Building Permits

Obtaining a Permit



COMMERCIAL PERMITS
To obtain a City of Fairfield commercial building permit, register for an account and complete a Building Permit Application using the city's Online Permit Center.

RESIDENTIAL PERMITS
To obtain a City of Fairfield residential building permit, you may register for an account and complete a Building Permit Application using the city's Online Permit Center. Residential permits may also be applied for in person. Complete the Building Permit Application form and submit the completed application, along with drawings and submittals required for your project, to: Building and Zoning Division, 5350 Pleasant Avenue, Fairfield, OH 45014.

Contact us at 513-867-5318 for more information.

Permit Fees


Building permit fees can be obtained on the Fee Schedule page.
Emerald Lake (4)

Projects Requiring A Building Permit or Zoning Certificate


Building permits are required for the following projects:
  • Swimming pools 24 inches or more in depth
  • Garages (attached or detached)
  • Building additions and/or remodeling
  • Decks/porches, learn more by viewing the Decks and Porches page
  • Driveways (both a zoning certificate and a curb cut / driveway apron permit are required)
  • Fences
  • Roof replacement-residential and commercial
  • Retaining walls
  • Sheds or storage buildings
  • Siding replacement
  • Solar Panels
  • Window or door replacements

Projects Requiring An Electrical Permit


Electrical work must be installed by an electrical contractor registered in Fairfield, with the following exception: The owner-occupant of a single family dwelling house may, with the assistance of any member of his/her family or household, personally perform in his/her house, any work governed by the codes without a license, providing that the owner obtains a permit and calls for the appropriate inspections.

Electrical permits are required for the following projects:
  • Electric and bonding for new in-ground and above ground swimming pools
  • New building service
  • New circuit breaker panels
  • New electrical circuits
  • New lamp posts, etc.
  • Reconnecting of heating and air conditioning appliances when replaced
  • Replacement of main service disconnects or circuit breakers
  • Replacement or repair of building service

Projects Requiring an HVAC Permit


With the exception of gas lines, heating and air conditioning work must be installed by a heating and air conditioning contractor registered in Fairfield, with the following exception: The owner-occupant of a single family dwelling house may, with the assistance of any member of his/her family or household, personally perform in his/her house, any work governed by the codes without a license, providing that the owner obtains a permit and calls for the appropriate inspections.

HVAC permits are required for the following projects: 
  • Adding gas lines to an existing system
  • Alteration or addition of duct work
  • New electric or gas heating and air conditioning equipment
  • New gas line installations
  • New hot water heating systems
  • Replacement of existing gas lines
  • Replacement of heating and air conditioning equipment
  • Replacement of hot water heating systems

Projects Not Requiring a Permit


Projects under $300 usually do not require a permit, providing the project does not involve the removal of a wall, supporting beam or change of entry/exit. The following projects do not require a permit from the City of Fairfield:
  • Landscaping
  • New carpeting
  • Painting
  • Satellite dishes less than 1 meter in diameter
  • Storm or screen doors/windows