Building Permits in Montgomery County, Ohio
Adopted Construction Codes
These are the state-level code editions for Ohio. They apply in Montgomery Countyunless a verified local adoption or amendment is noted — in local-adoption states, confirm the city or county's own code editions with the building department.
Permit Requirements
Statewide baseline under the codes as adopted by Ohio. Local amendments and fee schedules for Montgomery County are being verified — use the building department contacts to confirm before you build.
Exemptions: Ohio has a statewide mandatory residential code for one-, two-, and three-family dwellings (Residential Code of Ohio, OAC 4101:8), and construction, alteration, and equipment work requires plan approval from a certified residential building department except items listed in RCO Section 102.10: 200 sq ft one-story detached sheds, 6-ft fences, 4-ft retaining walls without surcharge, water tanks up to 5,000 gallons on grade, sidewalks/driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, painting and similar finish work, window awnings projecting up to 54 inches, detached decks up to 200 sq ft under 30 inches, and swings/playground equipment. Local certified jurisdictions administer approvals, so processes vary by locality.
Exemptions: Approval is required for decks except, per RCO Section 102.10 (OAC 4101:8-1-01), decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by RCO Section 311.2. Any attached deck, or one over 200 sq ft or over 30 inches high, needs approval. Local administration may vary.
Exemptions: Electrical work generally requires approval, but RCO Section 102.10 (OAC 4101:8-1-01) exempts: listed cord-and-plug temporary decorative lighting; reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles; replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity and type in the same location; wiring/equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts; and minor repairs such as lamp replacement or connecting portable equipment to permanently installed receptacles. Verify locally.
Exemptions: RCO Section 102.10 (OAC 4101:8-1-01) exempts fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high from building approval. Taller fences require approval under the RCO. Local zoning height/location rules may still apply and jurisdictions may administer differently.
Exemptions: Roof covering replacement is not among the exemptions listed in RCO Section 102.10 (OAC 4101:8-1-01), so approval from the residential building department is generally required; the 'minor repairs' allowance (102.10.2) excludes cutting or removal of any structural member. Emergency repairs may proceed if an application is submitted the next working business day (102.10.1). Confirm scope with the local certified building department, as enforcement practice varies.
Exemptions: RCO Section 102.10 (OAC 4101:8-1-01) exempts retaining walls not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge. Walls taller than 4 feet, or any wall supporting a surcharge (e.g., sloped backfill, driveway or structure above), require approval. Verify with the local certified building department.
Exemptions: The Residential Code of Ohio (RCO, OAC 4101:8-1-01, Section 102.10 'Work exempt from approval') exempts one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, plus playground structures. Sheds over 200 sq ft require plan approval from the certified residential building department. Local jurisdictions may have zoning rules, so confirm locally.
Exemptions: Water heater replacement is not listed among the plumbing, gas, or mechanical exemptions in RCO Section 102.10 (OAC 4101:8-1-01), so approval is required. For emergency replacements, RCO 102.10.1 allows the work to be performed if an application for approval is submitted to the building official by the next working business day. Local jurisdictions administer approvals and may differ in practice.
Building Department
Phone: (937) 225-4622
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