Clear Zoning, Septic, Stormwater and Site Approvals Before Uploading a Medina County Building Permit
Medina County applications are digital, but a building permit is not approved by one department alone. The project may first need township or village zoning, a valid address, septic approval, water or sewer authorization, flood review, driveway approval and stormwater or sediment-control documents.
This guide explains the PCS application and upload process, the three-file starting package, 2026 permit fees, homeowner and contractor rules, the 3:00 PM inspection cutoff, online RoadMap tracking and the final approvals required before occupancy.
Choose the Medina County Permit Task You Need
Medina County Building Department Phone, Address and Hours
Confirm Which Building Department Controls the Address
Medina County commonly serves
- Most unincorporated townships in Medina County.
- Several villages, including Chippewa Lake, Gloria Glens, Lodi, Seville, Spencer and Westfield Center.
- Wadsworth City building projects under the county’s current inspection and permit arrangement.
- Residential and commercial work shown in the county jurisdiction lookup.
Do not confuse these jurisdictions
- City of Medina has its own Building Department.
- Medina Township uses county building review but township zoning.
- City of Brunswick has its own Building Department.
- A Medina mailing address does not prove the property is inside the City of Medina.
Address situation |
First check |
Likely next office |
|---|---|---|
Property in Medina Township |
Tax Map and Medina Township zoning |
Medina County Building Department |
Property inside City of Medina |
City boundary and parcel record |
|
Property inside City of Brunswick |
City boundary and parcel record |
|
Property in a township or village |
County Tax Map and local zoning contact |
County Building plus township or village zoning |
Address not assigned or does not match |
Tax Map Office |
Obtain a valid assigned address before permit processing |
Match the Project to the Correct County Permit Route
Project |
County application |
Separate approval to check |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home or modular home |
Residential Building |
Address, zoning, septic or sewer/water, stormwater, flood, driveway, energy, electrical, HVAC and plumbing |
Attached addition or porch |
Residential Addition |
Zoning, site plot, septic impact, energy, structural plans and trades |
Deck attached to house |
Residential Deck |
Zoning, site plot, footings, framing, stairs, guards and electrical when included |
Detached garage, pole building or shed |
Accessory Building |
Zoning, site plot, setbacks, easements, driveway, stormwater and electrical/HVAC |
Basement, kitchen or structural remodel |
Remodel / Alteration |
Electrical, HVAC and Health Department plumbing permits |
Pool, hot tub or spa |
Building + Electrical |
Zoning, barrier, septic location, Health plumbing and licensed pool wiring |
Generator |
Electrical + Mechanical |
Fuel-gas piping, utility coordination, setbacks and equipment clearances |
Furnace, air conditioner or HVAC replacement |
Mechanical |
OCILB license or qualifying owner affidavit; electrical permit when wiring changes |
Electrical service, solar or wind system |
Electrical |
OCILB license, utility confirmation and structural building review when applicable |
Commercial alteration or new building |
Commercial Building |
Zoning, occupancy, accessibility, electrical, HVAC, Health plumbing, Fire and site-development approvals |
Fire sprinkler, suppression or alarm system |
Fire Protection |
Company license with every submission beginning March 1, 2026 |
Change of business or occupancy |
Change of Occupancy |
Zoning use, Building, Electrical, Fire, Health and certificate approvals |
Submit a Medina County Permit in the Correct Order
Confirm county jurisdiction
Use the county Tax Map, Auditor record and local zoning office to confirm the legal address, parcel and reviewing Building Department.
Obtain local zoning guidance
Confirm whether the structure, use, setbacks, height, lot coverage and number of accessory buildings comply with township, village or city zoning.
Identify Health, Sanitary and Highway approvals
Check septic, plumbing, water, sewer, flood, driveway, ditch, stormwater and sediment-control requirements.
Download the current application
Use the current residential, commercial, electrical or mechanical form from the county PCS page.
Complete every required field
Enter the address, township or village, parcel, water source, sewer type, owner, contractor, project manager, plan preparer, value, project type and project square footage.
Prepare the three-file starting package
County instructions identify the application, drawings or plans and site plot as the three documents needed to start review.
building-application.pdf, plans.pdf and siteplot.pdf.Upload each approval under its matching category
Use separate document types for zoning, septic, water, sewer, driveway, stormwater, address slip, energy compliance and other supporting documents.
Wait for the plan-review payment email
The county reviews the submission and emails the correct plan-review amount with payment instructions.
