- Services
- Building & Zoning
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Residential & 1, 2, or 3 Family Building
Where can I find a list of registered contractors?
You can find lists of registered contractors here.
What are the submittal requirements for a building permit?
We require two sets of drawings in addition to a digital copy in PDF form sent via email or submitted by flash drive or CD. The building permit is not a blanket permit. Trade skills are required to pull their own permits and be registered.
What is a permit?
A permit is a license that allows work to be performed on your house or building. A permit is issued to the owner or the owner’s agent, such as the architect, contractor, sub-contractor or other person responsible for the work being completed, and it identifies the required inspections. Permitting requirements are governed by the Codified Ordinances of the City of Grandview Heights, zoning and various state building code requirements.
Do I need a permit for a roof, siding, windows, door replacement, drainage, driveway, deck, shed, a fence, or a patio?
Roof: Yes
Siding: Yes
Windows: Yes
Doors: Yes
Drainage: Yes
Driveway/Apron: Yes
Deck: Yes
How do I get a permit?
Complete the appropriate application form by clicking the links above and submit it to the Building & Zoning Department along with any required construction drawings and specifications. Simple permits for items such as furnace replacements do not require any drawings. Applications and drawings are reviewed for completeness and conformance with the codes. Applicants will be notified when the review is complete.
How long does it take to get a permit?
Permits that do not require drawings to be reviewed may usually be issued immediately. Permits which require construction drawings to be submitted are, by state law, required to be reviewed within 30 days. We attempt to review residential plans within 14 business days (this includes reviews by structural, engineering and zoning). The City of Grandview Heights sets its own standard of 14 business days for commercial projects to be reviewed by Review Services.
When will I know if my plans are ready?
You will be contacted by phone or e-mail as soon as your plan review has been completed. For any other permitting questions, please call during regular office hours which are from 7:30am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.
When can I start work?
Construction work may start after the permit is issued and fees are paid. Work started or performed without a permit is subject to a Stop Work Order and penalty fees.
Can demolition or construction begin without a permit?
No! Only work that does not require a permit or emergency repairs may proceed. If construction begins prior to a permit being issued, all permit fees associated with the project will be doubled. A Stop Work Order, Notice of Violation and Adjudication Order requiring removal of the work may also be issued.
What are the minimum requirements for “Phased Approvals”?
We do not issue “Phased Approvals” for residential construction.
Do approved plans always need to be on site?
Yes. Failure to have the approved plans on site may result in a re-inspection, including fees.
How long is the permit valid, and when is it closed?
An approved permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. It may be extended upon approval of the Chief Building Official for an additional year. Once construction starts, the permit is valid for six months from the date of the last approved inspection. The permit is closed when the final inspection is completed and the work is approved for compliance with the applicable codes.
Required information when calling to schedule an inspection
• Permit number(s)
• Project street address (unit, suite or apartment number or numbers), jurisdiction (GH or Marble Cliff)
• Contractor company name or homeowner performing the work
• Nature of the work being inspected (i.e., 1st rough, 2nd rough, final, etc.)
• Location at the job site (floor, room name, room number, side, etc.)
• Time preference (AM, PM or none)
• Contact info (name, phone, cell phone, etc.)
Emergency inspections
• Utility shutoff and restoration of a gas, sewer, water or electric service, or other life safety circumstance is considered an inspection “emergency” that can be scheduled on short notice when applying for the permit.
• All other circumstances including real estate closings, project closeouts, retail store or restaurant openings or other normal business or personal pressures are not considered emergencies and will be scheduled using normal procedures. Plan ahead by several days or weeks and coordinate with our inspection staff so we can help you meet your timing goals.
• For serious hazards or imminent danger, call the Fire Department who will respond and contact the Planning and Development Department if required.
NOTE: The contractor performing the work or the home-owner/occupant may be required to be present during the inspection.
Re-inspections
• Failed inspections must be rescheduled by calling the Building Department and are subject to re-inspection fees if the work is substantially incomplete, incorrect or not inspected.
• Fees must be paid prior to scheduling re-inspection.
• Minor corrections must be re-inspected but may not require additional fees. The field inspector will notify the contractor if additional fees are required.
• Substantially code-deficient residential work may require the presence of a trade professional (plumber, electrician, mechanical contractor) at the re-inspection.
