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Permit Requirements

INFORMATION ON BUILDING DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE BE SURE YOU, OR YOUR CONTRACTOR, CHECK WITH THE CITY OF TOLEDO BUILDING DEPARTMENT BEFORE STARTING ANY REPAIR OR CONSTRUCTION WORK.  THEY CAN BE REACHED AT (419) 245-1220.

1.  It is the homeowner’s responsibility, ultimately, to see that permits are obtained.  Either the contractor or the homeowner may purchase the permits from the Division of Building Inspection, One Government Center, Suite 1600.  If your work is being contracted, the contractor must obtain the permit(s) – this can be made clear in your contract.  Permits must be posted during the period of construction.

NOTE:  If a permit is not obtained, a Stop-Work Order will be issued; cost of permit fees are tripled, plus a $250 penalty fee and a court summons may be issued for non-compliance for repeat offenders.

Building permits are required for the following:

  • To demolish, alter or make major repairs to any existing building structure, or any portion of that structure, or to build any new structure/addition.  New roof coverings, window replacements, new siding (except small areas of replacement), decks, new steps (or rebuilding steps), all require permits.
  • To do any building (other than minor violation corrections), plumbing, electrical, heating or air conditioning work.

In general, permits are required for most construction activities except minor repairs, exterior/interior painting, and gutters and downspouts installations.

AGAIN, IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT.

2.  Contractors must be licensed/registered by The City.  Since the term “contractor” includes “sub-contractors,” they cannot legally work under a “homeowner” permit unless they are doing work for which a permit is not required (i.e., floor tile work under the owner’s bathroom permit).  Homeowners need not be licensed to obtain a permit to personally perform work upon their established residence, provided that it is a single-, two-, or three-family property.  They may not, however, pull electrical, plumbing or HVAC permits unless it is a one family, owner occupied dwelling and they are performing the work.

      Inspections are a part of the permit process.  All work for which a permit is required must be inspected to ensure it meets code.  Electrical, plumbing and heating work must be inspected prior to enclosure in walls, floors or ceilings.  It is also a good idea to have the final inspection made before final payment to a contractor.  As the homeowner, you can set up the appointment for inspection by calling the Building Department at (419) 936-2720.   Please have your permit number ready when calling.

3.  All construction debris must be removed from the premises and taken to an appropriate landfill. The City of Toledo Solid Waste Division will   not pick up construction debris.  This should be a part of your contract.  If doing your own work, check the Yellow Pages under “Landfills” or “Rubbish and Garbage Removal,” and make appropriate arrangements for disposal of debris.

WHEN IS A BUILDING, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING OR ELECTRICAL PERMIT REQUIRED?

Building and Mechanical Permits are required for the following work: 

  • Any building construction or alteration involving structural members.
  • A building permit is required for all non-structural construction or alterations with a value (labor and materials) of more than $750.  Homeowners doing their own work, should double the material costs to determine value of work.
  • Demolition of building or structures.
  • Installation, alteration, removal, replacement or repair of heating, air conditioning, plumbing, hydronic (steam) or electrical systems (excluding minor repairs, see below). 
  • Installation, replacement or repair of domestic water service up to and including two inch (2") services.
     

PERMITS ARE  NOT REQUIRED FOR: 

  • Replacement of electrical fixtures, outlets and switches in existing approved systems and installation of light bulbs and fuses.
  • Replacement of air filters and flue pipe in warm air systems. 
  • Replacement of faucets, repair of leaks and stoppages (unless new pipes or fittings are needed – then a permit is required).
  • Hydronic (steam) systems – replacement of valves, circulating motors, mechanical controls, flue pipe and connectors, and expansion tanks with the same materials or materials serving the same purpose.
  • Residential air conditioners with ten pounds or less of refrigerant (six pounds or less in apartments of 4-family or greater). 

WHEN ARE PLANS REQUIRED? 

  • Residential Work (One, Two and Three Family Dwellings) 
  • New construction
  • Alterations or additions which affect structure members or when plans are needed to define the nature and extent of work including decks. 
  • Accessory buildings (garages or sheds).


WHEN ARE PLANS   NOT REQUIRED? 

  • Projects involving minor repairs, painting, decorating or maintenance
     

HOMEOWNER BEWARE

  • If a contractor tells you that no permit is required.
  • If a contractor tells you to get a permit.
  • If a contractor cannot produce a copy of a City of Toledo Contractor Registration.

Toledo Municipal Code requires that all contractors who solicit or perform work on residential property in the City of Toledo maintain a license or registration with City of Toledo. This work includes:

  • Interior and exterior remodeling
  • Fences and swimming pools  
  • Electrical  
  • Plumbing  
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Window Replacement


If you live in the City of Toledo - Before hiring a contractor, contact the Building Inspection Division for information on contractors, permits and licenses.  City of Toledo residents only - 419-245-1220

REMEMBER THAT THE  PERSON PULLING THE PERMIT IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR.  THE CITY WILL NOT BE GOING AFTER THE CONTRACTOR TO CORRECT ANYTHING NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE INSPECTION DIVISION.