Track comments and upload corrections
Use the project-status and RoadMap links sent by the department. Upload corrections as “Revised Plans.”
Pay final permit charges and wait for issuance
No permit, amendment or approval is issued until required fees are paid and prerequisite approvals are complete.
Format the Files So the County Can Route Them Correctly
Required file organization
- PDF documents only
- One complete plans PDF
- Application uploaded separately
- Site plot uploaded separately
- Zoning uploaded separately
- Septic approval uploaded separately
- Energy document uploaded separately
- Revisions labeled as Revised Plans
Portal behavior to remember
- Only one PDF is accepted for each selected document type.
- All plan pages belong inside one
plans.pdffile. - Do not combine the application, plans, site plot and approvals into one PDF.
- JavaScript must be enabled for the upload form.
- A successful upload produces an email confirmation.
- Use “Continue” to add another document to the same project.
Document |
Select this upload type |
Useful file name |
|---|---|---|
Residential or commercial application |
Building Application |
building-application.pdf |
Complete construction drawings |
Plans |
plans.pdf |
Property and project-location drawing |
Plot/Site Plans |
siteplot.pdf |
Township, village or city approval |
Zoning |
zoning-approval.pdf |
Health Department septic approval |
Septic |
septic-approval.pdf |
Stormwater or sediment-control approval |
Stormwater |
stormwater-permit.pdf |
Driveway or right-of-way permit |
Driveway |
driveway-permit.pdf |
Corrected drawing set |
Revised Plans |
revised-plans.pdf |
Owner-requested design change |
Alteration |
owner-revision.pdf |
Residential energy report |
Energy Compliance |
energy-compliance.pdf |
Complete the Outside Approvals Before the New-Home Building Permit
Record the lot and verify the parcel
New parcels must be properly recorded, and the address must be assigned or registered through the Tax Map process.
Determine the wastewater and water route
Arrange a Health Department site evaluation for a household sewage-treatment system, or obtain the correct public sewer and water approvals.
Handle stormwater, flood and driveway work
The county’s new-home guide identifies Highway Engineering review for stormwater, sediment control, flood-zone requirements and driveway or culvert work.
Obtain zoning approval
Take the site information and outside permits to the applicable township or village zoning official.
Prepare energy compliance
New homes, residential additions and major renovations require the county’s energy-compliance documentation.
Submit the building permit
Upload the current application, one complete plans PDF, site plot and each approval under its own document category.
Apply for electrical, HVAC and plumbing after building issuance
County instructions say the electrical and HVAC applications follow the building permit. Plumbing and septic permits are handled by the Medina County Health District.
Pass every final before occupancy
Final occupancy requires completed Building, Electrical, HVAC, water, septic and plumbing inspections when those systems apply.
What to Prepare for Common Medina County Projects
Project |
Prepare before uploading |
Frequent delay |
|---|---|---|
New home |
Application, complete house plans, site plot, address slip, zoning, septic or sanitary approvals, driveway, stormwater, flood and energy documents |
Applicant uploads house plans before clearing the lot, address, septic or zoning route |
Attached addition |
Existing/proposed floor plans, elevations, foundation, framing, energy documents, site plot, zoning and septic approval |
Addition location conflicts with setbacks or the septic replacement area |
Deck |
Site plot, dimensions, setbacks, footings, beams, joists, ledger, stairs, guards and connection details |
Plans omit footing size, lateral attachment or property-line location |
Accessory building |
Site plot, zoning approval, dimensions, use, foundation, framing, elevations, electrical/HVAC and driveway information |
Detached structure is shown as part of another application or violates local zoning |
Residential remodel |
Existing/proposed plans, affected square footage, structural changes, electrical, HVAC and Health plumbing scope |
Application uses total house area instead of the actual project area |
Pool |
Site plot, zoning, pool/barrier plans, electrical details, septic-system location, Health plumbing information and equipment |
Pool or wiring conflicts with septic components, easements or required barrier placement |
Generator |
Electrical and mechanical applications, site location, gas-piping information, equipment specifications and utility details |
Applicant obtains only one trade permit for a project containing electrical and fuel-gas work |
Commercial alteration |
Current commercial application, code summary, occupancy, construction type, accessibility, egress, Fire, electrical, HVAC, Health plumbing and zoning |
Business use or occupancy changes without a change-of-occupancy review |
Fire sprinkler or alarm |
Current application, complete system plans, hydraulic or design information and company license |
Company license is omitted from a post-March 1, 2026 submission |
Know Which Office Issues Each Approval
Local zoning
Controls use, setbacks, lot coverage, height and structure placement.
