Building Department

Before You Build, Remodel or Open a Business

A building permit represents the City’s authorization to begin construction. Permits are required for demolition, repairs, and remodeling. Each permit has its own specific guidelines, which are stated on each application. Projects that have more detailed information on a separate document to answer common questions include residential swimming pools/hot tubs, residential re-roofing, residential wall inspections, and  demolition specifications.  For commercial signage you must know what the property is currently zoned as for verifying City Code regulations on signs. 

Permits may take up to five weeks for processing and approval after the correct drawings have been filed. For less involved projects, the review process takes considerably less time. An advanced permit may be issued upon request to authorize early construction starts when time is of a priority. 

Permit fees are specific to each case. The residential fee schedule and commercial fee schedule show the pricing on each type of project. Most common permits are:

  • Driveway
  • Fencing
  • Furnace & A/C
  • Roofing or Siding
  • Hot water tank or Plumbing
  • Sanitary Sewer Cleanout


Building Plan Review

Please submit digital plans for review. General instructions:

  • Plans must be submitted as a PDF or digital link.   
  • Drawings may be emailed or a link sent for download, depending on file size, to                                  building-department@whitehall-oh.us
  • Drawings will be reviewed and digitally stamped. The drawings or a link for download, depending on file size, will be emailed to the applicant.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to print the drawings and have them available at the job site for review by the inspector.

Working with a Contractor

All contractors working in Whitehall are required to have proper registration issued by the City of Whitehall. If you need to hire a contractor, we recommend you ask to see their  Whitehall registration when you receive their estimate or verify on our list of registered contractors that updates monthly. City of Whitehall code prohibits any contractor that does not have a City of Whitehall Registration to work within the City limits. It is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain the required permit(s) before they start work on your project. If you doubt whether a contractor is properly registered or if the required permits were obtained, please call the City Building Department at 614-237-8612 for verification. DO NOT make any final payment until the final inspection has been signed off on your permit. To register as a contractor with the City of Whitehall please note that a bond of surety in the amount of $25,000 and a certificate of liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 is required.

Scheduling & Requirements

To schedule an inspection call 614-237-8612.

Inspection calls received before 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) may be scheduled for the next business day (as availability allows), except for life safety and occupancy inspections, which require a 48-hour business day prior notice.

Certificate of Occupancy

Before you open a new business, you are required to complete an Occupancy Registration Application. You should verify the zoning is correct for your use before signing a lease. Call the Building Department at (614) 237-8612 to identify the zoning classification and the allowed uses. This will verify that the zoning for your business is allowed in the location you have chosen.

Once an occupancy permit application receives approval and invoice is paid, an occupancy inspection should be scheduled with our Building and Fire departments to make certain that the space is in compliance with current building and fire codes.