What Are the Homeowner's Building Codes in Ohio?

State law regulates the building code in Ohio.

By state law, all communities in Ohio since 2005 use the single Ohio building code for one-, two- and three-family dwellings, which in turn is based on the international building code (IBC). The code is implemented and enforced by local building and housing departments. With myriad provisions in this 43-chapter document, it is important to consult relevant chapter headings and ask questions at your city's building department information or help desk--sometimes also available online.

Code Process

Plans are required with most applications.

Code Sections 105 through 113 are key to understanding your responsibilities as a homeowner. They require you or your contractor to obtain approval for the proposed work by making an application with plans and, in some cases, other construction documents to the building department. Subsequent to your obtaining the approval and starting work, they require you to obtain and pass one or more inspections. And they spell out the penalties and process entailed when approvals and inspections are not made.

Code for Existing Building and Structures

The code requirements for already existing buildings are generally less onerous than for new construction. Set forth in Section 115, they recognize existing buildings and structures may not meet today's higher standards and, under most circumstances, do not require the replacement of building components and repairs to meet those standards. For instance, the replacement of a limited area of plaster and lathe with drywall will not require the addition of wall insulation, as it would in new construction. On the other hand, if the work proposed is defined as substantial, then part of the existing structure may need to be completely brought up to current requirements.

Code for New Construction

The Ohio building code combines prescriptive requirements--that is, requirements that direct the home owner exactly what must be constructed--with performance-based standards, which direct the homeowner to obtain a result in any number of construction methods. The latter allows for creative and innovative approaches to construction, which tend to promote energy efficiency, green technologies and cost-saving measures.

Exemptions

Code Section 105.2 exempts a number of minor construction projects from the requirement of obtaining an approval, most notably fences less than 6 feet, detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet and retaining walls not more than 4 feet. The work, however, must still be done in accordance with all other provisions of the code. Additionally, code section 115.9 exempts historic buildings from code requirements unless the exemption would result in a safety hazard.

References

• Ohio Building Code

Resources

• International Building Code