Before starting any construction project in Wood County, Ohio whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, remodelling your basement, or installing electrical or plumbing systems you must get a building permit. A building permit makes sure your project follows the Ohio Building Code, local zoning rules, and safety standards.
The Wood County Building Inspection Office reviews your project plans, checks zoning approval, and inspects your work during construction. This process protects homeowners, property buyers, and the community by ensuring that all buildings are safe, durable, and built correctly.
Who issues building permits in Wood County?
Building permits in Wood County are issued by Wood County Building Inspection (office located at One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green, OH). They process residential, commercial, and trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). For zoning questions you may also need your local township/municipality zoning office before applying.
Step-by-step
1. Confirm whether a permit is required
Minor repairs may be exempt, but new construction, additions, structural changes, most electrical/plumbing/H VAC work, and new accessory buildings almost always require permits. When in doubt, contact Wood County Building Inspection.
2. Check zoning first (important)
Before applying for a building permit, obtain any required zoning permit from your local zoning authority (township or municipality). Many permit applications require a zoning permit number or zoning approval before Building Inspection will accept your application.
3. Select the correct permit type
Residential building permit houses, garages, additions (two sets of drawings required).
Commercial building permit commercial/industrial projects (typically three sets of drawings; sealed structural drawings may be required).
Trade permits electrical, plumbing, mechanical each use separate application forms.
Use the county’s published forms for each permit type.
4. Prepare plans & document
Residential: two sets of scaled drawings showing foundation, framing, elevations, floor plans and structural details.
Commercial: more extensive construction drawings; structural drawings often must be stamped by an Ohio-licensed engineer or architect.
Trade work: scope of work, load calculations or plumbing diagrams as applicable.
Make sure drawings meet the current Ohio Building Code and local checklist requirements incomplete plans delay review.
5. Complete official application forms
Download and complete the appropriate PDF application (residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) from the Wood County Building Inspection website. Applications can typically be filled, printed, and submitted in person, by mail, or through the county’s online/contractor portal (if available).
6. Submit application + pay fees
Submit the application, required drawing sets, and permit fees to the Building Inspection office. Fees vary by permit type and project size the county posts fee schedules on the official site. Starting work before a permit is issued can result in doubled fees or penalties.
7. Plan review & corrections
The county reviews submitted plans for code compliance. If corrections or additional information are required you will be notified respond promptly and resubmit revised documents to avoid delays. Once approved, the plans are stamped and the permit is issued. One set is retained by the county; another must be kept on the job site.
8. Inspections & final approval
After the permit is issued, schedule required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final, etc.). Work must remain accessible for inspectors. After passing all inspections, the county issues final approval and, when applicable, a certificate of occupancy.
Wood County provides PDF application forms for:
- Residential Building Permit (RB).
- Commercial Building Permit (CB).
- Electrical Permit.
- Plumbing Permit.
- Mechanical Permit.
Fees, timelines & penalties
Fees depend on project type, valuation, and square footage; consult the county fee schedule or contact the office for exact pricing.
Plan review and permit issuance times vary with workload and completeness of submission incomplete applications will slow the process.
Starting work without a permit can result in fines and higher fees; always wait for the permit to be issued.
Checklist before you apply (print and use)
☐ Zoning permit/approval from local zoning authority.
☐ Completed building permit application (correct form).
☐ Required number of plan sets (2 for residential; 3 for many commercial).
☐ Sealed structural drawings if required (commercial).
☐ Trade permit applications for electrical/plumbing/mechanical if included.
☐ Permit fees (check fee schedule).
☐ Property owner/contractor contact details and contractor license numbers (if applicable).
☐ Septic/well or utility approvals (if applicable).
Official contacts & where to get forms
Phone: (419) 354-9190 Email: buildinginspection@woodcountyohio.gov. Official forms and guidance are on the Wood County Building Inspection website. For general county info (auditor, mapping, tax parcel data) visit the Wood County government site.
Tips
- Always get zoning approval first it prevents delays.
- Submit complete, clear plans.
- Use licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
- Never start work before receiving the permit.
Conclusion
Applying for a building permit in Wood County is straightforward when you follow the official steps: check zoning first, select the correct permit, prepare complete plans, use the county’s official forms, submit with fees, and pass the required inspections. Following the checklist and communicating clearly with Building Inspection will minimise delays and help your project move smoothly to completion.
