A building permit must be obtained before work begins on any dwelling, accessory structure or commercial building:
| • Excavation | • Demolition |
| • Grading | • Electrical |
| • Construction | • Plumbing |
| • Alteration | • Heating |
| • Repair | • Air Conditioning |
The Building Division performs inspections required for this work while it is in progress. The Building Division staff can assist you regarding permits and related costs.
Permits that require approvals before being issued:
| • New Residential | • Alterations and Additions |
| • Demolitions | • Fences and Screen Walls |
| • Decks | • Attached and/or Detached Garages |
| • Driveways | • Accessory Structures (e.g. sheds, gazebos, arbors, etc.) |
| • Fireplaces | • Plumbing Work* (concealed piping repairs/replacement) |
| • Swimming Pools | • Exterior and Interior Dampproofing(Waterproofing)** |
| • Electrical Work* | • Special Events and Tents |
| • Satellite Dishes (39″+) |
* Homeowners performing the electrical and plumbing work must provide a drawing depicting how they plan to perform the work including the materials to be used. This information must be approved by the inspector before the permit will be issued.
**As of January 1, 2021, the City will no longer provide a flow test prior to the issuance of a permit for foundation wall or basement dampproofing (waterproofing). Contractors will also be required to acknowledge and do the following: verify the drain tile/storm flow to the city storm sewer is open and unobstructed, provide a capped clean out to grade with access to the length of the wall along each wall being worked on, have all work inspected before covering/backfilling and at the completion of the work, state the linear feet of work, and provide a signature acknowledging these requirements on the application.
Permits that may be issued upon submittal of a complete application:
| • Hot Water Tanks | • Furnace & Air Conditioning Replacement (rear yard) |
| • Lawn Sprinkler Systems | • Electrical Work (if performed by a licensed contractor) |
| • Roofing | • Replacement Windows |
| • Siding |
Work that does not require a building permit (Note: If a contractor is performing the work, they MUST be licensed with the Building Division):
| • Submeters | • Wall Treatments |
| • Kitchen Cabinets (same location) | • Roofing (less than 100 square feet) |
| • Carpeting | • Replacement Interior Doors |
| • Tile Floors | • Minor Electrical Work (e.g. receptacle or fixture change) |
If your planned project type is not listed above or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Building Division at (440) 777-8000.
Projects Requiring Variances
If your project involves deviations from the Building Code or Zoning Code, permits may not be issued by the Division of Building unless and until variances are granted by the Building and Zoning Board of Appeals. The BZBA meets monthly to consider residential and commercial variance requests and appeals. Completed applications are due two weeks prior to scheduled meetings in order to appear on the agenda. For more information, see the BZBA webpage.
CITY of NORTH OLMSTED
5200 Dover Center Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070
City Hall Hours | Weekdays 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM