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1. How long does the plan review process take?

All plans are reviewed in a timely manner, but depending upon the complexity and technical nature of the project some plan reviews will take longer than others. Call the Division of Building Inspection at 937-333-3883 for current review times.

2. How many copies of plans are required for a permit?

Three (3) copies of all construction documents and supporting information are to be submitted with the application for all building permits. Separately bound project manuals and specifications need only be provided in duplicate. All documents must be construction-ready. No documents marked preliminary will be reviewed.

EXCEPTION: Only two (2) copies are needed of drawings for fire alarm and fire suppression systems and of drawings for plumbing, electrical and HVAC work that are part of a project for which a building permit application has previously been filed.

3. Is there a requirement that my plans be prepared by an Architect or an Engineer?

A Professional Certification (stamped drawings) is required where complex technical analysis is necessary. Construction documents must bear the seal of a registered design professional except for residential construction, fire protection systems submitted under the signature of a certified individual, replacement-in-kind of equipment or systems, or where the Building Official determines that the work does not involve technical design analysis of work affecting public health or general safety in the following areas: means of egress, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing or fire protection.

A set of drawings prepared by a design professional (architect or engineer) is required to have the professional seal and date of expiration shown on the cover sheet with the professional’s signature (original and in ink) over the seal.  The seal can be embossed, stamped, or printed.  All sheets in a set of plans must also be sealed with an original signature, unless the cover sheet shows a list of drawings and contains the seal and original signature of the design professional in responsible charge.

4. What commercial building code is used in the city of Dayton?

The City of Dayton uses the codes adopted by the Ohio Board of Building Standards as listed below. 

Commercial Building Code: 2017 Ohio Building Code 

Plumbing Code: 2017 Ohio Plumbing Code 

Mechanical Code: 2017 Ohio Mechanical Code 

Electrical Code: 2014 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) 

View building codes listing in the table on the

Commercial Building Code page.

5. How many copies of revised plans are needed?

Revisions to construction documents require two complete copies of only the drawings with changes. The changes and revisions must be clearly indicated.

6. What do I need to open a child care or daycare facility?

Contact the Small Business Advocate for the City of Dayton at 937-333-3689. Also, contact the State of Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services at 877-302-2347 for regulations and requirements for operation of daycare facilities. If the daycare facility will be operating in an area or building previously used for a daycare and there is no change of occupant level and ages of children, a Zoning Occupancy Certificate is required. If this is a new or altered use of a building or space, a building permit is required; applicant shall submit plans and code analysis for review.

7. What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Use and Occupancy (CUO) establishes the approved legal use of a building or space. Previous certificates of occupancy issued for a building or space are superseded by the most recent legal use documented by the CUO. The CUO is required by the Ohio Building Code for every building to establish or to change its use as described by the code. Banks, other financial institutions, and government agencies often request proof of your legal occupancy by requesting a copy of the CUO.

8. When do I need to obtain a Certificate of Use and Occupancy?

A Certificate of Use and Occupancy is needed whenever a person: establishes the legal use of a building or space; remodels a building or space and increases or decreases the square footage of the space; additions; new construction and/or a change of use of the building or space.

9. When does my permit expire?

Generally, building, mechanical, and electrical permits expire twelve months from the approval of the plans without commencement of the work. Nuisance permits issued in conjunction with Housing Inspection expire within 90 days of issuance without commencement of work or nuisance abatement. For questions about nuisance issues, contact Housing Inspection

10. How long do I have to make repairs to a building that has been cited as a nuisance?

When a commercial structure has been cited as a nuisance and referred to the Building Inspection Division, a Special Inspection Permit must be obtained and the structure must then be inspected to determine the extent of work needed to comply with the applicable sections of the current Ohio Building Code. The inspector will report their inspection findings and the property owner or owner’s agent can then apply for a building permit to complete the repairs. Nuisance repairs are to be completed within 90 calendar days of the issuance date of the permit.

11. What approvals do I need before I can legally open my business?

A Certificate of Use & Occupancy must be issued by the Building Inspection Division’s Building Official before a business can open legally. This is the last step in a process that will likely include: 1) application for a building permit, 2) approval of drawings that represent how the business space will be used and show how any construction is to take place, 3) issuance of a building permit which is a license to begin construction and/or building modifications, 4) inspections as the construction and/or modifications take place, 5) a final inspection and final approval of the project by the Building Inspection Division and the Fire Department, and lastly, 6) issuance of the Certificate of Use & Occupancy. For assistance prior to taking step 1), above, contact the Small Business Advocate.

12. Is a Building Permit required for a parking lot?

Yes, parking lots must comply with applicable requirements of the Ohio Building Code. If a parking lot is being built in conjunction with a new or renovated building and the parking lot is included on the plans for the building, the building permit will include the parking lot. If a parking lot is planned as a stand-alone project, then a building permit must be obtained for the parking lot. A permit application can be found online at our Building Permit Forms page under Building/Zoning Application. Parking lots may also be subject to requirements related to Zoning, Engineering, Fire, and other codes. For questions about what other requirements there may be for the City of Dayton, contact the Small Business Advocate.

13. Who can I talk to with questions about City requirements before I rent or buy a business property?

Contact the Small Business Advocate for the City of Dayton at 937-333-3689. Learn More

14. Is a building permit required to reroof a business?

A permit is required for almost all reroofing projects on commercial buildings. A new roof covering must not be installed without removing the existing roof covering if the roof covering is water soaked or deteriorated, if it consists of wood shake or tile, or if it has two or more layers of any type of roof covering. A permit is not required if the project consists only of adding a roof covering over an existing single-layer roof covering.

15. Is a building permit required for a construction trailer?

Construction offices, trailers, and other temporary accessory structures that are to be used for a limited amount of time must be permitted. For more information, go to

the Temporary Trailers webpage.