Building Safety in Akron, OH (2026)
5 verified building safety rules for Akron, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Lead Paint
Akron's Lead Poisoning Hazards article flatly bans applying lead-based coatings on any exposed dwelling surface, fixture, toy, or eating utensil, and bars letting lead-bearing substances, dust-lead hazards, or soil-lead hazards exist on any dwelling, outbuilding, or child care facility. Anyone hired to remove old lead paint under § 94.85 must first get a five-dollar permit from the Director of Health.
Akron Lead Paint Hazard Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsAkron City Code § 94.81 (Prohibited conduct, Lead Poisoning Hazards)
A.No occupant or owner shall use or apply any lead-based coating:1.In or on any exposed surface of any dwelling, dwelling unit, outbuilding, or child care facility.2.In or on any fixtures or other objects used, installed, or located in or on any exposed surface of any dwelling or dwelling unit.3.In or on toys, cooking, drinking, or eating utensils, or furniture.B.No occupant or owner shall use,...
Childcare Center Rules
Akron requires a City license before anyone runs a day nursery or children's boarding home. The Codified Ordinances define a day nursery as care for three or more unrelated children for part of the day on more than four consecutive days, and bar operating one without approval from the Director of Health, Fire Prevention and the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Akron Child Boarding Home License Rule
Significant RestrictionsAkron Codified Ordinances § 111.141(A), (D)
A.Requirement. No person may operate or continue to operate any existing boarding home for handicapped or feebleminded children, boarding home for children, or day nursery within the city, nor establish, conduct, maintain, or manage such home for such care without first obtaining a license therefor.... D.Issuance. Upon receipt of certificates of approval from the Director of Health and the Chie...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Every Akron dwelling that runs a furnace, water heater, fireplace, or other fuel-burning appliance, or that shares a structure with an attached garage, must have a working carbon monoxide detector under City Code § 93.51. Detectors go outside each sleeping area and on every additional story, including basements, and foster homes need one in every bedroom.
Akron Carbon Monoxide Detector Rules
Some RestrictionsAkron City Code § 93.51
A. The owner of each new and existing dwelling unit or units within which fuel-burning appliances are present, within new and existing structures that utilize fuel-burning appliances for the heating of a dwelling unit or units, or within a dwelling unit that is located in a structure with an attached garage, shall install carbon monoxide detection devices as hereinafter provided. B. Carbon mono...
Building Permits
Akron requires a building permit before starting sitework, demolition, storage tank work, swimming pool installation, or building a structure in the public right-of-way under § 190.201 of the Building Code. Contractors doing that permitted work must also hold a City contractor registration, though an owner-occupant of a single-family home is exempt from that registration requirement.
Akron Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsAkron City Code § 190.201(A)-(C)
A.Permit Required. No person shall commence or engage in any operation regulated by this building code, or cause the same to be done, without obtaining a required permit.B.Separate Permit Per Operation. A separate permit is required to commence or proceed with each operation described below:1.Sitework. To grade, pave, excavate, fill and final site grade a premises.2.Demolition. To raze or demol...
Building Inspections
Akron's Superintendent of Building Inspection enforces every stage of construction through mandatory field inspections. Permit holders must call for inspections before work is concealed, and covering inspections need two working days' notice, backed by stop-work orders and administrative penalties for violations.
Akron Building Inspection Process Rules
Some RestrictionsAkron City Code § 190.107 (Inspections)
A. Inspections for Enforcement. Inspections required for the enforcement of this building code shall be made by the Superintendent. The Superintendent may accept written reports of inspectors of recognized inspection services, if after investigation he is satisfied as to the qualifications and reliability of the inspection service under consideration. B. Structures and Buildings Inspections. Al...
Looking for Summit County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Akron city rules.
Building Safety in Summit County →