General Building Guidelines

Call Before You Dig

Call Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at (800) 362-2764 before you dig on your property to have your utility lines marked.

Property Survey

Some projects requiring permits need to be located certain distances from property lines. Please note that City of Whitehall does not have records of property lines. In many cases when a property is sold, there is a survey in the property paperwork. Whitehall does not have a survey crew or equipment, if you require a property survey you will need to hire a surveying company.  If a neighbor dispute over property lines occurs neither our Chief Building Official nor Code Enforcement is allowed to be involved as it is a civil matter.

Sheds & Accessory Buildings

Prior to placing a building on your property, a permit is required.  Buildings that are 200 square feet or less must be a minimum of 5 feet from the property line.  Larger buildings require foundation and building construction approvals.

Roofs, Gutters & Downspouts

With the spring thaw, this is your opportunity to inspect your house and garage roofs for damaged or missing shingles, as well as removing all debris from your gutters and downspouts. Any house and garage must have gutters and downspouts installed and in good working condition. Repairs to your gutters and downspouts do not require a permit. However, a permit is required if you tear off and replace your roof shingles.  If your roof has only one layer of shingles.

Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs

Any recreational pool of water that is 24" deep or deeper requires a permit, regardless of what type of pool or hot tub it is. No swimming pool or hot tub is allowed to be located in a front yard as per city code and must be a minimum of 10 feet from the property line. If electricity is necessary for the pool or hot tub a GFCI outlet is required and will be inspected upon project completion. 

Portable Storage Units

Portable storage units may not be placed upon any property in the City without first obtaining a permit through the Service Department.  Portable storage units are only permitted for seven consecutive days or 14 days within a 180-day period. Please call the City of Whitehall Public Service Department at 614-237-8612 for questions regarding the permit. The portable storage unit application can be filled out and emailed to the Building Department at building-department@whitehall-oh.us or applied for in person.

Storage Trailers

Construction sites  or retail can obtain storage trailer permits, allowing for additional storage of materials on site for a specific time period.

Canvas Structures Are Prohibited

Canvas structures may not be used for carports, sheds or living quarters. These structures do not conform to the Ohio Building Code and are not permitted to be installed in the City of Whitehall. Please call the Whitehall Building Department at 614-237-8612 for help and guidance. 

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Remember to perform a monthly test and change the batteries in your detectors when the time changes in the spring and fall. 

Weatherproofing Tips

Fall is a good time to start the process of winterizing your home.  Remember to remove leaves from your gutters. If left, rain can flow over the gutter and collect around a house’s foundation, causing damp spots inside. If the gutters are full of leaves, it may also cause an ice dam, which in turn may cause water infiltration into your roof and ceilings.