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Permit Review Process

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Step 8: The Permit Review Process

Commercial applications are examined for compliance with the 2017 Ohio Building Code and all associated codes as adopted by the State of Ohio along with the most current updates.

Residential permit applications are examined for compliance with the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio and the City of Cincinnati Building Code.

Construction documents submitted for approval are reviewed in the order they're received.

Note: Ohio law requires that we review your permit application within 30 days from when we receive it.

Building Plan Review Model

The Department of Buildings & Inspections is now providing three different levels of plan review service for commercial (OBC) and residential (RCO) projects.

Tier 1

Tier 1 projects will be reviewed through a Same-Day Review service. Commercial (OBC) alterations and fire protection system alterations that are 5,000 square feet or less, on one floor, will qualify as a Tier 1 project. Commercial (OBC) projects that require a change of use and/or involve structural modifications will not qualify.  Residential (RCO) detached garages, sheds, decks, alterations and additions that are less than 400 square feet will qualify for the Tier 1 service. 

Tier 1 reviews will be completed on a first-come, first-served basis from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The fee for Tier 1 projects will be determined by the regular permit fee schedule. 

 

Tier 2

Tier 2 Plan Reviews will allow our department to offer fast and efficient processing. Tier 2 Plan Reviews will make it easier for business owners and investors to open their doors in less time allowing them to focus valuable resources on what really matters - running a successful business. Tier 2 Plan reviews will reduce the review timelines from 15 workdays to 5 workdays.  

Qualifying Projects Include:

 

Residential (RCO) Projects that qualify for a TIER 2 Review are:

  • Residential Accessory Structures (such as garages, walls etc.) that are less than 400 square feet on one floor only.
  • Residential additions (RADD) that are less than 400 square feet on one floor only.
  • Site Development work (parking lot/driveway) that are less than 400 square feet.
  • Residential Alterations / repairs (RALT / RRPR)
  • Signs, canopies and awnings
  • Roof-top solar
  • Mechanical (non-web)
  • Interior plumbing (any)
  • Elevator (any)
  • Fire Suppression / alarm (Any)
  • Interior Demolition Non-structural
  • Certificate of Occupancy (No work – CO Only)
  • Swimming Pools (any size)

 

Commercial (OBC) Projects that qualify for a TIER 2 Review are:

  • Commercial Accessory Structures (such as garages, walls etc.) that are less than 800 square feet.
  • Site Development Work (parking lot / driveways) that are less than 800 square feet.
  • Commercial Alterations with less than 10,000 square feet on one floor only.
  • Mechanical Repairs (non-web review) that are less than 10,000 square feet on one floor only.
  • Fire Alarm | Fire Suppressions less than 10,000 square feet on one floor only.
  • Interior Demolition Non-Structural that are less than 10,000 square feet on one floor only.
  • Certificate of Occupancy (No work – CO Only)
  • Temporary Structure (tents, bleachers, stages)
  • Signs, canopies and awnings
  • Roof-top solar
  • Cell Towers
  • Swimming Pools (any size)

NOTE: Any project listed above that is within the floodplain will automatically be reviewed as a TIER 3 Review.

The Department will continue our existing review by appointment as well as Tier 1 projects, which are done on a walk-in basis.
    

Please note that Tier 2 processing changes are being implemented by B&I only.  To determine if a project qualifies for the Review by Appointment Program, 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.

 

Tier 3

The remaining OBC and RCO projects, including new buildings, additions, and alterations, submitted for building permits, will be reviewed per the standard review process.  The fee for Tier 3 projects will be determined by the regular permit fee schedule.

 

If all reviewing agencies determine compliance with the code and other applicable regulations, your application is approved, and we issue a permit for your project.

Review By Other Departments

Other city departments and agencies have regulations that control certain phases of construction. Depending on the nature of the project, the review could involve several departments such as Fire, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Health, Metropolitan Sewer District, and Transportation & Engineering.

We will electronically route plans to these departments so they can review them at the same time.