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Middletown, OH Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 1406.01
Residential plan review fee
$50.00
Residential base permit fee
$115.00
Commercial base fee (up to 5,000 sq ft)
$210 + $0.40/sq ft
Tent permit trigger
over 120 sq. ft., non-personal use
Certificate of occupancy fee
$60 residential / $145 commercial

Summary

In the City of Middletown, Ohio, the property owner or an agent must pay the fee set by Middletown Code of Ordinances § 1406.01 before the Division of Building Inspection issues a building permit. The fee schedule covers new residential and commercial construction, additions, renovations, pools and fire protection systems, and a permit is separately required for any temporary tent over 120 square feet used for other than personal purposes.

Before receiving a building permit, the owner of the affected property or his or her agent shall pay the applicable fee specified in this section. ... (g) A certificate of occupancy shall be required for each building or structure whenever its use is changed from one occupancy class to another, or for a part of a building or structure where its use is changed. Inspections shall be made in every case. The fee for such inspection shall be sixty dollars ($60.00) per residential unit, one hundred and forty-five dollars ($145.00) per commercial/industrial unit. The fee shall be in addition to any other fees which may accrue thereafter. ... (i) A building permit is required for any temporary tent that is more than one hundred and twenty square feet (120 sq. ft.) in size and is to be used for other than personal use. The fee for such permit shall be fifty dollars ($50.00).

View official code

Full Breakdown

14 for an attached garage, porch, deck or unfinished basement; a state-mandated 1% surcharge is added to every residential permit. 12 per square foot above 10,000 square feet, with a 3% state surcharge. 00 for in-ground pools, which bundles the electric and zoning permits. 00 per commercial unit. 00 permit for any temporary tent larger than 120 square feet put up for anything other than personal use. 02, based on the estimated cost, plus a minimum $100,000 public liability insurance requirement for the demolition contractor.

Violations & Fines

A Middletown building permit becomes invalid under § 1406.03(a) if the authorized work has not started within six months of issuance, or is suspended or abandoned for a full year, though the Chief Building Official may grant written extensions of up to 90 days each for good cause. The Chief Building Official may also revoke a permit outright under § 1406.03(b) if the application or plans contained a false statement or misrepresentation of fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a new house in Middletown, Ohio?
Yes. Under Middletown Code of Ordinances § 1406.01(a), new residential construction requires a building permit with a $50.00 plan review fee, a $115.00 base fee, and per-square-foot charges for each floor and attached space, plus a state-mandated 1% surcharge on the total permit cost.
Does a temporary tent need a permit in Middletown?
Yes, if it is larger than 120 square feet and used for anything other than personal use. Section 1406.01(i) of the Middletown Code of Ordinances requires a building permit for such tents, with a flat $50.00 fee, regardless of the tent's other dimensions or duration on site.
When does Middletown require a certificate of occupancy?
Whenever a building or any part of it changes from one occupancy class to another, § 1406.01(g) requires a certificate of occupancy and a mandatory inspection. The inspection fee is $60.00 per residential unit and $145.00 per commercial or industrial unit, billed on top of any other fees already due.
How long does a Middletown building permit stay valid?
Work must begin within six months of issuance and cannot be suspended or abandoned for a full year, per § 1406.03(a). The Chief Building Official can grant written extensions of up to 90 days at a time for good cause, or revoke the permit entirely for false statements in the application.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Middletown

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsScaffold & Sidewalk ShedSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Middletown rules

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