About Us

The Richland County Building Department enforces code requirements and regulates the construction of buildings and structures within the Department’s jurisdiction. We review and approve all plans and issue all permits required by the applicable, current codes for the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, and location to all commercial and residential buildings and structures. Our primary mission is to insure the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Richland County and the areas under our jurisdiction.

We are located in the Longview Building at 1495 West Longview Ave., Suite 202A, Mansfield, OH 44906.  We are just past the elevator when you come in the Main Entrance.  Our phone number is 419-774-5517.

Online Payments

You are now able to pay for permits/fees online. Please click the link below to process your payment online using a Credit Card or eCheck. ** A Service Fee will apply **

News and Announcements

The 2024 Ohio Building Code will be effective March 1, 2024 for Commercial / Non-Residential projects.   Any projects submitted prior to March 1 will remain under the 2017 Ohio Building Code for plan review and inspections.   More information can be found from the Ohio Board of Building Standards Memo here.

Code update and current code information for the Ohio Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes can be viewed at the Ohio Board of Building Standards webpage here.

Residential Code information can be found at the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio webpage here.

The Richland County Building Department offers inspections for all of our covered jurisdictions daily Monday - Friday. Please call at least one business day in advance to schedule your inspection.  Inspections can be scheduled up to 1 week in advance.

*Effective 07/01/2023, the Richland County Building Department will not be handling Building Permits or Complaints for Upper Sandusky.  Building Permits and Complaints can be sent to the Wyandot County Building Department*

New Commercial Building Plan Approval Fees Worksheet has been developed to assist in the fee calculation process for Commercial projects. The Worksheet must be included with a Commercial Application.

Quick Links:

• Commercial Application
• Commercial Permit Fees for Richland County
• Commercial Permit Fees for Crawford, Seneca, & Wyandot Counties
• Commercial Fees Worksheet
• Request for Certificate of Occupancy
• Partial Certificate of Occupancy Application
• Statement of Special Inspections
• Residential Application
• Residential Permit Fees

General Information:

• Smoke Alarms Save Lives and  Install.Inspect.Protect - these 2 documents and important information about smoke alarms in residential dwellings can be found on our Residential Project Page
• Please visit our Forms page for applications, guides, checklists, fee schedules, and a list of Zoning Inspectors.
• Please visit our Links page for links to codes, state agencies, other Counties, and other Permitting agencies.
• Counties covered for Commercial Permits: Richland (except the City of Mansfield) and Crawford Counties.
• Richland County only for Residential permits except the City of Mansfield and the Village of Bellville.
• Richland County Soil and Water Department handles Stormwater permitting for unincorporated areas of Richland County and the Village of Lexington only. Richland Soil and Water Conservation District.
• Applications are taken from 8 am-3:30 pm Monday through Friday.
• 24 hours advance notice is required for all inspections. Foundation inspections may be scheduled the day of until 8:30 am if the inspection schedule permits.
• Inspectors are available for code related questions from 8-8:30 am and 3:30-4 pm.