Five Things to Know About Getting a Building Permit in Brecksville

Whether you’re a new home owner or you’ve lived in the same place for many years, making improvements to your home are just part of the joy – or pain – of homeownership. But some changes to your home will require a building permit before you get started. Here are five things to know about getting a building permit in Brecksville.

When do you need a building permit?

According the building department, you need a building permit for most projects that aren’t considered general maintenance to your home. Projects requiring a permit include additions, concrete work, roofs, windows and doors, siding, interior alterations, retaining walls, decks, garages, sheds, fences, swimming pools, hot water tanks, furnaces, air conditioning, landscaping, lawn irrigation and any installation of new electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems.

“The best advice I can give is to call us first,” said building commissioner Scott Packard. “We can go over the whole process and answer a lot of questions up front.”

If you’re using a contractor for all or part of your project, they should obtain the permit, but you will need to ensure your selected contractor is registered in Brecksville. Visit the city’s website for a list of registered contractors.

Most exterior projects require a 10-day waiting period from the date of permit application before work can start. During the waiting period, homeowners must display a permit application in their yard within 25 yards of the street to inform neighbors of the work.

Where do you go to apply for a permit?

You need to apply for most permits in person at the building department in the lower level of at 9069 Brecksville Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can, however, mail in a permit for the following projects:

• Air conditioning
• Electrical
• Furnace replacement
• Hot water tank replacement
• Siding
• Roof
• Exterior or interior waterproofing
• Windows, glass block and/or doors 

What should you bring when applying for a permit?

When applying for a permit, you’ll need a completed permit application (download one from the city’s website to save time) and plans for the project, which may include drawings. The Building Department provides a number of valuable resources for various projects about the application process.

How much does a permit cost?

The cost of the permit varies by project and is generally less than 1 percent of the project costs. Fees start at $30.30 and increase based on the complexity of your project.

What about inspections?

Building permit fees help to pay for inspections that are required for all projects. The total number of inspections will vary by project type.

Generally, inspections are required at the following benchmarks:

• Before covering or concealing work
• Installation of footing drains, building drains and building sewers
• Completion of foundation and waterproofing
• During framing of the superstructure
• The completion of roughing in the plumbing, electrical wiring, gas piping, heating ducts or piping or other similar service installations
• Before closing in all structural elements
• Upon final completion of the structure

To schedule an inspection, contact the building department at (440) 526-2630 24 hours in advance.

To determine the permits required for your project or if you need any additional assistance, contact the Brecksville Building Department at (440) 526-2630 or visit them in the lower level of City Hall between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.