Building Safety in Toledo, OH (2026)
7 verified building safety rules for Toledo, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Lead Paint
Toledo Municipal Code § 1759.02 makes it illegal to apply lead-based paint anywhere in a dwelling and requires owners and occupants to abate lead hazards on any chewable painted surface accessible to children under six, even if the paint looks intact. When a child tests above 30 micrograms of lead per deciliter twice within 30 days, the Toledo Health Department can issue an emergency abatement order and bill the property owner for the cost.
Toledo Lead-Based Paint Hazard Rules
Significant RestrictionsToledo Municipal Code § 1759.02(a)-(e)
(a) Definitions. (1) A "lead based paint hazard" exists when an interior or exterior surface coated with lead based paint is readily accessible to and chewable by children under six years of age even though such surface is intact and its integrity is uninterrupted, or when the integrity of a surface containing lead based paint is interrupted or not intact. ... (b) No owner or occupant shall app...
Door Locking Hardware
Toledo's Property Maintenance Code bars locks or fasteners on required egress doors in most buildings. Toledo Municipal Code § 1367.03, amending IPMC § 702.3, permits locking hardware only in penal or mental institutions with continuous trained supervision, in approved high-security areas using pre-approved alarms, or where hardware meets standards the Ohio Building Code allows. Manually operated flush bolts are flatly banned.
Toledo Egress Door Locking Hardware Rules
Significant RestrictionsToledo Municipal Code § 1367.03 (amending IPMC § 702.3 — Locked Doors)
IPMC-702.3 Locked doors (Amended): Locks or fasteners shall not be installed on egress doors except in accordance with the following conditions: 1. In mental, penal or other institutions where the security of inmates is necessary, in which case properly trained supervisory personnel shall be continuously on duty and approved provisions are made to remove occupants safely in case of fire or othe...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Every short-term rental unit permitted in Toledo must have a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of all sleeping rooms, plus smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher, under Toledo Municipal Code § 702.04(d). Operators certify this life-safety equipment on an Affidavit of Life Safety Compliance filed with the permit application.
Toledo Short-Term Rental CO Detector Rule
Some RestrictionsToledo Municipal Code § 702.04(d)
(d) Life safety equipment. Each short-term rental unit shall have the following fully functional life safety equipment on the premises and installed to manufacturer specifications: (i) Smoke alarms meeting the requirements of Toledo Municipal Code Section 1301.11. (ii) A carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of all sleeping rooms (iii) A fire extinguisher.
Building Permits
Toledo requires a building permit before any construction, alteration, removal, or demolition of a building or structure. Applications go to the Division of Building Inspection, and a Certificate of Zoning Compliance is also required for new construction, additions, accessory buildings of any size, driveways, in-ground or above-ground pools over 24 inches deep, and any fence.
Toledo Building Permits: When Required
Some RestrictionsToledo Municipal Code § 1305.01(a)
No person shall commence with the work as noted below without first filing with the Division of Building Inspection an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit of approval as provided for in this Part Thirteen - Building Code and in accordance with the State's building codes. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall be required for all new construction of buildings and structures an...
Electrical Permits
Electrical work in Toledo, installation, alteration, removal, replacement or repair, needs a separate permit from the Division of Building Inspection before work starts. Licensed electrical contractors must hold state certification and city registration, and journeymen must keep up with the city's adopted National Electrical Code through continuing education.
Toledo Electrical Permit and Contractor Rules
Some RestrictionsToledo Municipal Code §§ 1305.01(a)(2), 1311.03(b)(1), (b)(3)D
Except for minor repairs as defined in Section 1305.02 (f) and as may otherwise be provided in this Part Thirteen - Building Code, no heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, hydronics or electrical system or parts thereof shall be installed, altered, removed, replaced or repaired without a separate permit therefor. ... "Electrical contractor," means one who has the ability to design...
Plumbing Permits
Any plumbing installation, alteration, removal, replacement or repair in Toledo requires a separate permit from the Division of Building Inspection, performed by a licensed, bonded plumbing contractor. Domestic water service lines up to two inches also need a permit and inspection, and Toledo formally enforces the Ohio Plumbing Code citywide.
Toledo Plumbing Permit and Contractor Rules
Some RestrictionsToledo Municipal Code § 1305.01(a)(2), (b)(1)
(a) No person shall commence with the work as noted below without first filing with the Division of Building Inspection an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit of approval... Except for minor repairs as defined in Section 1305.02 (f)... no heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, hydronics or electrical system or parts thereof shall be installed, altered, removed, rep...
Building Inspections
Certified inspections under Toledo's Building Code are made by the Chief Building Official or state-certified City inspectors, while zoning and health-code inspections run through the Director of Building and Code Compliance. Inspectors may enter at reasonable times with credentials, or seek legal recourse if entry is refused.
Who Conducts Toledo Building Inspections
Some RestrictionsToledo Municipal Code §§ 1303.04(a)-(b), 1303.09(a)
(a) Certified inspections required by the State Board of Building Standards and by the provisions of this Part Thirteen - Building Code shall be made by, or under the authority of, the Chief Building Official, or duly designated, City staff-based, and State-certified inspectors. (b) General inspections required under the provisions of Part Eleven - Zoning Code and Part Seventeen - Health Code, ...
Looking for Lucas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Toledo city rules.
Building Safety in Lucas County →