Police
Police FAQs
General Questions
Can I get a special inspection?
Can I get a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for my project?
Yes. Life safety issues (ie. electrical systems, fire protection systems and plumbing systems) need to be addressed prior to requesting a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) permit. A TCO has no cost, but requires successful completion of at least the life safety issues and structural inspections before issuance. If you should have any further questions, or wish to inquire about the suitability of a TCO for your project, you may contact our office at 419-698-7071, or contact your inspector.
How do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?
What is the difference between the Ohio Basic Building Code and the Oregon Building Code?
When is a Certificate of Occupancy required?
May I fax an application or plans?
When is the best time to call for an inspection?
How soon can I start my job?
How long is a permit valid?
Where do I apply for a permit?
All applications for permits are accepted at the permit desk in the Building & Zoning Inspection Office in the east wing of the Oregon Municipal Building located at 5330 Seaman Road.
When are plans required to be certified by a registered engineer or architect?
How many plans do I need when applying for a permit?
The minimum for commercial and industrial projects is four (4) sets of sealed construction drawings and six (6) sets of site and utilities drawings along with your application. For residential projects the minimum is three (3) sets of construction drawings and three (3) sets of site and utilities drawings along with your application. You must also submit at least one (1) model energy report for every project, and one (1) site drainage permit.
The reason for a delay in the issuance of a certificate of plan approval and permit is the submittal of incomplete plans. In order to insure a timely review of your plans, please review the submitter checklist prior to the initial submission of your plans. Find the plans review check list in OBBC Section 4101:2-1-19 for commercial projects or Ohio Residential Code Book Section 106 for residential.
The City of Oregon Building & Zoning Inspection Department has jurisdiction in that they are a local certified building department for state of Ohio projects. Please check with your Lucas Co Health Department regarding areas which do not have public sewer and/or public water.
Alterations: (decks, signs, awnings, retaining walls, sheds, interior demolitions, etc.)
3 sets of plans
1 set of site plans
Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression, Fire Alarm & Sprinklers:
4 sets of plans and cut-sheets
4 sets of hydraulic calculations if applicable.
Swimming Pools: (in-ground and above ground)
1 set of plans
1 set of site plans
Tents:
1 set of plans
1 set of site plans
1 copy of certificate verifying fabric is flame resistant
Parking Lots and Excavation and Fill:
3 sets of grading & elevation plans plus
2 sets of storm water calculations for site plans
Demolition:
No plans necessary. A separate application describing the structure to be demolished is required. Also required is an inspection of the sanitary sewer kill and the water line termination.
What do I need to submit to obtain my permit?
What are the permit fees based on?
When filing building plans, the minimum fee due is $50.00 for zoning on any project plus a minimum plan examination fee of $60.00 for any OBBC work. This makes up part of the fees due at application and must be paid at the time the plans are filed.
What types of work requires a permit?
A permit is required for all major repairs, alterations, new buildings and additions, most excavation and filling of land, swimming pools, ponds, installations of signs, sanitary and storm sewer installations, sidewalks, driveway approaches and paved parking areas greater than 800 square feet in area. Permits without plans are also required for alteration or replacement of heating equipment, air conditioning equipment, boilers, plumbing system or any changes in the electrical systems. Routine maintenance or minor work, both defined in the code, can generally be described as flat work on grade, painting, wallpapering, siding, replacement windows (no size change), or re-shingling roof and similar work which typically does not require a permit.
The following work does require a zoning permit but is exempt from building permits:
- Storage sheds, located in a rear yard of a single family dwelling in accordance with the Zoning Code, which are not greater than 200 square feet in area and not taller than six feet in average height.
- Play equipment not greater than 12-1/2 feet in height that is not enclosed and not provided with electric or heating equipment.
- Changes in the occupancy of a building or tenant space.
Why do I need a permit?
City ordinance specifies that a permit be issued when work is to be performed on a structure. The resulting inspection may uncover shoddy work, faulty materials, deviations from plans, or violations of the code that could result in unsafe or hazardous conditions for you, your family, your employees or the general public.
The code also requires an investigation fee equal to and in addition to their regular permit fee when work is done without a permit.
Residential Repair
How long does it take to get a permit?
Does the city want to inspect the soil before I dig the hole?
Must I have a survey performed to install a fence?
There is no requirement to have a survey prior to the installation of a fence. However, a survey is highly recommended to insure against any charge of infringement upon a property line by adjoining property owners.
Which side of the fence (good or bad) does my neighbor need to face toward my yard?
The building department has no jurisdiction over the aesthetics involved in the installation of the fence. Accepted practice has been to present the “good” side of the fence to the adjoining property, so as to allow the appearance to be fully appreciated by the individual looking “in” at the property on which the fence has been installed.
How many layers of roofing may be applied before layers must be removed?
When do I need plans?
When do I need a permit?
Code Enforcement
How do I obtain an extension of time for compliance with orders from the Building Department?
How do I put my rent in escrow?
If I tell my landlord about problems with my apartment and they fail to make the repairs, can I not pay my rent?
Can I remain anonymous?
How do I file a complaint against my neighbor?
What are my options when I receive notice of violation or an order to make repairs on property I own?
Electrical Inspections
What are the latest changes to the National Electrical Code?
2008 NEC Effective residential changes:
- 210.4(B) Handle-ties are required on breakers serving common neutral (multi-wire) circuits.
- 210.4(D) Wires of Multi-wire circuits shall be grouped (such as wire-tire) where entering from conduit into a panel if these are not a cable assembly.
- 210.8(A)(2) Exceptions 1 and 2 (removed) Single receptacles are freezers and other receptacles in Garages are no longer exempt from GFCI.
- 210.8(A)(3) Exceptions 1 and 2 (removed) Single receptacles at sump pumps and other receptacles in unfinished basements are no longer exempt from GFCI.
- 210.12(B) AFCI protection (most likely in the form of circuit breakers) are required for outlets and lighting, smoke detectors, etc in: Family rooms, dining Rooms, Living Rooms, Parlors, Libraries, Dens, Bedrooms, Sunrooms, Recreation Rooms, Closets, Hallways, or similar spaces.
- 210.52(E)(3) All decks 20 sq ft or larger require receptacles.
- 250.94 An external ground bar of a least 3 lugs or spaces is required to be mounted on or near the meter sockiet for the purpose of providing a ground for the telephone, cable, or others.
- 406.11 ALL receptacles involved in or on a residential property are required to be tamper-resistant. (to include detached garages, shed, pole structures, swimming pools).