Planning construction or renovation work in Summit County, Ohio? From building new structures to upgrading existing systems, most projects require a permit before you start. Summit County's Building Inspection Department oversees permits in unincorporated areas, while Akron and other cities handle their own building departments.
This guide explains Summit County, OH building permit requirements, such as what triggers permit requirements, application procedures, fee structures, and inspection schedules.
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What requires a building permit in Summit County?
According to the Summit County Department of Building Standards, permits are required for most structural, mechanical, and trade work.
Common projects that require a permit include:
- New construction: Building a new home or a non-residential building
- Additions or structural changes/alterations: Expanding, remodeling, or structurally altering an existing dwelling or building (walls, foundation, roof, etc.)
- Accessory structures (under certain conditions): Detached garages, large sheds, workshops, or other outbuildings
- Plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), electrical, and related trade work: New plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC installation or major change must be permitted/inspected under county oversight
- Decks, porches, and certain exterior alterations
- Swimming pools (or other significant site changes): Changes that affect structure, utilities, or safety generally require a permit under county code
- Demolition, moving, or relocating buildings/structures: Any major structural change including demolition or relocation is under the building code and requires permit/inspection
What doesn’t require a Summit County building permit?
Because Summit County encompasses many townships/municipalities, and local codes may overlap, some minor projects may not require a permit if they meet certain conditions or are purely cosmetic.
These may include:
- Small accessory structures in certain jurisdictions. In some township or municipal overlays, very small sheds/structures may be exempt (size, setbacks, zoning rules apply)
- Minor non-structural interior work: Cosmetic updates (painting, flooring, trim) that do not change structure, utilities, or code-sensitive systems may not trigger permit requirements
- Work within municipal jurisdictions that have their own permitting authorities: Some cities or villages within Summit County handle their own permitting. If you live in one of those, their local building department (not the county’s) may apply, and their permit thresholds may differ
Summit County OH building permit cost
Summit County permit fees are typically based on square footage, construction value, and permit type. Below are sample estimates.
Commercial fees
Residential fees
For more information, refer to the permit fee schedule.
Summit County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits are required for any new piping, fixture additions, or utility connections.
Electrical permits
Required for new service, rewiring, panel replacements, and system expansions.
HVAC permits
Covers all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Roofing, fence, and special permits
Additional permits are needed for common exterior structures.
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How to get a building permit in Summit County
Step 1: Prepare documents and forms
Before you begin an application (online or paper), you need a complete package of plans and approvals. The code lists specific items that must be in place before a permit can be issued, not just a generic application.
You’ll typically need:
- Completed Summit County OH building permit application
- Zoning approval/zoning permit from the local jurisdiction (township, city, or village)
- Construction drawings and specifications that meet OBC/RCO requirements, sealed by an Ohio-licensed design professional when required
- Topographic site plan
- Site information: house number, lot number, subdivision/allotment name, or other legal description
- Utility approvals:
- Septic approval from Summit County Public Health or
- Sanitary sewer approval from the Department of Sanitary Sewer Services, whichever applies to the property
- Contractor and owner data: full names and addresses of owner/lessee and applicant, plus contractor liability insurance, federal tax ID, and state license as applicable
- Digital PDFs of all plans and supporting documents for upload to the online permit portal
Note: The county can refuse a permit application if there are outstanding violations or condemnation orders on the property unless the Building Official approves proceeding.
Step 2: Submit via the Building Standards Department
Summit County uses an online permit portal (BSA / “Public Access”) for most permit and inspection workflows, but still accepts paper/emailed submittals. The user guide explains how you register, start a new application, attach documents, and track status.
Here’s how submission typically works:
- Online via Permit Portal (recommended):
- Create an account in the Permit Portal / Public Access system
- Log in and click “Create Application”
- Choose the permit type and fill out panels for description, address/location, people, contractor, data group (project details), and other required fields
- Upload required documents in the RelDocs panel (site plan, drawings, topo approvals, septic/sewer letters, etc.)
- Submit the application; you’ll get an email confirmation and later a separate email when fees are ready to pay
- By mail or in person:
- Deliver or mail completed forms and plan sets to:
- Address: Summit County Building Standards, 1030 East Tallmadge Ave, Akron, OH 44310
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Deliver or mail completed forms and plan sets to:
- By email (when allowed):
- County continuity guidance notes that permit requests, inspections, and plan submittals may be sent via BSAonline.com, mail, or email to submittals@summitoh.net, depending on current procedures
Step 3: Plan review
After submission, your application is assigned a case in the permit portal and routed for review. You can use the Summit County, Ohio Building Permit search page to see status, review comments, and actions like “Check Case Status” or “Schedule Inspection.”
Step 4: Pay permit fees and receive your permit
Once the application is processed and approved, you’ll receive a notification that fees are due. The portal user guide explains that an email is sent when fees have been assessed and are ready for payment.
You can typically pay online via the permit portal, or pay in person at Building Standards during office hours. The county notes that no cash is accepted after 3 p.m., so plan accordingly.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
Once your permit is issued and you’ve received the approved documents, you can start construction. Post the permit and keep approved plans on site, and be sure to schedule inspections through the permit portal.
Summit County permitting resources
- Summit County Department of Building Standards
- Address: 1030 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310
- Phone: (330) 630-7280
- Fax: (330) 630-7296
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Online permit portal
- Daily inspection schedule & results
- Online submittal instructions
- Request an inspection
- Request a permit
- Forms:
- Summit County building permit application examples:
- 1307.05 residential permit fees
- Summit County, Ohio building permit search
- Summit County offices continuity of operations
- Codified ordinance
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