Columbus Building and Trade Permit Guide

Permitting mistakes in Columbus, Ohio can lead to major delays — especially if you're not familiar with the city's process. For builders and contractors working in Columbus, navigating the permit process is a critical step in keeping projects on track.

This guide explains what you need to know about Columbus building permits: what requires a permit, how much you’ll pay, where to apply, and how to keep your project moving from start to final inspection.

Simplify permitting in Columbus with PermitFlow. Learn how.

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What requires a building permit in Columbus?

The City of Columbus requires permits for most new construction, additions, alterations, and trade-related work. 

Common projects requiring a permit include:

• New construction, additions, alterations, accessory structures (e.g., decks, patios)
• Replacement/installation of roof, siding, doors, windows
• Construction of fences over 6 ft or masonry walls (any height)
• Decks, patios, and parking lots associated with inhabited structures or part of a site project
• Tents larger than 400 sq ft
• Demolition of buildings or accessory structures in commercial or mixed-use sites
• Installation or alteration of HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, or fire suppression systems
• Medical gas systems
• Repair-and-replace permits for existing equipment modifications

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What doesn’t require a building permit?

Some minor updates may be exempt, such as:

• Detached accessory sheds or playhouses under 120 sq ft
• Fences up to 6 ft in height
• Sidewalks or driveways less than 30 in above grade, not over basements
• Minor electrical repairs, such as replacing lamps or connecting portable equipment to existing receptacles
• Repairing leaks in water, waste, soil, or vent piping (but replacing concealed piping counts as new work and requires a permit)

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Who issues building permits in Columbus?

The Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) oversees all Columbus permitting, including trade permits and inspections. For surrounding areas in Franklin County, permits may fall under the Franklin County Building Department.

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Columbus building permit fees

Columbus building permit costs vary based on project scope, square footage, and estimated construction value. Typical fee breakdowns are as follows:

Residential fees

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Commercial fees

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Columbus trade permits

If your work involves plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other specialized systems, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate trade permit — each with its own application, fees, and inspection requirements. All trade work must be completed by a licensed contractor registered with the City of Columbus.

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Plumbing permits

Columbus requires plumbing permits for all new installations, fixture replacements, water heater swaps, and drain/waste/vent modifications. A licensed plumber must pull the permit.

Columbus plumbing permit costs

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Electrical permits

Electrical permits are required for all work involving service panels, new wiring, lighting circuits, EV chargers, and more.

Columbus electrical permit costs

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Roofing permits

Permit requirements depend on whether you’re performing a full roof replacement or just shingle overlays. Structural work or decking replacement almost always requires a permit.

Columbus roofing permit costs

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HVAC permits

Any HVAC system install or replacement (including furnaces, A/C units, ductwork, and ventilation fans) requires a mechanical permit.

Columbus HVAC permit costs

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Fence permits

Permits are required for most fences over a certain height or located near property lines. Zoning review may be necessary depending on the location.

Columbus fence permit costs

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For more information about permit fees, refer to the 2025 fee schedule.

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Avoid permitting challenges
PermitFlow manages the entire process from start to finish, so you don’t have to hunt down permitting requirements or chase approvals.

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How to apply for a Columbus building permit

Step 1: Gather required documentation

Prepare the following:

• Completed Columbus building permit application
• Detailed construction plans/drawings (PDFs if applying online)
• Site or plot plan for exterior work
• Contractor license or homeowner affidavit (if DIY)
• Cost estimate of materials and labor
• Zoning clearance (if applicable)
• Energy compliance forms (for new builds)

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Step 2: Submit your application

You can submit:

• Online via the Citizen Access Portal
• In person at:
  
  • Building & Zoning Services (BZS)
  • Address: 111 N. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Phone number: (614) 645‑6090
  • Schedule: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Upload documents and pay initial intake fees.

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Step 3: Application review

BZS will check your application for:

• Building code compliance (structure, fire safety, accessibility)
• Zoning regulations
• Historic district overlays
• Trade-specific code for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC

Typical review time:

• Residential: ~10 business days
• Commercial: ~15-30 business days

You'll receive updates via email and/or the portal.

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Step 5: Pay permit fees

Once approved, you’ll get a full fee invoice. You can pay online through the portal or in person (check, card, money order).

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Step 6: Receive your permit and begin work

Once paid, your permit will be issued. Post it visibly at the job site before starting any work (work must start within 6 months of issuance). You must also schedule the inspections throughout the process. Call BZS or use the online inspection scheduler via the Citizen Access Portal.

Note: Missed or failed inspections may trigger a $125 reinspection fee.

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Columbus permitting resources

• Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS)
  
  • Address: 111 N. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Phone: (614) 645-7433
  • Website: columbus.gov
• Citizen Access Portal
• Building & Zoning FAQ
• Applications:
  
  • Building permit application
  • Mechanical permit application
  • Electric permit application
  • Plumbing permit application
• Fee Schedule

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Columbus permitting can be time-consuming and confusing, especially if you’re managing multiple projects or navigating the city’s process for the first time. Instead of chasing forms, approvals, and inspections, let PermitFlow handle it for you.

PermitFlow is permit management software that streamlines every step, from application prep to final approval, across Columbus and beyond.

Builders and contractors choose PermitFlow because we provide:

• Columbus expertise: Our team knows the city’s permitting process inside and out, helping you avoid delays and rework.
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Don’t let permitting slow you down. Get in touch with PermitFlow and keep your Columbus projects moving forward.