PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a water heater replacement in Columbus, OH?

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

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.
Permit required Confidence: high

Replacing a hot water tank requires a permit (no plan review).

What changes the answer

Note: Whether a water heater qualifies for the $140 Minor Work Permit was not confirmed (Minor Work list not fetched).

Cost

Minor Work Permit (plumbing, if on the Approved Minor Work Permit List): $140; standard MEP permit: $275.

Fee source: https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/14/bzs/fee-schedule/2026-combined-development-related-fee-schedule.pdf

Where to apply

City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services (Citizen Access Portal / 111 N Front St)

Permitting authority: City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS). Historic districts, area commissions and special zoning districts may need extra approvals.

Official sources

“Requires a permit, but not plan review: ... Replace a hot water tank”

Source: https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/2/building-and-zoning/document-library/typical-residential-projects-2026.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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