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Permit Process

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1. What is a building permit?

A building permit is a license granting legal permission to start construction of the work covered by the permit. There are several building permits issued through the Building Inspection Division and include a specific Building Permit for structures and life-safety issues covered by the Ohio Building Code and the Residential Code of Ohio. Other permits include plumbing, electric, HVAC, sewer, water, gas, demolition, and fire alarm and fire suppression systems. A sign permit is obtained from the Zoning Administration.

2. When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are typically required for: 

• All new buildings 
• Any additions to or modifications to existing buildings 
• Any new or modifications to electrical, plumbing or HVAC 
• Any new or modifications to fire alarms and fire suppression systems 
• A new tenant to a commercial space to obtain an inspection to occupy (Contact the Small Business Advocate prior to signing a lease or purchase agreement for commercial property.) 
• Changing the use and/or occupancy of a building (Contact the Small Business Advocate prior to signing a lease or purchase agreement for commercial property.) 
• Nuisance structures designated by the Housing Inspection Division •Special inspection following a fire or other damage to a structure 
• Demolition of a structure 
• Accessory buildings, such as a garage or storage building. 
• Temporary structures such as construction trailers or tents 
• Construction or modifications to telecommunications structures, including cell towers and monopoles 

Call 937-333-3883 if you have specific questions.  Also see our Building Permit Forms page.

3. How can I find out the permit fees for my project?

For us to calculate fees for all permits, be prepared to provided an estimate of the cost of your project or, for residential and commercial building permits, the area (square feet), construction type, use category and extent of the work to be completed can be provided as an alternative to the cost estimate. To get an estimate, call 937-333-3986 or 937-333-6794. The method of fee calculations can be found on each application form.

4. Why do I need a building permit?

The City of Dayton, through the actions of the City Commission to adopt a building code, believes a city must have minimum standards of construction to ensure the public health, safety and welfare. The minimum standards of construction reduce potential hazards and unsafe construction practices. They help provide sufficient access to buildings to all persons as well as the means to safely leave a building during an emergency situation such as a fire. The permitting process is the means to ensure the minimum standards can be met in the construction and reconstruction of buildings. Additionally, the State of Ohio requires compliance with the building codes through legislation.  Permit applications can be found online at

Building/Zoning Application.

5. If my building or house has had a fire or has been damaged by a vehicle or a storm, what do I need to do?

Besides contacting your insurance company and being in contact with the fire or police department, as appropriate, a residential property owner needs to apply for a permit to have an inspection made by a representative of the Building Inspection Division. The inspector will determine what needs to be done to comply with the Residential Code of Ohio for 1-, 2-, and 3-family houses. The permit application can be found at

Building/Zoning Application.

6. When don’t I need a building permit?

Permits are not needed for painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work. The building codes do not require a permit for routine maintenance or minor repairs; however, the work may need to be done by a City of Dayton licensed contractor. If you have any questions as to whether the work you are considering requires a permit or a City of Dayton licensed contractor, please call us at 937-333-3883.

7. When do I not need a plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit?

Plumbing: A permit is not required when a plumber is called out for an emergency. This can include repairs and stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes not concealed by walls or ceilings. Also, the clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and re-installation of water closets (toilets), provided the repair do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.  

Electrical: A permit is not required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. 

Gas: A permit is not required for gas-fueled portable heating, cooking or clothes-drying appliances. 

Heating and Cooling: A permit is not required for installation of portable heating, ventilation and cooling appliances that connect to permanently install electrical receptacles.  

A mechanical permit application can be found at 

Mechanical Permit Application

8. How do I apply for a permit?

The process begins by submitting a Permit Application to the Building Inspection Division along with supporting documents. Those documents often include drawings showing a site plan of the property, details of proposed demolition and construction, floor plans showing how a building space will be used , engineering design data, plan drawings and schematics of mechanical systems such as plumbing, electric, fire safety systems, and heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Get started with one of our 

permit applications.

9. What building codes does the City of Dayton enforce?

The Division of Building Inspection enforces a residential construction code for one, two and three family structures and commercial building code for all other structures. View the

Building Codes page.

10. Where is the Division of Building Inspection located?

The Building Inspection Division is located at the One Stop Center on the second floor at 371 West Second Street, Dayton, OH 45402. Parking for customers is located behind the building at locations marked “Visitor.” A limited number of metered parking spaces are located along West Second Street east of the building. Additionally, the Montgomery County parking garage is located across the street and west of the building. A map and directions can be found on the main webpage for

Building Inspection.

11. When do I need to submit plans?

The building code requires that plans (construction documents) be submitted as part of a permit application in certain instances.

12. Can I apply for a permit online?

Presently, permits cannot be applied for online. However; the City of Dayton is in the process of upgrading the current software system for that purpose. 

13. How long does it take to get a permit?

All plans are reviewed in a timely manner and in the order in which they are submitted. The review time is impacted by the workload of the Division and by the completeness, complexity and technical nature of the project. The Building Inspection Division strives to review and provide comments, as appropriate, within 30 calendar days following the date of application.