Commercial and Multi-Family Building
Where can I find a list of registered contractors?
You can find a list of registered contractors here.
I am planning on leasing a space and will be a new business in town. What permits do I need to apply for?
You will need to apply for a certificate of occupancy, and if you are modifying the building you will need to submit a building permit. Please submit two sets of drawings in addition to a digital copy in PDF form on a flash drive, CD, or via email.
What are the submittal requirements for a building permit?
We require two sets of architectural/Engineer stamped drawings in addition to a digital copy in PDF form sent via email or submitted by flash drive or CD. The building permit is not a blanket permit. Trade skills are required to pull their own permits and be registered.
What is a permit?
A permit is a license that allows work to be performed on your house or building. A permit is issued to the owner or the owner’s agent, such as the architect, contractor, sub-contractor or other person responsible for the work being completed, and it identifies the required inspections. Permitting requirements are governed by the Codified Ordinances of the City of Grandview Heights, zoning and various state building code requirements
How do I get a permit?
Complete the appropriate application form and submit it to the Building & Zoning Department along with any required construction drawings and specifications (applications may be obtained on-line). Simple permits for items such as furnace replacements do not require any drawings. Applications and drawings are reviewed by Review Services for completeness and conformance with the codes. Applicants will be notified when the review is complete.
How long does it take to get a permit?
Permits that do not require drawings to be reviewed may usually be issued immediately. Permits which require construction drawings to be submitted are, by state law, required to be reviewed within 30 days. We attempt to review residential plans within 14 business days (this includes reviews by structural, engineering and zoning). The City of Grandview Heights sets its own standard of 14 business days for commercial projects to be reviewed by Review Services.
When will I know if my plans are ready or not?
You will be contacted by phone or e-mail as soon as your plan review has been completed. For any other permitting questions, please call during the regular office hours which are from 7:30am-4:00pm Monday through Friday.
When will I know if my plans are ready or not?
You will be contacted by phone or e-mail as soon as your plan review has been completed. For any other permitting questions, please call during the regular office hours which are from 7:30am-4:00pm Monday through Friday.
When can I start work?
Construction work may start after the permit is issued and fees are paid. Work started or performed without a permit is subject to a Stop Work Order and penalty fees.
Can demolition or construction begin without a permit?
No! Only work that does not require a permit or emergency repairs may proceed. If construction begins prior to a permit being issued, all permit fees associated with the project will be doubled. A Stop Work Order, Notice of Violation and Adjudication Order requiring removal of the work may also be issued.
What are the minimum requirements for “Phased Approvals”?
We do not issue “Phased Approvals” for residential construction. Commercial applicants should contact the plans examiner (614-481-6220) to discuss their particular issues.
Do approved plans always need to be on site?
Yes. Failure to have the approved plans on site may result in a re-inspection, including fees.
How long is the permit valid, and when is it closed?
An approved permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. It may be extended upon approval of the Chief Building Official for an additional year. Once construction starts, the permit is valid for six months from the date of the last approved inspection. The permit is closed when the final inspection is completed and the work is approved for compliance with the applicable codes.
Do I need a permit for a roof, siding, windows, door replacement, drainage, driveway, deck, shed, a fence, a patio, a swing set?
Roof: Yes
Siding: Yes
Windows: Yes
Doors: Yes
Drainage: Yes
Driveway/Apron: Yes
Deck: Yes
Shed: Yes
Fence: Yes
Patio: Yes
Required information when calling to schedule an inspection
• Permit number(s)
• Project street address (unit, suite or apartment number or numbers), city (GH or Marble Cliff)
• Contractor company name or homeowner performing the work
• Nature of the work being inspected (i.e., 1st rough, 2nd rough, final, etc.)
• Location at the job site (floor, room name, room number, side, etc.)
• Time preference (AM, PM or none)
• Contact info (name, phone, cell phone, etc.)
Emergency inspections
• Utility shutoff and restoration of a gas, sewer, water or electric service, or other life safety circumstance is considered an inspection “emergency” that can be scheduled on short notice when applying for the permit.
• All other circumstances including real estate closings, project closeouts, retail store or restaurant openings or other normal business or personal pressures are not considered emergencies and will be scheduled using normal procedures. Plan ahead by several days or weeks and coordinate with our inspection staff so we can help you meet your timing goals.
