As of January 15, 2024 all lot topographic plans for new construction in all Summit County Townships will need to be submitted to the Summit County Engineer for review and approval prior to permit issuance and new construction in all Municipalities will need to be submitted to the local Municipality for review and approval prior to permit issuance.
You may still submit plans to Building Standards for Plan Review at the same time you submit the lot topo to the County Engineer and local Municipality but as with Zoning Approvals, we will need the County Engineer/Local lot topo approval prior to issuing permits for construction.
Beginning March 1, 2024 the Residential Code of Ohio Chapters 4, 34 & 44 are modified. To see the changes, please go to this link: https://com.ohio.gov/static/documents/AG101%20Notice%20package.pdf The modifications are applicable to all submitted applications for plan approval received on and after March 1.
Ohio Board of Building Standards February 26. 2024 Update: Due to the discovery of a drafting error affecting the existing exemption for sump pumps from GFCI requirements in RCO Chapter 34, proposed rules 4101:8-34-01 (RCO Chapter 34) and 4101:8-44-01 (RCO Chapter 44) have been withdrawn and are no longer effective March 1, 2024. Existing 2019 RCO Chapters 34 and 44 will continue to be applicable to 1-, 2- & 3-family dwellings including the 2017 National Electrical Code with Ohio changes listed in Chapter 34.
The Board has prepared language to correct the drafting error and has refiled proposed amendments to Chapter 34 with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). At the conclusion of JCARR's review of the refiled rules, it is expected that the Board will readopt the rules with an effective date of April 15, 2024, including the adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code as amended by corrected Chapter 34. Adopted rule 4101:8-4-01 is not affected by this action and the amendments made to this rule remain effective March 1, 2024. Additionally, this action has no impact on the adoption of the 2024 Ohio Building Code (OBC) effective March 1, 2024, regulating non-residential construction including the adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code in OBC Chapter 35.
Beginning March 1, 2024 the Ohio Building Code is modified from the 2017 edition to the 2024 edition. The change in edition is applicable to all applications for plan approval submitted on and after March 1. To view a copy of the new codes and to obtain a list of changes you may go to this link: https://com.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/com/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/board-of-building-standards/building-codes-and-interpretations/2024-ohio-building-mechanical-and-plumbing-code-rules
Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Greta Johnson
Director of Communications & Assistant Chief of Staff
Office of Executive Shapiro
ExecutivePress@summitoh.net
330-643-2656
Summit County revises Building Code to increase safety and reduce costs
SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive’s Office Department of Building Standards has updated several sections of the County Building Code to create a more user-friendly operation for residents and contractors. Overall, this will help make it easier for contractors to apply for important construction projects, from HVAC projects to building construction and beyond, with and in Summit County, provide requirements to hire state licensed contractors for “flipped” homes, and keep residents living in mobile homes safer.
While the changes increase efficiency and safety, they do not increase costs for homeowners or contractors. When comparing Summit County to other markets serving a population larger than 150,000, like Cleveland Columbus, and Cincinnati, the County’s permit fees remain significantly lower for both single family homes and commercial properties.
“My office is always looking to best serve our residents and businesses. These changes to our building code will increase safety and reduce costs for those looking to build or remodel. Our Building Department maintains strong relationships with the community and these changes are a reflection of feedback received from those we serve,” said County Executive Shapiro.
Under the new rules, property owners that perform work on homes they do not or will not occupy must now have a qualified contractor be responsible for the installations. This addition seeks to ensure quality work and code compliance on homes that are being “flipped.”
The Building Department will no longer require topographic reviews on lots for new single-family homes. The Summit County Engineer’s Office has been completing reviews for county townships, and the municipalities within Building Standards’ jurisdiction and will now be the sole agency performing this requirement. Removing this duplicative service will reduce costs for residents and contractors.
Mobile homes will now be required to obtain permits for repairs and alterations at the County level. Adding this requirement ensures that repairs and modifications are done properly and safely to protect residents living in manufactured housing.
Annual contractor registration is being replaced by a permit-based process. The $135 annual fee for contractors and the requirement for a $10,000 bond are now eliminated. Commercial application fees will be increased by $10, and contractors will still be required to provide liability insurance, State license if applicable, and a Tax ID Number. Converting to a permit-based registration reduces a significant burden on businesses and individuals looking to do business with and in Summit County.
Finally, the entire Floodplain Prevention code is being replaced with an updated code as required by the State Department of Natural Resources.
County agencies have been reviewing these changes for more than a year, including discussions with industry partners to gain valuable input.
For more information on the changes to the Building Codes, please visit https://co.summitoh.net/departments/Building-Standards.html.
