Overview
Columbus Building and Zoning Services publishes application forms, electronic submission standards, contractor applications and Citizen Access instructions. Select the building type before choosing permit records; zoning, site compliance and address creation can require additional submissions.
Authority
Building and Zoning Services
Portal
Citizen Access Portal
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical contracting
Columbus BZS / OCILBApplicable Code
Applicable Ohio electrical provisions and Columbus requirements.
License Requirement
City registration requires current OCILB license, matching business names and $25,000 bond.
License Fee
2026 annual contractor registration $350; state credential costs separate.
CEUs
Follow OCILB renewal requirements for the actual credential.
Permit Fee
1–3-family MEP permit $275 including two inspections; approved minor work $140.
Plan Review Time
Use the City permit and inspection workflow for the selected scope.
Common Pitfalls
- Minor-work pricing requires the approved list, not merely a small invoice.
- License and business names must match the registration and bond.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Classify scope
Identify dwelling count, use and zoning/site approvals.
Build the packet
Use the City plan adequacy checklist and project forms.
Register contractors
Submit the applicable license, bond and contractor registration.
Submit and pay
Use Citizen Access and resolve review comments.
Build to approvals
Keep approved documents and request plan revisions for changes.
Inspect and close
Schedule required trade/building inspections and occupancy approval.
Permit fees and worked estimates
The City landing page links a clean final 2026 combined fee schedule; fees are generally due at submission.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical contracting | 1–3-family MEP permit $275 including two inspections; approved minor work $140. | 2026 annual contractor registration $350; state credential costs separate. |
| Plumbing contracting | 1–3-family plumbing permit $275 including two inspections; eligible minor work $140. | 2026 annual contractor $350; journeyperson category $150. |
| HVAC, hydronics and refrigeration | 1–3-family mechanical permit $275; multifamily/commercial one-inspection permit $550. | 2026 annual registration $350; state licensing separately. |
| Fire alarm and suppression | 2026 sprinkler review $400 + $2.50/sprinkler; alarm $400 + $3.25/device; each includes two inspections. | Check the 2026 registration category and specialist credential separately. |
| Building and home improvements | 1–3-family new/addition $1,100; alteration/accessory $385. | 2026 annual fee $350; certain new license applications also carry $300. |
Submission checklist
Homeowner and licensing
BZS provides homeowner and MEP affidavits alongside contractor applications. Confirm the owner route before self-performing work; the affidavit download was blocked during this review, so no owner exemption is represented as verified. The retrieved March 2026 OCILB application requires the City bond, current license and consistent business identity.
Codes and amendments
Use City codes, industry communications and Ohio Building Standards resources linked by BZS. State model-code adoption does not establish Columbus zoning approval, a contractor registration or a particular City permit fee.
Inspections and closeout
Use the City scheduling instructions and inspection information for the issued records. Included trips do not waive required inspection stages. Determine whether occupancy or partial occupancy approval is needed before use; commercial/multifamily certificates for existing buildings have a separate category.