Building Permits

Permits are a necessary step to building in Franklin County. Building permits are issued 7 to 10 days after full plan approval for properties that have access to public water and sewer.

You can apply for a permit in person at the Franklin County Building Department, located at 142 S. Front St., Columbus, Ohio, 43215. You can also apply online.

Online Permit Center

If your property has a private well or cistern:

Building permits will be issued after the plans have been examined and approved by Franklin County Public Health and then returned to the building department.
Electrical and/or HVAC permits will be issued the same day.

How to Obtain Permits

To obtain a building permit, you will need to submit the following:

A set of electronic drawings or a hard copy set of drawings
Index
Foundation, Elevation and Section Views
Site Plan
Floor Plans
Exterior Wall Envelope
MEP Layout
(1) Electronic or hard copy of the recorded deed for the new construction of a house
- Copies of a deed can be obtained from the Recorder's Office in the Courthouse on the 18th floor, 373 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215, or online in the Recorder's Office website.
(1) Electronic or hard copy letter of zoning compliance as applicable.

Complete plans must be drawn to scale with sufficient clarity, details and dimensions to show the extent of the proposed work. Drawings do not have to be prepared by an architect or engineer except when required by the Residential Building Official.

Letter of Zoning Compliance

If you are building in any of the following villages or townships you must obtain a letter of zoning compliance from the zoning authority in that jurisdiction.

Lookup my jurisdiction

Townships

Blendon
Jackson
Jefferson
Perry
Plain
Prairie
Washington

Villages

Canal Winchester
Harrisburg
Minerva Park
Lockbourne
Riverlea
Urbancrest
Valleyview

If you are building in any of the following townships, you will submit a Zoning Compliance application to the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department as part of the application process. Get more information about obtaining a Certificate of Zoning Compliance.