, and decisions issued can be appealed to the Board of Housing Appeals for housing code violations and orders to obtain Vacated Building Maintenance License, and to the Board of Building Appeals for orders to vacate a building and condemnation orders. You can find applications for appeals and further information at these links:

Q: How Can I Get the Landlord to Make Repairs?

A: The first suggested step is to notify the landlord in writing of the repairs you believe need to be made to the premises. If the repairs are not made then you may wish to file a complaint with the Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Division of the Building Department by calling 591-6000, or by going to the Customer Service website, 5916000.com. Once a request for service is made, the inspector assigned will inspect the property for code violations and order the owner to make required corrections.

Q: Can I Stop Paying My Rent Due to Code Violations?

A: Do not stop paying rent until you’ve talked to an attorney. You may be able to pay your rent into escrow with the courts to compel the owner to correct code violations, but there is a specific legal process for withholding rent and avoiding eviction for non-payment. For more information on rent escrow visit the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts website.

Q: Why Are Vacated Building Licensing Fees High?

A: The fee for the license is intended to reimburse the City for the municipal costs of vacant buildings. Municipal costs involve response to fires, response to criminal activity, barricading, demolition and other municipal costs associated with dilapidated vacated buildings. The fee is refunded if the building is rehabbed or razed within 12 months of payment. If there is a viable development plan, an owner may appeal the fee for suspension while the plan advances.

Zoning Regulations                  Back to Top

Q: How Tall Can My Fence Be?

A: Regulations for fences are outlined in Section 1421-33 of the Cincinnati Zoning Code.

  • Zoning Certificates of Compliance or Certificates of Appropriateness are required for fences 6 feet in height and under.  Fences greater than 6 feet require Zoning Variances and Building Permits.
  • In any front, corner side yard, or corner rear yard, the maximum height of any fence or wall or any combination thereof may not exceed four feet in Residential Districts and six feet in all other districts and may not exceed an opacity of 50 percent.
  • All fences are subject to the driveway visibility requirements of § 1425-35.
    • Visibility from a driveway may not be blocked between a height of three feet and seven feet for a depth of five feet from the street property line and five feet from the edge of the driveway or at the nearest property line intersecting the street property line, whichever is less.
  • Electrical, barbed and razor wire fences require a Conditional Use approval in Commercial, Manufacturing and Riverfront Districts, and prohibited in all other districts.

Q: How Far Must My Building Be Setback From the Property Line?

A: Building Setbacks depend on the Zoning District and in certain cases the type of building.

Q: How Do I Find Out What Size Signage I Can Legally Install On My Property – Is A Permit Needed for Signage?

A: A sign permit is required for all signage.  Signage is limited in size, location, height and other elements based on the zoning district your property is located in.   Please review the sign code section of the zoning ordinance for key information.  A chart towards the end of the section outlines certain limitations based on the zoning district. Note: the downtown zoning district has a separate sign code as outlined in the municipal code.