Springfield, OH Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Springfield Codified Ordinances § 1311.01(a) bars any person from constructing, altering, re-roofing, removing, or demolishing a building or structure, installing equipment for a building's operation, constructing a swimming pool, or doing electrical, heating, ventilating, or air conditioning work without first filing a written application with the Chief Building Official and obtaining a formal permit. Section 1311.01(b) sets a separate track for demolishing a one-, two-, or three-family residential structure or accessory structure, requiring a written application to the Code Enforcement Manager instead. Once plans are approved, § 1311.14 gives the permit a twelve-month life from approval: construction must commence within twelve months or the approval becomes void, and the permit itself expires on the last day of the twelfth month after issuance unless the owner completes the work, secures a final inspection, and closes out the permit first.

Two six-month extensions are available at $100.00 each if requested at least ten days before expiration. Shorter, separate 90-day terms apply to residential heating/air conditioning and residential electrical permits under § 1311.14(a) and (b). A copy of the permit and approved plans must stay on the premises for public inspection throughout the work under § 1311.15, and the Chief Building Official must receive at least 24 hours' notice before work begins under § 1311.16.