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Building permits in Columbus, OH
Permitting authority: City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS). Historic districts, area commissions and special zoning districts may need extra approvals.
| Project | Answer | Verified |
|---|
| Fence | Depends on your project
Fences 6 ft or less need no building permit (zoning placement rules still apply in front yards and corner lots). Fences over 6 ft need a bui… | 2026-10-19 |
| Deck | Permit required
Building a deck requires a permit and plan review in Columbus. | 2026-10-19 |
| Shed | Depends on your project
Sheds under 200 sq ft need no building permit for 1-3 family homes; sheds 200 sq ft or larger need a permit and plan review. Zoning limits (… | 2026-10-19 |
| Water heater replacement | Permit required
Replacing a hot water tank requires a permit (no plan review). | 2026-10-19 |
| Roof replacement | Permit required
Replacing a roof requires a Roof, Siding, Windows, Doors permit (no plan review). Structural roof work requires an alteration permit. | 2026-10-19 |
| Interior / bathroom remodel | Permit required
A kitchen or bath remodel requires a permit and plan review. Cosmetic work (flooring, painting, cabinets, countertops) does not. | 2026-10-19 |
Fee schedule: https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/14/bzs/fee-schedule/2026-combined-development-related-fee-schedule.pdf
Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.