About the Building Department

The Building Department is responsible for issuing building permits for 1-, 2- and 3-family residential structures and associated development.  The State of Ohio issues commercial building permits.

For Franklin County Building Code, refer to the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO). You can also obtain the 2019 RCO from any of the Public Libraries or online

Refer to Section 105.1 of the 2019 RCO for information of when approvals from the Building Department are required.

The preferred method for submitting materials to the Building Department is electronically to [email protected] or on our Permit Portal.  Hard copies are accepted at 142 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

Any projects in Brown, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison, Mifflin, Norwich, Pleasant, Sharon, and Truro townships must apply for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance through the Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department.  Click here for more information about obtaining a Certificate of Zoning Compliance.

Home owners and/or Building Contractors will be required to obtain a zoning compliance from the townships of Blendon, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Plain, Prairie, or Washington and then apply to this office for the building permit.

In the villages of Harrisburg, Lockbourne, Minerva Park, Riverlea, Urbancrest and Valleyview home owners and building contractors are required to obtain a zoning compliance from the village and apply to this office for the building permit. The villages of Groveport and Obetz will issue both the zoning compliance and the building permits.

Visit the Building Faq for more information