FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Permit and related costs can be found on the Building Department Fee Schedule.

If you received a door hanger from the Building Department, there should be a box checked indicating why the hanger was left. Below is a summary of guidelines for our most frequent reasons for leaving a door hanger. You can use these links to view our Zoning Code or our Property Maintenance Code in their entirety. 

• Derelict Vehicle(s), 153.252(8)- Vehicles that are sitting outside, must be licensed and roadworthy.
• Improperly Parked Vehicle(s), 153.302 - Vehicles must be parked on an approved surface. Generally, an approved surface will be concrete or asphalt. Under no circumstance can a motor vehicle be parked on the grass.
• Driveway in Disrepair, 155.058 - Your driveway is in some state of disrepair that may require maintenance or replacement.
• Trash Can Storage, 155.0592 - If stored outside, trash cans must be stored in a side or rear yard. If stored in your side yard, the cans must be screened from the street.
• Abandoned Appliance(s), 155.0598 - Appliance may not be stored on the exterior of your home. If you need to dispose of an appliance, you can contact Rumpke at (800) 828-8171 and schedule a pickup. Doors should be removed from the appliance, any refrigerant should be properly evacuated from the appliance, and it should not be set outdoors until your scheduled pickup date/time.
• Litter on Property, 155.066 - Garbage, derelict equipment, waste (including yard waste), or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature is prohibited from being left on your property.
• Grass/Weeds, 155.060 - Vegetation should never grow taller than 10" or mature to the point of seeding. Exceptions to this rule include trees, shrubs, and garden-variety flowers.

There may be other reasons a door hanger was left at your property. If you have any questions about the door hanger, please do not hesitate to call our office at (513) 346-5730.

For all buildings other than 1,2, & 3 family dwellings and individual condominium units permits are required for the following work:

1. New Buildings
2. Building Additions
3. Interior Alterations
4. HVAC Units New and replacement
5. HVAC Ductwork
6. Electrical Work
7. Reroofing
8. Fire Sprinklers
9. Fire Alarms
10. Kitchen Exhaust Systems
11. Fire Suppression Systems
12. Signs
13. Tents
14. Awnings
15. Demolition
16. Fences
17. Accessory Structures
18. Swimming Pools, Hot tubs and Spas
19. Gas Piping Installations
20. Structural Repairs
21. Water Heater Replacement
22. Storm Sewers
23. Retaining Walls
24. Hydronic and Refrigeration Piping
25. Driveways

The above list is not all inclusive. When you question if a permit is needed, your best bet is to call the Springdale Building Department at 513-346-5730.

The Department has simplified the application process to ONE Application for the entire construction project and most general requests.  With the exception of accessory applications (for fire protection systems, signs, etc.), the ONE General Application for Permit will consist of all applicable disciplines of work incorporated into ONE set of construction documents.  At the completion of plan review process, this complete set of Construction Documents will be reviewed and returned as an Approved Set of Construction Documents.

Separate plumbing permits are required for new and extended water supply, waste and vent piping and replacement water heaters. Plumbing permits are issued by the Hamilton County General Health District, Plumbing Department 513-946-7800.

For 1, 2 & 3 family dwellings and individual condominium units,  permits are required for the following work:

• New Dwellings
• Building Additions
• Patio Enclosures*
• Interior Remodeling*
• Reroofing*
• Fences*
• Covered Porches*
• Basement Finish*
• Central Air Cond. or Heat Pump* (New or Replacement)
• Accessory Structures*(sheds, utility bldgs., gazebos, pergolas, etc.)
• Swimming Pools, Hot tubs and Spas*
• Window Replacement* (Only if the opening is enlarged)
• HVAC (New Residences)
• Furnace Replacement*
• Gas Piping Installations*
• Structural Repairs*
• Decks*
• Water Heater Replacement
• Fireplaces and Woodstoves*

* These improvements require a permit; however, there is no fee provided a permit is obtained before starting work. If work is started without a permit, a penalty fee will be assessed.

The above list is not all inclusive. When you question if a permit is needed, your best bet is to call the Springdale Building Department at 513-346-5730.

Building Department Fee Schedule

• Fee Schedule

Separate plumbing permits are required for new and extended water supply, waste and vent piping and replacement water heaters. Plumbing permits are issued by the Hamilton County General Health District, Plumbing Department 513-946-7800.

• 1, 2, and 3 Family Properties and Individual Condominium Units
• All Oth

Building permits provide a means for the code official to protect the public from unsafe and unsanitary conditions resulting from substandard construction. Not only does this maintain the value of your properties, but also all others within the community.

Building codes contain minimum standards of construction which have been developed over many years. Each requirement exists to prevent unsafe, unsanitary or deteriorating conditions in buildings.

In short, the Building Department exists as a service to owners and occupants in the City.

The following are some interesting links, which pertain to the building and construction field:

1. HAMILTON COUNTY PROPERTY SEARCH (Hamilton County Auditor)
2. HAMILTON COUNTY ON-LINE MAPPING
3. OHIO BUILDING CODES (Ohio Board of Building Standards)
4. OHIO FIRE CODE (Ohio Fire Marshal's Office)
5. SOUTHWEST OHIO BUILDING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
6. OHIO BUILDING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
7. INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL
8. NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
9. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
10. UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
11. GYPSUM ASSOCIATION
12. AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE
13. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION
14. AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
15. PORTLAND CEMENT ASSOCIATION
16. NORTH AMERICAN INSULATION MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION