Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Commercial: 2024 Ohio Building Code, 2024 Ohio Existing Building Code, 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code, 2017 Ohio Fire Code, 2021 IFGC/IECC, 2023 NFPA 70, 2022 NFPA 72 and NFPA 13. Residential: 2019 Residential Code of Ohio, 2023 NEC, 2018 IECC, and 2024 ICC Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as listed in the county's current-code references dated January 28, 2026.
Inspection lane
Schedule inspections through the OpenGov portal, with a 7:00 a.m. cutoff for same-business-day inspections, or call the inspection line at 937-645-3019 with the permit number, address, and inspection type. Phone scheduling can take two business days. Approved plans must remain onsite and the address must be posted; after-hours requests require 48 hours' notice.
Minor-work playbook
The county FAQ states that decks are exempt only when under 30 inches above grade, not connected to the house, under 200 square feet, and not at a required egress door; fences require approval when serving as a pool barrier or over 6 feet high; residential sheds 200 square feet or less and commercial sheds 120 square feet or less are building-code exempt; patios generally do not need building approval but may need zoning; qualifying agricultural buildings are exempt under ORC 3781.061; and simple furnace replacements may not require drawings. Ordinary maintenance and other code-specific exemptions should be confirmed.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Schedule inspections through the OpenGov portal, with a 7:00 a.m. cutoff for same-business-day inspections, or call the inspection line at 937-645-3019 with the permit number, address, and inspection type. Phone scheduling can take two business days. Approved plans must remain onsite and the address must be posted; after-hours requests require 48 hours' notice.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Union County Building Department, Division of Building Regulations is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 937-645-3018.
Permits requiring construction drawings are required by state law to be reviewed within 30 days; permits not requiring drawings are typically issued within one week.
Schedule inspections through the OpenGov portal, with a 7:00 a.m. cutoff for same-business-day inspections, or call the inspection line at 937-645-3019 with the permit number, address, and inspection type. Phone scheduling can take two business days. Approved plans must remain onsite and the address must be posted; after-hours requests require 48 hours' notice.
Commercial: 2024 Ohio Building Code, 2024 Ohio Existing Building Code, 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code, 2017 Ohio Fire Code, 2021 IFGC/IECC, 2023 NFPA 70, 2022 NFPA 72 and NFPA 13. Residential: 2019 Residential Code of Ohio, 2023 NEC, 2018 IECC, and 2024 ICC Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as listed in the county's current-code references dated January 28, 2026. The county FAQ states that decks are exempt only when under 30 inches above grade, not connected to the house, under 200 square feet, and not at a required egress door; fences require approval when serving as a pool barrier or over 6 feet high; residential sheds 200 square feet or less and commercial sheds 120 square feet or less are building-code exempt; patios generally do not need building approval but may need zoning; qualifying agricultural buildings are exempt under ORC 3781.061; and simple furnace replacements may not require drawings. Ordinary maintenance and other code-specific exemptions should be confirmed.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.