About Us
The Richland County Department of Building Regulations enforces code requirements and regulates the construction of buildings and structures within the Department’s jurisdiction. We review and approve all plans and issue all permits required by the applicable, current codes for the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, and location to all commercial and residential buildings and structures. Our primary mission is to insure the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Richland County and the areas under our jurisdiction.
Quick Links and Answers
Partial Certificate of Occupancy Application
Electronic Approval Instructions for Commercial Projects.
News and Announcements
Revised Sanitary Sewer District Rules and Regulations are posted on the Sanitary Engineering forms page
Proposed Changes to Sanitary Sewer Regulations for Richland County. Public Hearings held on April 4 and April 9, 2016.
The 2013 Residential Code of Ohio will be in effect for all residential applications filed on or after January 1, 2013. Please see the forms page for updated residential forms and documents
Ohio E-Codes links to the 2011 Ohio Codes have been posted on the Links Page under the Codes heading
The 2011 Ohio Building Code and referenced standards are effective November 1, 2011. Please see the Commercial projects page for more information.
Updated Residential Plan Requirements documents
New Flood Hazard Regulations and Maps are effective April 4, 2011.
Commercial Building Plan Approval Fees Worksheet has been developed to assist in the fee calculation process for Commercial projects. The Worksheet must be included with a Commercial Application.
Significant Reforms were made to the National Flood Insurance Program effective July 6, 2012. Please see the Flood Insurance section for more information.
General Information
Smoke Alarms Save Lives - Install.Inspect.Protect - important information about smoke alarms in residential houses and dwellings can be found on our Residential Project Page
Please visit our Forms page for applications, guides, checklists, fee schedules, and a list of Zoning Inspectors.
Please visit our Links page for links to codes, state agencies, other Counties, and other Permitting agencies.
Counties covered for Commercial Permits: Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Seneca, and Wyandot. Richland County for Residential permits except the City of Mansfield and the Village of Bellville.
Richland County Soil and Water Department handles Stormwater permitting for unincorporated areas of Richland County only. Richland Soil and Water Conservation District.
Applications are taken from 8 am-3:30 pm Monday through Friday.
24 hours advance notice is required for all inspections. Foundation inspections may be scheduled the day of until 8:30 am if the inspection schedule permits.
Inspectors are available for code related questions form 8-8:30 am and 3:30-4 pm.