Building Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

CURRENT COMMERCIAL BUILDING CODES

Significant Referenced Standards

  • 2011 NFPA 70 (National Electric Code)

  • 2010 NFPA 13 and 13R (Installation of Sprinkler Systems)

  • 2010 NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)

  • 2005 ASCE/SEI (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures)

  • 2010 ADA Guidelines (Mandatory after March 1, 20120)

  • 1994 ADA Guidelines (Optional until March 1, 2012)
    2010 ADA Guidelines available at U. S. Department of Justice website, http:/www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm

CURRENT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODES

  • 2006 Residential Code of Ohio (based upon the 2003 IRC)

  • 2011 NEC, NFPA 70

  • 2006 Ohio Energy Code (Chapter 11)

  • 2006 Ohio Mechanical Code

  • 2006 Ohio Plumbing Code

  • 2006 International Fuel Gas Code

What is a permit?

A permit is a license that allows work to be performed on your house or building. A permit is issued to the owner or the owner’s agent, such as the architect, contractor, sub-contractor or other person responsible for the work being completed, and it identifies the required inspections. Permitting requirements are governed by the Codified Ordinances of the City of Dublin, zoning and various state building code requirements.

How do I get a permit?

Complete the appropriate application form and submit it to Building Standards along with any required construction drawings and specifications (applications may be obtained on-line in the Forms section). Simple permits for items such as furnace replacements do not require any drawings. Applications and drawings are reviewed by Review Services for completeness and conformance with the codes. Applicants will be notified when the review is complete.

How long does it take to get a permit?

Permits that do not require drawings to be reviewed may usually be issued immediately. Permits which require construction drawings to be submitted are, by state law, required to be reviewed within 30 days. We attempt to review residential plans within 14 days (this includes reviews by structural, engineering and zoning).  The City of Dublin sets its own standard of 25 days for commercial projects to be reviewed by Review Services. The City of Dublin also performs commercial walk-thru plan reviews (if eligible) by appointment.

When will I know if my plans are ready or not?

You will be contacted by phone or e-mail as soon as your plan review has been completed. For any other permitting questions, please call during the regular office hours which are from 8-4:00  M,T ,W,F and 9:30-4:00 Th. 

How and when do I pay for a permit?

The fees are outlined in the fee schedule and are due when the permit is issued, not when you make application. Building permits are based on square footage (as are electrical and HVAC) so the costs fluctuate depending upon the size of the project.  Plumbing fees are calculated by fixture.  Please look at the “Fees” section for further information. You may pay by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard or Discover

When can I start work?

Construction work may start after the permit is issued and fees are paid. Work started or performed without a permit is subject to a Stop Work Order and penalty fees.

What time will the inspector be at my job?

After inspections are assigned to an inspector each morning, he will organize them into his daily route. Footings and commercial life/safety inspections are given preference while inserting the remaining inspections, as time permits. 

We are unable to give a “window in time” and we do not make phone calls 30 minutes ahead of time. The only time we will make a phone call is if we are working with a homeowner and need access to an occupied house.  We will try to accommodate a.m. and p.m. requests.  Please be ready for your inspection prior to calling the Inspection Line.

Can demolition or construction begin without a permit?

No! Only work that does not require a permit or emergency repairs may proceed. If construction begins prior to a permit being issued, all permit fees associated with the project will be doubled. A Stop Work Order, Notice of Violation and Adjudication Order requiring removal of the work may also be issued.

What are the minimum requirements for “Phased Approvals”?

We do not issue “Phased Approvals” for residential construction.  Commercial applicants should contact the plans examiner (614-410-4612) to discuss their particular issues.

Do I need a permit for a deck, a fence, a patio?

Deck-yes
Fence-yes
Patio-no building permit, however a Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required from LULRP.

Do approved plans always need to be on site?

Yes. Failure to have the approved plans on site may result in a re-inspection, including fees.

How long is the permit valid, and when is it closed?

An approved permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. It may be extended upon approval of the Chief Building Official for an additional year. Once construction starts, the permit is valid for six months from the date of the last approved inspection. The permit is closed when the final inspection is completed and the work is approved for compliance with the applicable codes.


Page Last Updated: Feb 10, 2012