14. How many copies of plans are required for permit review?

Three (3) copies of all construction documents and supporting information are to be submitted with the application for all building permits. Separately bound project manuals and specifications need only be provided in duplicate.

EXCEPTION: Only two (2) copies are needed of drawings for fire alarm and fire suppression systems and of drawings for plumbing, electrical and HVAC work that are part of a project for which a building permit application has previously been filed.

15. How many copies of revised plans are needed?

Only the drawings with changes need to be submitted and only two copies of those drawings are needed. The changes and revisions must be clearly indicated. Also, please identify the permit number and/or address of the project on the revisions or transmittal.

16. How do I arrange for an inspection?

Inspections are scheduled by calling our office at least 24 hours in advance. Depending on the workload at the time for the inspection staff, next workday inspections may not always be available, so call for an inspection as soon as you know when the work will be ready for inspection. Call us to schedule an inspection by going to the "To schedule an inspection" entries in the

Building Inspection Directory.

17. What should I know about inspections during construction?

First, the approved plans and building permit must be kept on the jobsite and be available to representatives of the Building Inspection Division at all times while the work is in progress and until final inspection. Inspections, as appropriate for the work being undertaken, will proceed in the following sequence: Footing – After the trench for the footing or for the basement has been excavated and forms are set, but before the footing is poured. Waterproofing – If waterproofing is required because the foundation will enclose habitable space, either now or in the future. Basement floor, slab-on-grade and crawlspace – Just prior to pouring concrete or setting floor joints. Under-slab inspections, as appropriate for foundation drains, plumbing, electrical and HVAC must be completed before the floor/slab/crawlspace inspection can be conducted. Framing – Prior to installation of insulation, and following rough-in plumbing, electrical and HVAC inspections. Energy Conservation – After insulation in walls, crawlspaces and roof/ceiling, but prior to any interior finish installation. Fire Resistance – If a fire resistance rating is required for all or part of a building, an inspection must be made prior to the spackling and taping of joints. Other inspections may be needed in regard to other life safety components of a building. Final – Before the issuance of a Certificate of Use and Occupancy, a final inspection must be successfully completed. Other inspections that will precede the final inspection may include plumbing, electrical, HVAC and fire prevention.

For additional information regarding the inspection process, see the handout Inspection Procedures Bulletin

18. How do I know if a property is within the Dayton city limits?

The Montgomery County Auditor maintains records of property, including ownership and the tax district (city or township). Select the parcel for that address and look for the tax district name. If it is “Dayton City”, the property is in Dayton. If a parcel number starts with an “R72,” such as “R72 00101 0036,” that is also a confirmation. You may also call the Engineering Department at 937-333-7217 to confirm that a property is in the City of Dayton. Search for your property on the Auditor's website.

19. How do I know if a building is in a historic district with special requirements?

The Landmarks Commission provides oversight and control of modifications to structures in historic districts and designated landmarks. Call 937-333-3670 for more information. You can see if your property falls into an historic district at the Historic Districts page.

20. How do I find out what abandoned property is being sold by the City?

The Lot Links program is a partnership between individual citizens or developers, the City of Dayton and Montgomery County. The program provides a way of bringing abandoned tax-delinquent properties back into productive use. Learn More.

21. What is required to get electric service connected?

Before Dayton Power & Light (DP&L) connects electricity to a building, the Building Inspection Division must issue a permit and conduct an inspection. A licensed electrician registered with the City of Dayton must apply for the permit. The homeowner can apply for the permit, but only if the owner lives in the house, the structure is a single-family residence, and the owner does the work and has the knowledge and ability to make repairs or replacement of electrical service. Permit applications are available online on the City's website or at the Building Inspection Division Office. To contact DP&L about connection service, call Construction Department Customer Service at (937) 331-4860. A listing of electricians registered with the City of Dayton is found at

Registered Contractors Lists.

22. What are the hours of operation for the Building Inspection Permit Counter?

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

23. What is required to get natural gas service connected?

Before Vectren connects natural gas to a building, the Building Inspection Division must issue a permit and conduct an inspection. A licensed plumber registered with the City of Dayton must apply for the permit. The homeowner can apply for the permit, but only if the owner lives in the house, the structure is a single-family residence, and the owner does the work and has the knowledge and ability to conduct a gas pressure test. Permit applications are available at the Building Inspection Division Office or online at Building Inspection Forms (see following link). To contact Vectren, call Customer Service at (800) 227-1376. A listing of plumbers registered with the City of Dayton is found at

Registered Contractors Lists.

24. What services are provided at the One Stop Center (371 W. 2nd St.)?

Construction Permits and Certificates of Use and Occupancy 

Small Business Advocacy 

Permits for: 

Buildings, commercial and residential 

Tents

Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression Permits

Zoning Only Permits

Signs

Temporary Construction Offices

Sewer connections

Water connections

Gas connections 

Electrical 

Plumbing 

HVAC 

Demolition of structures