The Building Department is a team of licensed and trained professionals entrusted to ensure the protection of life, health, property, and general welfare of the citizens of Westerville. To provide this protection, the Building Department utilizes a network of modern codes, industry/reference standards, and City Ordinances.
For the Building Department to be successful in protecting our citizens and those who work in, or visit our City, an understanding and cooperative relationship must exist between our department and the groups we serve; homeowners, contractors, design professionals, developers, and others in the construction industry. This relationship begins when any owner wishes to construct, enlarge, alter, or renovate any structure or their components or systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and Hvac.
Prior to commencing with any work of this type, an owner or his authorized agent must submit construction plans detailing the proposed work and an application to the Building Department. The construction plans of the proposed work will be reviewed by the applicable departments (Building, Zoning, and Engineering Departments). If the construction plans of the proposed work meet the various codes and ordinances, the owner or his authorized agent will receive a valid permit for the proposed work. A permit is legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with the construction plans that have been submitted and approved by the City of Westerville. By obtaining a permit you have taken the first step towards ensuring your safety and the investment value of your property.
After a permit has been obtained, on-site inspections conducted by building inspectors are required to ensure work conforms to the approved plans, various codes, and City Ordinances. The Building Department will let you know what type of inspections will be necessary for your project. During the on-site inspections you will have access to a building inspector that will provide expertise and will help you with any questions and concerns. Upon completion of the proposed work and the required inspections a Certificate of Occupancy or a Final Approval will be given to the permit holder.
It takes everyone in the community to keep our homes, schools, offices, stores, and other buildings safe. Please involve the Building Department with your project because we can be an important ally, from start to finish. The Building Department wants your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money. The Building Department will be happy to assist you by providing resources, information, and expertise needed for compliance with the applicable codes. Please feel free to contact the department at (614) 901-6650.
Building Permit Fee Schedule
Residential Building Guides
Commercial Building Guides
Building Code
The Residential Code of Ohio for One-, Two-, and Three-Family Dwellings is available from the International Code Council (ICC) at 888-422-7233 or from Thomson/West Publications at 800-363-4500.
The Ohio Building Code, Ohio Plumbing Code, and Ohio Mechanical Code for Commercial Buildings is available online at www.com.state.oh.us/odoc/dic/dicbbs.htm. These code documents may be viewed but are not printable