The Fastest Way to Get a City of Toledo Building Permit

Do you want to build a home in Toledo City? Perhaps you just bought a piece of land and would like to build a commercial structure. Whatever the case, you need to obtain a City of Toledo building permit before you can begin construction anywhere within the city.

Getting a building permit can be a long and hectic process. There are several departments your application documents have to go through before you can get approval. DoNotPay makes your work easier by helping you apply for your building permit from the comfort of your home without making any appointments or visiting any offices. We'll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to apply for your building permit.

When Is a Building Permit Necessary in Toledo City?

According to the Ohio state building codes, any type of construction work carried out on a structure requires a building permit. Only the contractor of the building owner can apply for a building permit.

Types of construction work that require a building permit include but is not limited to:

• Constructing a new building
• Enlargement/expansion of an existing building
• Alterations made to a building i.e. refacing, building decks
• Extensive building repairs
• Building excavation
• Building conversions
• Building demolition
• Building recreational features i.e., swimming pool, decks, wells, etc.
• Improvements that affect the structure's electric wiring
• Improvements that affect the structure's existing plumbing

Before making any changes to your building, it's important to confirm with the city council if your project requires a building permit.

Why Should You Get a Building Permit in Toledo City?

Building permits are mandated by Toledo city law and to that effect, every contractor or building owner must obtain one in order to commence construction on their project. Projects constructed without a building permit are in breach of the building codes and may be demolished if they don't meet the regulation requirements.

A building permit is important for other reasons including:

• Safety - Permits assert that the building plans meet legal safety requirements for the safety of construction workers and occupants.
• Insurance - Insurance companies only issue coverage for buildings that have a permit.
• Valuation - The value of a building is determined by safety factors which are validated by the presence of a building permit.
• Easy Property Transfer - Home improvements have to be declared during the sale. If they were carried out without a building permit, the structure safety cannot be validated and the improvements may have to be demolished to sell the property. In addition, financiers don't issue pans on building purchases without a valid building permit.

How to Get a Building Permit in the City of Toledo

To get a building permit in the City of Toledo, you can apply in one of three ways:

1. Online Application

Apply for your Toledo city building permit online through the City of Toledo online permit portal. If you're a new user, you have to create a citizen access account with the City of Toledo Division of Building Inspection.

Log in to the portal with your email address and your password and proceed to fill out the online application form. Upload your building plans and other necessary documents, pay the permit fees and submit them. You'll receive a notification email to inform you if your submission is successful.

The payment method accepted for online applications is a credit card which is subject to 2.95% convenience.

2. In-Person Application

Apply for your Toledo city building permit in person at the City of Toledo building and planning offices. Make sure to submit the original application form and copies of the building plans and other required documents.

The offices are located at One Government Center, 640 Jackson Street, Toledo, Ohio, 43604. Office working hours are between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday except for national holidays. To avoid longer wait times, schedule an appointment by calling the building and planning offices on 419-245-1800 between 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM Mon-Fri.

If your application is successful, a city services representative will contact you on how to collect your building permit.

3. Application via Mail

Download the building permit application form online or collect one from the city offices. Fill out the forms, attach the necessary documents and building plans, drawings, and payment receipt. Mail all the documents to:

One Government Center,

Suite 1600,

Toledo, Ohio 43604

If your application is successful, you'll receive your building permit via mail or the documents will be mailed back to you for correction.

What Requirements Should I Meet to Get a Building Permit in Toledo City?

Before your building permit application can be approved, your documents go through a rigorous review and screening process. The review process involves several departments to ensure that your plans meet the building code requirements. The screening departments include:

Building and Safety Division

This department screens for the following requirements:

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Energy conservation
• Disability access
• Stormwater control

Fire Safety Department

• The fire and safety department screens for fire safety requirements.

Department of Public Works

This department screens for:

• Flood control
• Drainage
• Parking and driveway requirements

Planning Division

The planning division screens for zoning regulations and property development standards, including the structure's height, density, and lot coverage.

Utilities Department

The utility department screens for water conservation and waste management requirements.

You have to get approval from all the above departments before you can be issued with a valid Toledo City building permit. If any of your documents are rejected, they'll be sent back to you for correction.

What Is the Cost of a Building Permit in Toledo City?

Building permits in Toledo City vary depending on the structure and the type of construction work.

The table below illustrates the respective building permit fees for different construction works.

How to Apply for a Toledo City Building Permit With the Help of DoNotPay

If you want to apply for a building permit in the City of Toledo but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered. Create your own request letter in 6 easy steps:

1. Go to the Planning Permissions product on DoNotPay.
2. Choose one of the following options:
   1. Check whether your project needs a building permit or if it's exempt
   2. Generate a permission request letter to send to your HOA
   3. Generate a guide on how to complete the building permit application
3. Choose the focus of your project (new ADU, pool, shed, fence, etc.) and answer a few questions about your plans, including the size of the structure and estimated cost.

   

4. Indicate whether you're hiring a contractor and include the estimated start date and timeline for the project.
5. Indicate whether any public sidewalk/street space will be used during construction.
6. And that's it! DoNotPay will help guide you through the building permit process by checking if your project needs a building permit, contacting any HOAs you're a part of to request building permission, or generating detailed instructions on how to start and complete your building permit application process.

DoNotPay can help you apply for other building permits including:

• Palm Beach County
• Los Angeles City
• Chicago City
• Sarasota County

Why Use DoNotPay to Apply for a Building Permit in the City of Toledo

DoNotPay provides you with a single platform to apply for all the documents necessary for construction, including your Toledo city building permit. You don't have to hop around offices, waiting in line to get your documents approved. Sign up today to enjoy the convenience of DoNotPay services.