Planning a construction or trades project in Cincinnati, Ohio? Whether you’re building from the ground up, renovating a commercial space, or tackling trade work like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC, chances are you’ll need a building permit before getting started.
Cincinnati has its own permitting rules and processes, and knowing them ahead of time can save you from costly delays. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Cincinnati building permits, from requirements and costs to applications and timelines, so you can plan with confidence.
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What requires a building permit in Cincinnati?
Most construction, alteration, and repair work in Cincinnati requires a permit.
Common examples include:
- New buildings
- Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
- Alterations – including structural changes, decks, garages, fences*, carports, awnings, interior demolition, etc
- Building repair (major repair)
- Demolition of structures
- Change of occupancy and use (when how a building is used changes)
- Excavation or fill work
- Developments in a floodplain
Separate permits (even if part of a bigger project) are required for:
- Elevators
- Fire alarms / suppression systems & alarms
- Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system work
- Plumbing work: fixtures, plumbing appliances (e.g. dishwashers)
- Electrical work
- Signs
- Swimming pools
- Tents
- Retaining walls
- Food service operations
- Parking lots (if >800 sq ft and not just driveway)
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Minor repairs and cosmetic upgrades typically don’t require permits.
Examples include:
- Repair and replacement of windows, if same size and type
- Roof coverings / roofing repair (no more than two layers of roofing material)
- Gutters and downspouts, including valleys, flashings, soffits, fascia, associated trim work
- Siding replacement
- Flagpoles
- Play equipment under 12.5 feet height, without electric or heating equipment
- Storage sheds <100 sq ft, in rear yard, under 8 feet average height, per zoning rules
To find more information, refer to the city’s “do I need a permit?” page.
Cincinnati building permit cost
Permit fees in Cincinnati vary depending on project type, valuation, and scope.
Building permit fees (new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, and fire protection):
Additional fees
Find more information on building permit fees on the city’s fee schedule.
How long do building permits last in Cincinnati?
Most building permits in Cincinnati are valid for 12 months from issuance. If no work begins within 6 months, the permit may expire. Extensions are sometimes granted upon written request.
Cincinnati trade permits
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits cover new installations, repairs, and modifications to water, gas, and waste systems.
HVAC permits
HVAC permits regulate the installation or replacement of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Special permits
Special permits are needed for roofing replacements, fencing projects, and unique installations.
You should also be aware of additional fees/surcharges that apply to permits in Cincinnati, which affect total costs:
- Technology surcharge: 3% added to all scheduled fees (excluding administrative hearing fees)
- Training surcharge: 1% added to all scheduled fees (excluding administrative hearing fees)
- Planning surcharge: 5% surcharge on all construction, plumbing, and HVAC permits
- Financial recovery fee: 1% added to all scheduled fees (excluding administrative hearing fees)
- State surcharge: Additional percentage depending on dwelling type or commercial work:
- 1%, for 1-, 2-, and 3-family detached dwellings
- 3%, for 4+ dwelling units or commercial permits
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How to get a building permit in Cincinnati, OH
Step 1: Prepare your plans & documents
Begin by gathering a full set of site plans, construction drawings, floor plans, elevations, foundation/roof plans, and any structural details. Include surveys, specifications, and the required professional licensure (architect/engineer) and stamps for applicable work.
Also, collect any other required forms:
- Energy compliance/energy report
- HVAC application
- Zoning or floodplain approvals
Commonly used building permit applications:
- Building permit application
- HVAC application
- Deck plan
- Plumbing application (homeowners only)
Step 2: Submit your application
There are several ways you can submit your Cincinnati building permit application:
Electronic plan submission
First, you need to send the filled-out application to ccpbpermitcenter@cincinnati-oh.gov. Then, you will receive a link to OneDrive where you should upload your supporting documents from Step 1.
Note: You have 4 hours once the link is received to upload the documents. Once you submit documents, access to the folder will be restricted.
Online
You can apply for and pay for certain permits and licenses online via ezTrak:
- Deck Permits
- Mechanical Permits
- Plumbing Repair Permits
- Journeyman Renewal Licenses
- Elevator Invoices
By mail
Send the completed application and supporting documents to:
- City of Cincinnati Permit Center
- 805 Central Ave., Suite 500
- Cincinnati, OH, 45202
In-person
If you need to submit your documents offline, go to the following address:
- 805 Central Ave., Suite 500, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
- Working hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Note: You must submit 4 sets of documents, drawings, and specifications of the proposed work.
Step 3: Plan review
City staff will review the submission for compliance with building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, zoning, etc., codes. If revisions are needed, you’ll be notified to correct and resubmit.
Step 4: Pay final fees & obtain permit
After approval, pay any outstanding fees. Once your permit is issued, post it visibly on the job site.
Step 5: Begin construction & inspections
Work may begin only after the permit is issued. Schedule inspections at required milestones (foundation, rough mechanical / plumbing / electrical, etc.). Make sure nothing is covered up before the required inspections are passed.
Note: To schedule an inspection pertaining to your specific project, call the inspector listed on your permit. To schedule an inspection not pertaining to a permit, call 513-352-3267.
Cincinnati permitting resources
- City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections
- Address: 805 Central Ave., Suite 500, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
- Phone: (513) 352-3271
- Email: buildings@cincinnati-oh.gov
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Cincinnati permit portal
- ezTrak
- Cincinnati building permit search page
- Applications:
- Fee schedule
- Do I need a permit?
- Submitting your application & documents
- Electronic document submission
- Inspections
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