How to Obtain Building Permits in Columbiana County, Ohio

Before starting any building, remodeling, or renovation project in Columbiana County, Ohio, you must understand the county’s building permit process. Whether you’re planning a deck, a garage, an addition, a pole barn, or a new commercial structure, obtaining the proper permits ensures your project meets all county zoning laws and Ohio Building Code (OBC) requirements.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions, required documents, fee details, inspection stages, and accurate contact information for faster permit approval in Columbiana County.

Why Building Permits Are Important in Columbiana County

Building permits ensure that your project:

• Complies with Ohio Building Code (OBC)
  
• Meets zoning and land-use requirements
  
• Follows proper electrical, plumbing & HVAC standards
  
• Is inspected for safety and structural soundness
  
• Increases your property value with verified improvements
  
• Helps you avoid fines, stop-work orders, and legal problems
  

Even smaller projects may require permits depending on the size and zoning rules.

Step 1: Determine If You Need a Permit

Columbiana County requires permits for most construction or structural changes.

Projects That Require Permits

• New residential or commercial buildings
  
• Additions, porches, sunrooms, garages
  
• Decks, pole barns, agricultural buildings
  
• Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or HVAC work
  
• Foundations, structural repairs, roof changes
  
• Manufactured home placement
  
• Swimming pools, accessory buildings
  

Projects That May Not Require Permits

(Still confirm with your township zoning officer)

• Small sheds under a certain size
  
• Painting, flooring, minor repairs
  
• Non-structural cosmetic changes
  

Always confirm before starting to avoid penalties.

Step 2: Check Zoning Requirements in Columbiana County

Before applying for a building permit, verify that your project complies with your township or city’s zoning laws.

How to check zoning:

1. Visit the Columbiana County Auditor’s GIS Website
   (Search property by address or parcel number)
   
2. Review zoning classification
   (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural)
   
3. Contact your township zoning inspector for setbacks.
   

If your project doesn’t meet zoning rules, you may need a variance from the Columbiana County Planning Commission or your township zoning board.

Important Contact Information Columbiana County Building Department

Columbiana County Building Department
105 South Market Street
Lisbon, OH 44432
📞 330-424-6604
Fax: 330-424-4060
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Common Areas Requiring County Permits:
Unincorporated areas, Knox Township, Center Township, Madison Township, Fairfield Township, Hanover Township, St. Clair Township, and others.

Cities/Townships With Their Own Building Offices

(Some projects must go through local departments)

• City of Salem
  
• City of Columbiana
  
• City of East Liverpool
  
• City of East Palestine
  
• Village of Lisbon
  
• Village of Wellsville
  

Always confirm which office governs your location.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Your building permit application must include all required forms and construction details.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application form
  
• Construction drawings / architectural plans
  
• Site plan (showing property lines & structure placement)
  
• Structural details (foundation, framing, trusses)
  
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC plans if applicable
  
• Contractor registration (if using a contractor)
  
• Project cost estimate
  
• Energy compliance documentation (for new homes)
  

Large residential or commercial plans must be stamped by a licensed engineer/architect.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can submit your building permit in the following ways:

1. In Person

Columbiana County Building Department
105 S. Market St., Lisbon, OH

2. By Mail

Include all forms + permit fee payment.

3. Through City/Township Office

If your area has a municipal building department.

Tip:

Always include a valid phone number. Reviewers will contact you if corrections are needed.

Step 5: Pay Building Permit Fees

Permit fees in Columbiana County depend on:

• Project square footage
  
• Type of structure
  
• Residential vs commercial
  
• Electrical/plumbing/HVAC additions
  

Common fees include:

• Building permit fee
  
• Plan review fee
  
• Electrical permit
  
• Plumbing permit
  
• Mechanical permit
  
• Inspection fees
  

Each township or city may have additional fees.

Step 6: County Plan Review & Approval Timeline

After submitting your application, the building department reviews your plans for:

• Structural safety
  
• Compliance with zoning & setbacks
  
• Electrical, plumbing & HVAC codes
  
• Fire safety standards
  
• Energy efficiency rules
  

Typical Approval Timeline

• Simple residential projects: 3–7 business days
  
• New homes: 1–2 weeks
  
• Commercial projects: 2–4 weeks (or longer if complex)
  

If corrections are required, the county will notify you to revise and resubmit.

Step 7: Receive Permit & Begin Construction

Once approved, you’ll receive your official Building Permit Card.
This must be displayed at the job site.

Important:

• You must start construction within 6 months
  
• Permits may expire if work stops for long periods
  
• All work must match approved plans
  

Step 8: Schedule Inspections

Inspections ensure compliance at different construction stages.

Common Inspection Stages

• Footers / foundation
  
• Framing
  
• Electrical rough-in
  
• Plumbing rough-in
  
• HVAC installation
  
• Insulation
  
• Final inspection
  

Call 330-424-6604 to schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance.

Failing an inspection may delay the project until corrections are made.

Step 9: Final Approval & Certificate of Occupancy

After successful final inspections, the county issues a:

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

(for new buildings and major renovations)

This document confirms the structure is safe and legally approved for use.

Without a CO, you cannot legally occupy, sell, or use the structure.

Conclusion

Obtaining a building permit in Columbiana County is a clear process when you follow each step:

1. Confirm you need a permit
   
2. Check zoning laws
   
3. Prepare approved plans
   
4. Submit the application
   
5. Pay fees
   
6. Complete plan review
   
7. Begin construction
   
8. Schedule inspections
   
9. Obtain final approval
   

Proper permitting helps avoid fines, delays, and costly mistakes ensuring your project is safe, legal, and compliant with county regulations.

FAQs