If you're planning new construction, remodeling, or trades work in Franklin County, Ohio, you’ll likely need a building permit. This guide covers what you need to know about Franklin County permitting, from required documents to fees and trade permits.
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What requires a building permit in Franklin County?
According to the Franklin County Building Department, permits are required for most construction or structural work, including:
- Internal alterations (residential)
- Replacement of doors, windows, roofing, and/or siding (residential)
- Construction of a new house (the county handles 1-, 2- and 3-family homes in unincorporated areas)
- Construction of a modular home
- Building a detached garage / pole barn (i.e. accessory structure), or similar substantial accessory building
- Building a deck, swimming pool, sun room/porch, or other substantial accessory structure
- Any accessory structure over 200 sq. ft. (or the threshold defined by the county) that exceeds what the county defines as “minor”
- Moving a structure (relocation), or demolishing a structure
What doesn’t require a building permit in Franklin County?
Some projects are exempt from permitting in Franklin County:
- Small repairs that don’t alter the structure, depending on scope. For example: minor maintenance, cosmetic repairs (though doors, windows, roofing, and siding replacements do require a permit)
- If the work is purely “non-structural” and does not involve changing the footprint, occupancy, or utilities, a permit might not be required. The county’s emphasis is on “alteration,” “replacement,” or “new construction”
- Accessory structures 200 sq. ft. or smaller
Franklin County building permit cost
Franklin County permitting costs vary depending on valuation, square footage, and scope of work. Below is an estimate based on typical residential and commercial categories.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
To get more information on other fees, refer to the fee schedule page.
Franklin County trade permits
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are needed for service upgrades, new wiring, and most system alterations.
HVAC permits
Permits apply to all heating, cooling, or ventilation work, such as new installs and equipment swaps.
Roofing, fence, and special permits
Permits are required for major exterior work and certain demolition or specialty systems.
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How to get a building permit in Franklin County
Step 1: Prepare your documents and plans
First, confirm the jurisdiction where your work is taking place. It’s possible that you may need to pull a permit from the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services rather than going through Franklin County.
Before applying, gather:
- A completed Franklin County building permit application (or trade-permit application if only doing electrical/HVAC/plumbing)
- Full set of plans/drawings: site plan (with property lines, existing structures, setbacks, easements), floor plans, elevation/section views, foundation/structural drawings, MEP layout (if mechanical/plumbing/electrical work), exterior wall-envelope detail if required
- If the project is new construction, detached building, or involves grading or private water/septic: copy of recorded deed (for new house), and possibly a Letter of Zoning Compliance (residential or commercial) from township/village or the County’s Economic Development & Planning Dept
- If property is on private well or septic/OSSF: expect additional review by Public Health before permit issuance
- If performing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or mechanical work, collect license information or homeowner affidavit (if applicable), and trade permits
Find more permit applications on the EDP Forms & Applications page.
Step 2: Submit online through the SmartGov portal
Use the Franklin County Permit Portal to submit applications, upload plans, and pay initial fees. Alternatively, you may submit hard copies at 142 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215.
If your project requires zoning compliance (because you’re in a township/village), obtain the required Certificate of Zoning Compliance first, or submit along with application as required.
Step 3: Department review
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by relevant departments depending on scope: Building Department (for code/structural compliance), Zoning (if needed), Public Health (if private water/septic), etc. Reviewers check that plans comply with the adopted code; for residential 1-,2-, and 3-family dwellings, the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) applies.
If deficiencies are found (e.g., zoning, setbacks, sewer/septic, plan clarity), you will be asked to revise and resubmit. If the property is on private well/septic or non-public utilities, the building permit may be delayed until public health / environmental sign-off is obtained.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive permit
Once all approvals are satisfied, the County issues the building (or trade) permit. For properties with public water/sewer, permits are typically issued 7-10 days after full plan approval.
A separate trade permit must be issued for electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical systems if those are part of the project.
Step 5: Begin construction and schedule inspections
During construction, you must schedule required inspections at required stages (foundation, structural, electrical/plumbing/HVAC rough-in, final). For trade work, inspections correspond to the trade permit.
Franklin County permitting resources
- Franklin County Building Department
- Address: 150 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone: (614) 525-3166
- Email:
- Franklin County permit portal
- Franklin County building permit search
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO)
- Fee schedule
- EDP forms & applications
- Building FAQs
- Building permits guide
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