Buildings

 

Beginning Friday, April 11, 2025, Buildings and Inspections (B&I) staff will go door to door to inspect properties in affected neighborhoods and assess the severity of the damage. B&I has identified approximately 700 addresses as being potentially impacted in the Central Business District, East End, California and Riverside neighborhoods. Inspectors will also distribute handouts sharing information about next steps for homeowners and residents.

Aside from residential properties, inspectors will be assessing construction sites for erosion and sediment control and pollution control. B&I recognizes some locations require special circumstances based on conditions and will have a team out addressing those as well.

 

Flood Preliminary Damage Determination 

As the flood waters recede, it is necessary for the City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections to conduct preliminary damage assessments of each property. While we understand this is a difficult time, please carefully review your notice, if you received one. An inspection and damage assessment is required to meet the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program standards for our local community.

A Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Inspector will visit your property as part of this survey to make a local preliminary damage determination. The determination will be printed on the reverse side of the notice.
Please review the determination printed on the back of the notice prior to beginning structural work on your property. Building permits may be required based on the scope of work and must be obtained prior to starting. This is a preliminary determination based on those parts of the premises visible at the time of inspection.  

 

If you disagree with your Preliminary Determination

If you disagree with the preliminary determination or have questions or concerns regarding the process you may call 513-352-3275, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, and ask to be contacted by the inspector assigned to your address. If your situation is urgent, you may call the inspector listed on the back last page of your letter.  The inspector can meet with you for further inspection or to provide assistance.

 

Building inspectors will make determinations based on the following criteria: 

[_____]  UNDAMAGED- Based on the inspection of visible parts of the structure the flood did not cause material damage.

[_____]  AFFECTED-Structures with minimal damages to the exterior and/or contents of the property. Example:* Any water line in the crawl space or basement when essential living space or mechanical components are not damaged or submerged.

[_____]  MINOR-Encompasses a wide range of damage that does not affect the structural integrity of the
structure. EXAMPLE:*Water line up to 18 inches in an essential living space. *damage to mechanical components (e.g. furnace, boiler, water heater, HVAC, etc.). *A  PERMIT IS REQUIRED TO REPLACE HVAC, WATER HEATERS, & ELECTRICAL DEVICES

[_____]  MAJOR-A structure may be categorized as having major damage when it has sustained significant structural
damage and requires extensive repairs. Example: Water line above 18 inches in an essential living space, a water line above the electrical outlets, or a waterline on the first floor of a residence when the basement is completely full and similar damage. DO NOT BEGIN STRUCTURAL REPAIRSWITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING A PERMIT

[_____]  DESTROYED-The structure is a total loss, or damaged to such an extent that repair is not feasible.
Example: Complete failure of major structural components (e.g., collapse of basement walls, foundation, walls, or roof and similar serious damage). DO NOT BEGIN STRUCTURAL REPAIRSWITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING A PERMIT

 

Are You in Need of Assistance?

In response to the recent flooding, voluntary organizations in coordination with Hamilton County and local governments are working together to provide Flood cleanup kits. Residents who need help cleaning up the damage from recent flooding can call 2-1-1 to ask for assistance. Click the link below to learn more: 

Hamilton County Assistance for Residents Impacted by Flooding