• For serious hazards or imminent danger, call the Fire Department who will respond and contact the Planning and Development Department if required.
NOTE: The contractor performing the work or the home-owner/occupant may be required to be present during the inspection.
Re-inspections
• Failed inspections must be rescheduled by calling the Building Department and are subject to re-inspection fees if the work is substantially incomplete, incorrect, or not inspected.
• Fees must be paid prior to scheduling re-inspection.
• Minor corrections must be re-inspected but may not require additional fees. The field inspector will notify the contractor if additional fees are required.
Zoning & Property Maintenance
Do I need a permit for a residential home security system?
It depends upon the extent of the security system. Please call 614-481-6220 to verify.
What is my zoning district? Where can I find zoning code?
You can find your zoning district on the zoning map and answers to your zoning questions in the zoning code.
Do I need a permit for a pool/Hot tub?
Yes, see sections 1155.15(g) for fencing requirements and 1133.02 (61) for lot coverage definition. There are fencing requirements and the pool/hot tub count towards lot coverage.
What are the required documents for a Fence Permit?
A completed fence permit is required along with a copy of the mortgage survey or boundary survey indicating the location of the installation of fence and gates. Including fence design, footings, height, etc. See section 1155.15 for zoning information.
Why do I need a boundary survey with my fence permit if my fence is going back where the old existing fence was placed?
A boundary survey is the most accurate way to determine the exact location of a property line. Not all fences installed in the past had permits issued and property lines verified in the field. When a permit is issued, you must place the entire fence on the property that the permit is issued for. In some cases, homeowners who share a property line can coordinate the permits so that an existing fence location can be re-used. In that case, each owner must have a permit issued for the portions of the fence located only on their property. (EXAMPLE – Existing landscape that they do not want to disturb.)
Why do I need a driveway permit in order to replace an existing driveway?
Any property owner who wishes to make an improvement to an existing driveway must obtain a permit. This includes either the resurfacing, removal and replacement or any driveway or parking space that will be made larger. All applications must meet the requirements in the zoning code for lot coverage % as well as correct storm water drainage away from structures and neighboring lots. There are many shared driveways in the City of Grandview Heights. In those cases, each homeowner must have their own permit in place for their address. They must also coordinate with the other homeowner any shared costs related to the replacement or repair of a shared driveway. The City of Grandview Heights does not involve itself in such matters. For clarification, the resurfacing of an existing asphalt driveway can alter the drainage and thus requires a permit. The re-sealing only of an existing asphalt driveway does not require a permit.
* Any work related to the driveway approach will require a RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMIT.
Can I build a new garage where my old garage is sitting when it appears to be to close to the property line?
An existing garage that is sitting within either the side or rear yard setback of 3 feet is considered to be an EXISTING -NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE and can only be maintained in its current form. Once that structure is removed from the property, a new structure cannot be built in the same location. The new structure must meet all the requirements of the Building and Zoning codes.
Who maintains the sanitary sewer line underground from my house?
The typical sanitary sewer has two distinct parts after it leaves the underground plumbing pipes beneath your home or business. The first is called the Sanitary Lateral. It connects the interior portion of the home or business from the underground plumbing to the Sanitary Main. Maintenance or repair to the Sanitary Lateral is the responsibility of the property owner from the point where it is connected to the Sanitary Main (called a sanitary wye or tee) back to the underground plumbing beneath the structure. Any work performed on a Sanitary Lateral other than routine maintenance requires a permit to be obtained through the Building Department and the Service Department in order to verify and maintain the integrity of the Sanitary Sewer System throughout the City of Grandview Heights. Your sewer/ plumbing contractor must also be registered with the City in order to pull this required permit.
Who do I call when my underground water service to my home or business is leaking outside in the yard or the street?
The City of Columbus maintains all the potable (drinking) water provided to the City of Grandview Heights. Any work performed on these lines is to be coordinated with the City of Columbus Water Department (614) 645-8276. However, the City of Grandview Heights does require its own permit for any work performed in the Right-of Way. *Please note that you must also notify the Parks and Recreation Department in any case where there is a Street Tree in the Right-of Way within 10 feet of any work to be performed.