Who issues building permits in Cincinnati?

The City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (B&I) issues building permits in Cincinnati.

How long does a commercial building permit take in Cincinnati?

In the 90 days to October 30, 2026, the median commercial or multifamily building permit in Cincinnati was issued 12 days after the application was filed, across 1,091 permits with an application date. Half took between 1 day and 35 days. Simple trade permits are usually faster than new construction.

How do I look up building permits in Cincinnati?

Search the city's records at https://cagis.hamilton-co.org/opal/ezTrakSearch.aspx?entcode=cinc by address or permit number. US Permit Search groups every commercial and multifamily permit at an address into one project page, with the contractor and declared value.

How much does a building permit cost in Cincinnati?

The permit fee is based on project valuation as determined by B&I (the FY2027 schedule uses the applicant's estimate and Engineering News-Record cost data). Surcharges are added: 3% technology, 1% training, 1% financial recovery, 5% planning on construction permits, and a 3% state surcharge for commercial or 4+ unit projects. The official schedule: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/building-permit-forms-applications/permit-costs/.

Building permit guide

How to get a building permit in Cincinnati, Ohio

Building permits in Cincinnati are issued by the City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (B&I). This guide links to the city’s official pages and adds what 1,091 recent commercial and multifamily permits show about timing, permit types and project values.

12
Median days to issueapplication → issue: 1–35
Middle halfdays: 1,091
Commercial permitslast 90 days: $10K
Median declared value

Where to apply and look up permits in Cincinnati

Apply for a permitCincinnati permit application guide ↗www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/building-permit-forms-applications/permit-guide/submit-permit-application-other-required-documents/
Look up a permitCAGIS ezTrak permit search ↗cagis.hamilton-co.org/opal/ezTrakSearch.aspx?entcode=cinc
FeesOfficial fee schedule ↗www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/building-permit-forms-applications/permit-costs/
Open dataCincinnati building permit dataset ↗data.cincinnati-oh.gov/Thriving-Neighborhoods/Cincinnati-Building-Permits/uhjb-xac9

Permits are required for new buildings, additions and alterations, with separate permits for HVAC, plumbing, electrical and demolition. Small items such as same-size window replacement, reroofing (up to two layers) and gutters are generally exempt at 1-3 family homes.

Trade	Permits	Median days to issue	Median declared value
HVAC / Mechanical	244	4	$6.5K
Building	239	38	$70K
Plumbing	201	6	$4.5K
Fire protection	159	26	$10K
Elevator	64	7	$76K
Signs	38	33	$5K
Demolition	9	34	$40K

How to get a building permit in Cincinnati, Ohio

Where to apply and look up permits in Cincinnati

How to get a building permit in Cincinnati, Ohio

Where to apply and look up permits in Cincinnati

How long commercial permits take in Cincinnati, by trade

Most common commercial permit types

Commercial permits per month

Questions and answers