Franklin County, Ohio is home to Columbus, the state capital and Ohio's largest city. Like most urban Ohio counties, the majority of residents live within incorporated municipalities that handle their own building permits. True unincorporated Franklin County land is limited and largely rural.
If you live in Columbus, you use the City of Columbus Building Services Division at 111 N. Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Phone: (614) 645-8522. If you're in Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, Grove City, or another suburb, use that city's building department. For truly unincorporated Franklin County areas, contact Franklin County Building Standards at 373 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Phone: (614) 525-3910.
Columbus requires permits for sheds over 200 sq ft. All decks attached to the house require a permit. Fences don't require a permit in Columbus for most standard residential fences. Review times are 5–10 business days for simple residential projects. Columbus's online permit portal is at columbus.gov/buildingservices.
What Requires a Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Columbus requires a building permit for sheds over 200 square feet. A 12×16 shed (192 sq ft) does not require a permit in Columbus; a 14×16 shed (224 sq ft) does. Apply at columbus.gov/buildingservices. You'll need a site plan showing your lot lines and the proposed shed location. The typical permit fee for a small shed is $75–$150. An inspection is required after the shed is placed.
- In most Columbus residential zones, accessory structures must be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and at least 6 feet from the primary structure. Front yard placement is not permitted. Columbus has an online zoning map at columbus.gov/zoning where you can look up your parcel's zone and applicable setback rules.