Introduction

Section 111.1 Ohio Building Code states that no building or structure, in whole or in part, shall be used or occupied until the building official has issued an approval in the form of a certificate of occupancy. This application is for an existing building without any alteration, addition, or change of occupancy. 

Application qualifications

Please be aware that an existing building with proposed change of occupancy, alterations, or addition, according to Ohio Building Code is not qualified for this application. This application process is designed for the following two conditions only: 

Existing Building Certificate Occupancy

• According to the Ohio Building Code Section 111.4, the owner of an existing building may request the issuance of a Certificate of Use and Occupancy. This application is for re-issuing a certificate of occupancy for an existing building that either the owner did not have a certificate of occupancy, lost the original certificate, or the building is undergoing an ownership change without any alteration, addition, or change of occupancy. 

Time-Limited Certificate of Occupancy

• According to Ohio Building Code Section 111.1.1.4, a time-limited Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a building or structure changed in part from one occupancy to another for a limited time period. The building official may stipulate any special conditions under which the building may be occupied for the specified time

Application form

• Apply online through DIC web portal. If you have not registered as a member in the web portal, you must complete the registration process first. Once you are registered, you can select "Existing structure COO" as the application type and  follow the screen instructions to apply for the certificate of occupancy and upload all required supporting documents (in .PDF format) in the attachment tab.
• Apply in paper format: To apply by mail you may contact our office for the DIC 3019 form by submitting request in the Contact us page.

Supporting documents required

All supporting documents listed below for each type of application are required. Any application submission with insufficient or incomplete documents will not be accepted and will delay the application process.  

For Existing Buildings:

1. Completed application for certificate of occupancy (DIC 3019 form)
2. Payment for application fees,
3. A most recent building fire safety inspection report by the local fire authority showing that there are no violations of law or orders pending in the building must be submitted with this application,
4. A written request from the owner of the building stating the use occupancy of the building as it has been known to the public for a minimum of 2 years and documents of proof such as copies of utility bills, insurance statements, business advertisement, business license, etc., with the name of business and building address.
5. A copy of the floor plans for the entire building showing all exits, room name and dimension of each room.
6. For a day care center in an existing building application, Include a floor plan drawn on a minimum 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper for each floor that indicates the following:
   • Room name and dimension of each room,
   • Number and age of children in each room
   • If there are dividers of any kind within the room, indicate type & height
   • Location & width of all exit doors w/ exit signs or indicated on the drawings.
   • If any classrooms have doors directly to the outside, indicate whether there are steps or ramp outside of the exit doors
   • Show location & number of toilet fixtures.

For Limited Occupancy:

1. Completed application for certificate of occupancy (DIC 3019),
2. Payment for application fees,
3. A most recent building fire safety inspection report by the local fire authority showing that there are no violations of law or orders pending in the building must be submitted with this application,
4. A copy of the floor plans for the building showing all exits, room name and dimension of each room.

Inspections

• Once documentation has been reviewed and application has been processed, you will receive notification in the mail or e-mail or download the acceptance letter from web portal regarding the procedure to schedule the appropriate structural and electrical safety inspections. Allow up to 5 business days for the processing of the application. Additional questions may be directed to Building Code Compliance at 800/523-3581 or 614/644- 2622. Ohio Department of Commerce Application for certificate of occupancy
• If DIC structural inspectors determine that a plumbing inspection is required for the day care center requesting for certificate of occupancy, an additional plumbing inspection fee of $175.00 shall be paid for the plumbing inspection and plumbing inspection shall be completed prior to the issuance of the certificate of use and occupancy.
• Once ALL required inspections are completed, a certificate of use and occupancy will be issued and mailed to the owner. The certificate of occupancy can also be downloaded through web portal.