Medina, OH Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 1311.03(a), BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE, states the trigger directly: "Before proceeding with the construction, enlargement, alteration, repair or removal of any one, two or three-family residential building or structure and all occupancies named in the Ohio Building Code as defined in Ohio R.C. Chapters 3781 and 3791 inclusive; or any auxiliary building or structure thereto, a permit shall first be obtained by the owner of the premises." The application must be in writing on Department forms and, except for building removal, come with three sets of plans and specifications meeting 1311.02(f).

Once the Chief Building Official confirms the plans conform to the Building Code and Zoning Ordinances and the fee is paid, the permit issues. A narrow carve-out in 1311.03(f) exempts plasterers, drywallers, plumbers, floor coverers, wall tilers, electricians, storm window installers, guttermen, cabinet installers and awning or ornamental iron work installers from needing a separate building permit, but only as long as their work does not require a foundation or alter the existing structure. Section 1311.06 separately exempts minor interior repairs or alterations that do not touch bearing walls, structural parts, the electrical system, stairways, or means of egress, light or ventilation.

Fees under 1311.04 start at $35.00 plus ten cents per square foot of aggregate floor area for new residential construction, additions or renovations, with sheds up to 168 square feet flat at $25.00 and in-ground swimming pools with a wall over 36 inches at $50.00. Once issued, a permit is revocable if work has not started within ninety days or has been suspended six months, per 1311.07.