Buildings

Step 8 (Alternate): Premium Permit Review Process

For an additional fee, the City of Cincinnati's Department of Buildings & Inspections offers these Premium Services: (See the Permit Fee Schedule) 

• Review By Appointment: This service offers customers who qualify the option to schedule a Review By Appointment. Qualifying projects include commercial (OBC) projects limited to tenant space improvements and fire protection systems that are 5,000 - 20,000 square feet in mercantile, business, and storage use groups that can be reviewed within 45 minutes. Residential (RCO) detached garages, sheds, decks, alterations, and additions greater than 400 square feet projects that can be reviewed within 45 minutes, are also included in this category. Projects that involve structural alterations, food service, or change of occupancy will not qualify for Tier 2.
   

  To determine if a project qualifies for Tier 2, the customer may come into the Permit Center to fill out an application or call (513) 352-3316. If the project qualifies, a building plan examiner will contact the customer within one (1) business day to schedule the appointment for review.

  * The applicant and designer (or designee) must be present at the appointment to mark up the drawings based on the findings of the building and zoning plan examiners.  A premium service fee will be charged for the Tier 2 program in addition to the standard permit fees.

• Phased Permitting: Separate permits covering the different phases of construction of a building or structure
• Express Plan Examination: Proposed project construction team (architect, developer, contractor, etc.) meet face-to-face with City permitting team daily during business hours until the project plans are either approved and permit ready for issuance or changes/revisions required are beyond what is possible during the express meeting
• Same Day Permit Issuance: Permit applications approved by all reviewing agencies will be issued the same day as approval as long as the request is received by noon
• Same Day Building Inspections: If a request for an inspection is received by noon, the inspection will be performed after-hours on the same day and,
• After-Hours and Weekend Inspections

The additional fees that the developer or construction professional incurs when they ask for the premium services cover the cost of the enhanced service. This system enables those who don't seek the Premium Services to receive the same level of service currently provided by the City.