Toledo Building and Trade Permit Guide

Whether you're planning a new commercial build, a residential renovation, or a specialty trade installation, in Toledo, Ohio, you’ll need to understand the Toledo building permit process to keep your project on time and compliant.

From zoning compliance to permit tiers, valuation-based fees, and required inspections, there's a lot to get right — and missing a detail can delay approvals or trigger penalties.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting a Toledo building permit: what requires one, how much it costs, how to apply, and how to avoid costly missteps.

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What requires a building permit in Toledo?

The City of Toledo and Lucas County require permits for most construction, renovations, and trade work. 

Common examples include:

• Construction, alteration, removal, or demolition of any building or structure
• Any accessory structures, regardless of size
• Residential driveways, as well as any in-ground or above-ground swimming pools deeper than 24″
• Fences, at any height
• Installation, alteration, removal, replacement, or repair of any heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, hydronics, or electrical system (with separate trade permits)
• Reconfiguring or expanding parking areas beyond five spots that result in footprint changes or drainage alteration

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What doesn’t require a permit?

• Detached sheds or play structures under 200 sq ft in one- to three-family dwellings
• Fences up to 6 ft in height
• Retaining walls up to 4 ft (unless supporting surcharge/liquids)
• Water tanks under 5,000 gallons with a height-to-diameter ratio <2:1
• Sidewalks or driveways under 30″ above grade, not over basements or accessible routes
• Finish work: painting, wallpaper, flooring, cabinets, countertops
• Prefab pools under 24″ deep
• Playground equipment accessory to 1-3 family dwellings
• Window awnings projecting <54″ without additional support

Note: Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required for all new construction, accessory structures, driveways, pools, and fences, even if technically exempt from a building permit.

Always confirm with the Toledo Building Department or Lucas County Building Regulations Office to avoid potential violations.

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Toledo building permit fees

Toledo building permit costs are based on:

• Type of project (residential, commercial, trade)
• Square footage or project value
• Number of fixtures (for plumbing/electrical)
• Plan review and inspection needs

Here are some examples of these fees:

Residential permit fees

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Commercial fees

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More information can be found on the Building and Administrative Fees page.

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Fines and additional fees

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Toledo trade permits

Licensed contractors performing HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, or fencing work in Toledo typically need to secure a separate trade permit before starting the job. These permits ensure code compliance and are required even when a general building permit is already in place.

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Plumbing permits

Permits are required for all plumbing modifications, including:

• Water or sewer connections
• Water heater installations
• Fixture additions or replacements

Toledo plumbing permit cost

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Electrical permits

Electrical permits are required for:

• New wiring or rewiring
• Service panel upgrades
• Generator or EV charger installs

Toledo electrical permit cost

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Roofing permits

Roofing permits are needed for:

• Full replacements
• Structural roof repairs
• Roof overlays exceeding allowed layers

Toledo roofing permit cost

Base fee: $75

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HVAC permits

HVAC systems — including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductwork — require mechanical permits.

Toledo HVAC permit cost

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Fence permits

Fences may need permits if:

• Taller than 6 feet (residential) or in front yard setbacks
• Built in commercial zones or flood zones

Toledo fence permit cost

Fences are permitted as accessory structures under building permit rules (no separate flat fee listed). Thus, fencing follows building permit calculations:

• Fee = $60 base + $0.20 per gross sq ft of the fence-related structure (for all structures)

To get more information for your specific trade permit, refer to the Building and Administrative Fees page.

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How to apply for a Toledo building permit

Step 1: Prepare your documentation

You’ll need:

• Completed Toledo building permit application (available online via the Toledo Permit Portal or at One Government Center)
• Project description and estimated valuation (labor + materials; separate trade work excluded)
• Site or plot plan, structural drawings (if applicable)
• Zoning approval or Certificate of Zoning Compliance
• Licensed contractor credentials (for contractors) or signed homeowner affidavit (DIY on 1–3 unit owner-occupied properties)
• Trade permits separate from building application (electrical, plumbing, HVAC if applicable)

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Step 2: Submit your application

You can submit your application in two ways:

1. Online: Use the Toledo Permit Application and Electronic Plan Review Portal
2. In Person: Submit application with plans at:
   
   1. Division of Building Inspection
   2. One Government Center, Suite 1600, Toledo, OH 43604
   3. Phone number: (419) 245‑1220

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Step 3: Plan review and corrections

Lucas County Building Regulations handles plan review for Toledo projects:

• Residential: Provide at least two sets of plans; zoning, health, and structural compliance needed
• Commercial: Requires stamped engineer/architect drawings and zoning compliance

If corrections are necessary, you'll be notified via portal or email before permit issuance.

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Step 4: Pay fees and get approval

Once the application is approved, you'll receive an invoice through the portal or via email. You’ll then have to pay permit fees online or in person. Once the permit is issued, you should post the permit visibly on your job site before work begins.

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Step 5: Schedule inspections

Don’t forget to schedule inspections. Use one of the following options:

• Online Permit Portal
• Calling Building Inspection at (419) 245‑1220

Inspections are required for:

• Foundation/footing
• Framing
• Rough-in trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
• Final inspection
• Plus any additional trade-specific systems

Note: Work started without a permit will result in permit fees tripled + $250 penalty, stop-work order, and possible summons for repeated violations.

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Toledo permitting resources

• City of Toledo Building Inspection
  
  • Address: One Government Center, Suite 1600, Toledo, OH 43604
  • Phone: (419) 245-1220
  • Toledo Permit Portal
• Lucas County Building Regulations
  
  • Address: 1115 Michigan Ave, Toledo, OH 43604
  • Phone: (419) 213-2990
  • Lucas County Building Page
• Building and administrative fees
• Building permit application
• Lucas County building permits:
  
  • Commercial building application form
  • Commercial electrical application form
  • Commercial mechanical application form
  • Residential building application form
  • Residential electrical application form
  • Residential mechanical application form
  • Plumbing application form

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