Cleveland Building Permit Office
Cleveland
City of Cleveland
216-664-2910
Permit office generally 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 505, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114
Construction permits inside the City of Cleveland are handled by the City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing, Division of Construction Permitting. Cleveland uses a project-first review system: many projects begin with a Construction Project application so zoning, planning and other required city reviews can be completed before the building permit and related mechanical permits are issued. Since April 13, 2026, construction permit applications and plans are submitted digitally rather than on paper.
A Project Approval May Come Before the Building Permit
Cleveland separates the initial project review from the later permit records. This matters for projects that need zoning, planning, landmark, right-of-way or other departmental approval before construction drawings can receive final building review.
Submit the Construction Project Application
The project record establishes the proposed work and provides the material needed for preliminary city review. Depending on the project, this can include a site plan, floor plan and section or elevation drawings. Application fees are paid during this stage.
Complete Required City Reviews
The project can be routed to Building & Housing, Zoning, Planning, Landmarks, Right of Way, Fire Safety, utilities, traffic or other reviewing agencies when applicable. The exact routing depends on the property’s location and the proposed work.
Apply for the Building Permit
After project approval, construction drawings are submitted for the building permit review. Once approved, applicable permit fees can be paid and the permit and approved documents can be obtained through Cleveland’s Permit Portal.
Obtain Trade Permits and Schedule Inspections
Electrical, HVAC and plumbing work may require separate mechanical permit records. Cleveland’s process identifies the mechanical permits associated with the project after the building review. Required inspections then follow the approved work as construction progresses.
Drawing Requirements Depend on the Scope of Work
Cleveland requires drawings for new construction, additions, changes of use or occupancy, temporary uses, building movement, enlargement and demolition. Drawings are also required for many accessory structures and site improvements, including garages, sheds, decks, pools, signs, fences and parking lots.
Site Plans
Site plans used for permit review are expected to show existing and proposed conditions and be measured and drawn to scale, with items such as dimensions, a north arrow and other information needed to evaluate the proposed development.
Construction Drawings
Depending on the project, construction documents can include architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings. Commercial work regulated by the Ohio Building Code may require documents sealed by a registered architect or professional engineer when design analysis is required.
One-, Two- and Three-Family Drawings
Cleveland states that drawings for one-, two- and three-family dwellings are recommended but are not required to carry a professional seal. Design calculations can be required where needed to demonstrate code compliance.
Alterations can also trigger drawing review when structural components are changed, walls are removed, egress is modified, interior spaces are rearranged, opening sizes change, occupant or structural loads increase, or new building systems are installed or extended.
Zoning Review Is Part of Cleveland’s Construction Approval System
A building permit is not limited to a building-code check. Cleveland’s Construction Project application can be routed through zoning and planning before the building permit proceeds. Properties in design review areas, local historic districts or involving designated landmarks may face additional review.
Zoning Compliance
The City Planning Commission can provide zoning information and zoning verification letters, but a zoning verification letter only identifies the property’s current zoning and applicable zoning provisions. It does not establish that a proposed project complies with the zoning code. Compliance is determined through the permit process.
Planning and Landmark Review
Projects subject to City Planning design review require the applicable planning approval before the building permit can be issued. Cleveland-designated historic districts and landmark properties use the Landmarks Commission design review process instead of the standard Planning Commission design review route.
Submitting only a building permit application can miss an earlier approval required by Cleveland’s current workflow. For projects subject to the Construction Project process, project approval comes first, followed by the building permit and then any required electrical, HVAC or plumbing permits.
Inspection Requests Go Directly to the Assigned Inspector
Cleveland does not describe its standard permit inspection procedure as a generic online booking queue. The contractor or property owner contacts the inspector identified on the permit and provides at least 24 hours’ notice. The City’s inspection instructions also state that a homeowner must be present for homeowner inspections.
Work Must Remain Visible for Required Inspections
City guidance calls for inspection before foundation concrete is placed, before waterproofing and drain tile are backfilled, before insulation or electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is concealed, and before rough framing is covered. Exterior demolition work also requires inspection.
Final Inspection
A final inspection is part of Cleveland’s inspection sequence. Certificate of Occupancy requirements apply where the project and occupancy record require one. Approved drawings stamped by the Department of Building & Housing are to remain available at the job site during inspections.
Cleveland’s published inspection rules provide for an additional inspection charge when an inspection has been scheduled but the work is not ready or the inspection cannot be completed because of incorrect location information.
Cleveland Moved Construction Permitting to Digital Submission in 2026
Beginning April 13, 2026, Cleveland stopped accepting paper construction plans and paper permit applications. Applications are submitted through the City’s Permit Portal, while plans and supporting records are uploaded electronically. Approved permits and stamped plans can also be obtained digitally.
Applications and Payments
The portal supports permit applications, plan submission, permit payments and permit records. It also provides access to project information while applications move through city review.
Public Status Search
Cleveland also operates a public Permit Tracker that can be searched without logging in. Searches can be made using a permit record number, address or parcel. The tracker states that its information is refreshed once daily; the Accela system provides the live record information.
Existing Electrical Service Reconnection Has a Narrow Permit Exemption
Cleveland no longer requires a meter-base inspection, permit or application solely to reconnect an existing electrical service at an existing structure that previously had a utility account. The exemption does not cover electrical installation, alteration, repair or modification. When wiring, the service loop, meter equipment or another electrical component must be installed or changed, the applicable permit and inspection requirements remain in effect.
Fees Vary by Review and Permit Type
Cleveland publishes separate fee structures for plan examination, building permits, zoning review, electrical work, HVAC and refrigeration work, plumbing work and other permit categories. State of Ohio surcharges can also apply. Because the total depends on the scope, valuation, floor area and permit type, the City’s current fee schedule should be used when estimating a specific project.
Cleveland Permit and Planning Links
City Department
Division of Construction Permitting
Open official permitting information
Online Portal
City of Cleveland Permit Portal
Submit and manage permit records
Permit Search
Cleveland Permit Tracker
Search permit status and history
Permit Requirements
Construction Permit Requirements
Review project and drawing requirements
Inspections & Forms
Construction Permitting Resources
Review inspection rules and permit documents
Fees
Permit Fee Schedule
Review official permit fee calculations
Planning
Cleveland Zoning
Review zoning information and procedures
Planning Review
Design Review
Check design review requirements