Columbus building permits & contractor rules
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☆ Add Columbus to favorites| Permit office | Columbus Building & Zoning Services (BZS) |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 North Front Street, 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 9:00 am–4:00 pm; closed city holidays |
| Phone | (614) 645-7433 |
| Online permits | Citizens Access Portal (via BZS home page) |
| Our data source | City of Columbus Open Data: Building Permits (Building & Zoning Services) |
Contractor licensing
- City (Code Ch. 4114): all contractors need the appropriate BZS license or registration before applying for permits. General contractors cover new buildings and commercial/multifamily work; work on existing 1–3 family homes needs a Home Improvement Contractor license (Ohio 767 exam, board approval). (source)
- State: electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, hydronics and plumbing contractors must first be licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). (source)
Bonding & insurance
- General contractors: $25,000 bond (City form) and a liability insurance certificate naming BZS as certificate holder, from an insurer licensed in Ohio. (source)
Last checked Oct 2026. Lead count generated Oct 14, 2026 18:40 UTC from our live database. This page is for information only and is not legal advice. Requirements change: always verify with the city and state agencies linked here before bidding or starting work.