Ohio Permit & Stamping Requirements
Requirements vary by region, code cycle, seismic zone, and wind or snow load. Here is what typically drives design for Ohio projects.
What Drives Design in Ohio
Ohio projects are governed primarily by ground snow load and frost depth.
- ✓ Ground snow load per ASCE 7 and local amendments
- ✓ Frost depth and foundation design
- ✓ Roof framing capacity for drift loading
Exact code edition and local amendments vary by city and county. We confirm the specific requirements for your address before drafting.
Code in effect in Ohio
Ohio splits residential and commercial. Commercial work follows the 2024 Ohio Building Code, based on the 2021 International Codes, effective March 1, 2024, along with the 2024 Ohio Mechanical, Plumbing and Existing Building Codes. One-, two- and three-family homes follow the Residential Code of Ohio, which remains the 2019 edition with amendments effective March 1, 2024. The energy code is the 2021 IECC with Ohio amendments.
What to plan for
- ✓ Commercial and residential are on different code editions, so the applicable code depends on your building type.
- ✓ Ohio amends the model codes substantially, so the base International Codes cannot be applied directly.
- ✓ The code in force is set by the date of first application for plan review, not the date work starts.
Code information last verified September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm the edition in force for your address before drafting.
Frequently asked questions about Ohio permits
Which Ohio code applies to my project?
Commercial projects fall under the 2024 Ohio Building Code, based on the 2021 I-Codes. One-, two- and three-family homes fall under the Residential Code of Ohio, still the 2019 edition with amendments. We design to whichever governs your building type.
What if I submitted before a code change?
Ohio sets the applicable code by the date of first application for plan review. A design submitted before a new code took effect is generally reviewed under the earlier code, including later approvals for that same building.
Sample Work & Other States
Foundation Plan
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Roof Framing Plan
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