Determine Need for Approval

ECOBA provides plan approval and inspection services for all buildings and structures within the scope of the Ohio Building Code. Detached one, two, or three family dwellings that are non-transient and not connected to commercial use do not fall within our jurisdiction but are required to be constructed in compliance with the current residential code of Ohio. Please contact your local city, village or township officials to determine if a residential zoning permit is necessary.

Generally speaking, approval is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or portion thereof, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing system, or other building service equipment, or piping system. Approvals are not generally required in the case of ordinary maintenance.

 
 

Projects Requiring Approval

  • All Commercial Structures

    • New Buildings

    • Additions or Alterations

    • Change of Use

  • Residential Greater than 3-Family Units or 3 Stories

  • Other Structures

    • Industrialized Units

    • Storage Tanks

    • Fences Greater than 7 Feet High

    • Retaining Walls Greater than 4 Feet High

  • Special Structures

    • Tents and Air Supported Membrane Structures

    • Temporary Structures

    • Pedestrian Walkways and Tunnels

    • Awnings and Canopies

    • Signs and Marquees

    • Towers

    • Swimming Pools

  • Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical or Fire Protection Systems

 

Projects Not Requiring Approval

  • 1 - 3 Family Residential, Less Than 4 Stories and Detached

  • 1 Story Detached Accessory Structures, Less than 120 Square Feet

  • Agricultural Use Buildings (as defined by OBC)

  • Sidewalks and Driveways

  • (unless 30" above adjacent grade or part of an accessible route)

  • Electrical, Less than 25V or 50W

  • Piping, Less than 50' in Length

  • Portable HVAC

  • Process Equipment

  • Other Exemptions Listed in OBC 102.10

  • Minor Repairs per OBC 102.10.2

  • Routine Maintenance and Repairs per OBC 3405.1

 

Once you have determined if your project requires plan approval, check our jurisdictions section to determine if your project falls under the jurisdiction of ECOBA.