A certificate of occupancy is the formal documentation that a property is safe and habitable. You may need to apply for a certificate of occupancy when a new construction or large renovation is complete, or if a property's ownership or use is changing. For a new construction, the certificate of occupancy will be applied through the plan review process.
Existing Buildings
Existing buildings where no work is being done may still need a certificate of occupancy. Depending on the building's age, there may not be a previous certificate on file.
An existing building with proposed change of occupancy, alterations, or addition, according to Section 3408 of Ohio Building Code, is not qualified for this application.
Download Certificate of Occupancy Request Form
In order to get a new certificate of occupancy, you will need to submit plans prepared by an Ohio licensed design professional (such as an architect or professional engineer) for us to review. In the review, we will be looking specifically at life safety and exiting, and we will review the following:
- Code Summary in accordance with applicable codes
- Building Construction Type
- Use Group
- Occupant Load Analysis (Dimensioned floor plans for the building showing all exits, room names, and occupant loads)
- Fire Safety Equipment
- Fire Exits
There will be no fee payable to Fire at the time of the application. If necessary, Fire will invoice you separately.
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the scope of the work.
We follow the current adopted codes from 2024 Ohio Building Code, 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code, 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code, 2023 NFPA
70 National Electric Code, and other applicable codes.
Before you can schedule a safety inspection, you will need to pay all applicable fees and submit the appropriate plans.
Inspections are conducted by the following trades to determine the safety of the structure and identify any unsafe code violations:
- Building
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Fire Prevention Bureau
- Health Department, when appropriate. (419)-213-4100
We are required to have this information and approvals from our inspectors prior to the issuance of a new Certificate of Occupancy.
Download Special Inspections Form
Any pending violations of law or orders of the building official may prohibit the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
Note: Any demolition, renovation, construction work, or change of use requires that you obtain a Building Permit prior to beginning any
work.