Permitting & Inspections

Plan Review

The Community Development Department has an integrated approach to plan review as it relates to New Albany building permits and inspections.

Each plan is reviewed by several disciplines (planning/zoning, engineering, and building code compliance). This approach increases predictability and efficiency in the permitting phase of a project.

Plan review begins with the submission of an application and accompanying plans and documents that are required for approval. Once the submitted, the materials are reviewed by each discipline for compliance with approved site plans, conditions of approval, the submittal requirement checklists, and all applicable codes and ordinances.

Phased Plan Review

The Community Development Department offers a phased plan review for projects as an alternative to a full building permit submittal. Under the phased plan review process, projects for new construction may also be segmented into one or more phases for plan review, permitting and inspections. This allows for construction to begin on a portion of the building while final design is occurring for the entire building.

Projects that have specific phasing needs or are technically complex may be packaged into different phases that are appropriate to the project’s needs. The phases must also be agreed upon by the chief building official and the commercial plan reviewer and documented in writing prior to submittal for a plan review.

Plan Review Meeting

In order to provide good customer service, small project plan review meetings are offered with the zoning officer and a building inspector. Residential small projects and exterior modifications are reviewed Tuesday mornings and commercial projects are reviewed Thursday mornings. Please call 614-939-2254 in order to determine if your project meets the criteria, as well as to schedule a plan review meeting if appropriate.

Notices

Ohio EPA’s Notification of Demolition and Renovation Form is required for:

Every demolition of a facility, regardless of whether asbestos is involved. This includes all structures that will be intentionally burned for fire training purposes.
A renovation when the amount of regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) stripped, removed, dislodged, cut, drilled, or similarly disturbed exceeds 260 linear feet on pipes or 160 square feet on other facility components or 35 cubic feet off facility components.
Call 1-800-329-7518 or see epa.ohio.gov/asbestos for more information.

General Development FAQs

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, and also checks or money orders made payable to the City of New Albany.

What building codes are currently enforced in New Albany?

Residential construction in New Albany is enforced with the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO). Commercial construction in New Albany is enforced with the 2024 Ohio Building Code (OBC), 2024 Ohio Plumbing Code and the 2024 Ohio Mechanical Code. All electrical construction in New Albany is enforced with the 2023 National Electric Code.

Is my general contractor required to register with New Albany?

The following are required to register with the Community Development Department prior to performing any work in the municipality:

general contractors
remodelers
framers
concrete/masonry contractors
water/sewer contractors
electricians
HVAC
plumbers
fire suppression
fire alarm
all other state licensed trades

A contractor registration fee of $50 is also required and valid for one calendar year – January through December. Please click here for the application.

What documents do I need to register as a contractor?

We require a copy of your liability insurance, a copy of your current qualification certificate or state license (as applicable), and also the $50 application fee for each registration type.

Permit FAQs

Who issues plumbing permits?

All plumbing permits will be issued by the New Albany Development Department and also inspected by the Franklin County Public Health Department.

Does the city require a permit for lawn sprinkler installation?

Yes, New Albany requires a plumbing permit for the backflow preventer.

When will I know if my plans are ready?

The development clerks will contact you via phone or email when the plan review is complete.

Do I need a permit for a roof, a deck, a fence, or a patio?

Yes, each will require both a plan review and permit.

When are fees due?

Fees are due when plan review is complete and/or prior to permit issuance. Please see application for more information.

iWhat are the requirements to submit for residential New Albany, OH building permits?

A completed application and two copies of everything listed on the residential building permit checklist.

What are the requirements to submit for commercial New Albany, OH building permits?

A completed application as well as two hard copies and two flash drives of the information listed on the commercial building checklist.

What are the requirements to submit for an engineering permit?

Engineering submittals are now electronic. Please send an email to development@newalbanyohio.org in order to receive the portal link and submittal requirements.

Inspection FAQs

How do I schedule a plumbing inspection?

Even though New Albany is located in both Franklin and Licking counties, Franklin County schedules plumbing inspections for New Albany addresses, regardless of county.

In order to schedule a plumbing inspection, please call 614-525-3160. Inspections will be completed by Franklin County Public Health.

How do I schedule a sewer tap inspection?

An inspection must be requested by 4pm on the business day before the inspection. Please call 614-939-2222 in order to schedule.

How do I schedule an inspection with the fire department?

All inspections that require both the building inspector and the fire department must be requested two business days in advance. Please call the lead inspector for the project in order to schedule an inspection that requires the fire department.

How do I schedule a commercial zoning inspection?

Please call 614-939-2222 in order to schedule a zoning inspection. The inspector will schedule the inspection within 48 hours.

How do I schedule all other inspections?

Inspections must be requested by voicemail by 4:00 p.m. on the business day before the inspection.

Please call 614-939-2222 in order to schedule structural, HVAC, or electrical inspections.

What time will the inspector be at my job?

Inspections are assigned to an inspector each morning. Footings and commercial life/safety inspections are given preference while inserting the remaining inspections – as time permits. We will try to accommodate morning as well as afternoon requests when possible. Please be ready for your inspection prior to calling the inspection line.

Central Ohio Code Officials

Ohio Building Officials Association

Bureau of Building Code Compliance

Contact

For more information about New Albany, OH building permits and inspections, contact us at:

Community Development Department
99 West Main Street
New Albany, Ohio 43054

Phone: 614-939-2254

Email: development@newalbanyohio.org

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