Health District
Handles plumbing, septic, wells, cisterns and certain drinking-water systems.
Sanitary Engineering
Handles county water, sanitary sewer, construction connections and system repairs.
Highway Engineering
Handles driveway, ditch, road-work, flood, stormwater and sediment-control requirements.
Auditor
Provides property search information, but the permit application requires the legal owner of record and valid parcel documentation.
County Registration Ended, but State Licensing Still Matters
Contractor applications
- Medina County no longer registers contractors locally.
- Electrical and HVAC contractors must provide their current OCILB license.
- Mechanical, hydronic and refrigeration contractors must be state licensed.
- Upload the license through the county license-upload page when requested.
- Sprinkler and alarm contractors must include a company license with each submission beginning March 1, 2026.
Owner-occupant exemption
- The applicant must own and occupy the single-family dwelling.
- The owner must personally perform the permitted electrical or HVAC work.
- A witnessed or notarized homeowner affidavit is required.
- Rental and investment properties do not qualify.
- The exemption does not authorize the owner to hire an unlicensed person.
Calculate the County Fee Before Adding Trade and Outside-Agency Charges
Residential fee add-ons
- Residential permits have an additional 1% state fee.
- A $10 technology fee is added to plan-review and permit fees.
- New-dwelling plan review: $65.55 total.
- Residential sprinkler plan review: $105.95 total.
- Other residential plan review: $40.30 total.
Commercial fee add-ons
- Commercial permits have an additional 3% state fee.
- A $10 technology fee applies to plan-review and permit fees.
- Commercial plan review is based on area and occupancy group.
- Commercial plan-review amounts in the schedule already include state and technology fees.
- Actual plan-review cost can be charged when it exceeds the scheduled amount.
Permit or service |
2026 base calculation |
Additional charge |
|---|---|---|
Residential building: new, addition or alteration |
$80 base |
$0.11 per sq. ft. + 1% state fee + $10 technology |
Residential electrical: new, addition or alteration |
$80 base |
$0.09 per sq. ft. + state and technology fees |
Residential mechanical: new, addition or alteration |
$80 base |
$0.06 per sq. ft. + state and technology fees |
Residential generator, service or fuel-gas system |
$80 base |
$19.50 for each additional unit where listed |
Residential in-ground pool electrical permit |
$125 |
Building, zoning and Health charges are separate |
Residential above-ground pool or hot tub electrical permit |
$80 |
Other permits and barrier requirements remain separate |
Commercial building: new, addition or alteration |
$180 base |
$0.13 per sq. ft. + 3% state fee + $10 technology |
Commercial electrical |
$180 base |
$0.10 per sq. ft. + applicable add-ons |
Commercial mechanical |
$180 base |
$0.06 per sq. ft. + applicable add-ons |
Commercial sprinkler system |
$180 base |
$0.03 per sq. ft. |
Commercial fire alarm system |
$180 base |
$0.02 per sq. ft. |
Reinspection |
$50 |
Applicable state fee may be added |
Specialty inspection |
$90 |
Based on up to one cumulative inspector hour, plus applicable fees |
After-hours specialty inspection |
$300 |
Applicable state fee |
Temporary or time-limited Certificate of Occupancy |
$180 |
For existing permits; approval is not automatic |
Permit transfer |
$75 |
No technology or state fee listed |
Worked residential example
A 1,500-square-foot residential addition:
$80 + (1,500 × $0.11) = $245 base permit $245 + $2.45 state fee + $10 technology = $257.45Add the $40.30 “all other” residential plan-review fee for an estimated county Building total of $297.75 before electrical, HVAC, plumbing, zoning, septic, driveway or stormwater charges.
Worked commercial example
A 5,000-square-foot business alteration:
$180 + (5,000 × $0.13) = $830 base permit $830 + $24.90 state fee + $10 technology = $864.90The 2,001–6,000 sq. ft. business plan-review category is listed at $422, producing an estimated Building and plan-review subtotal of $1,286.90 before trades, Fire and outside approvals.
Request Inspections by 3:00 PM and Be Ready for the Entire Day
Scheduling deadline
Request the inspection no later than 3:00 PM on the business day before the desired inspection.
Accepted methods
Use the online inspection portal or call 330-722-9220.
Do not email individual inspectors.
Arrival information
The inspector builds the route on inspection morning. RoadMap ETAs are generally available around 8:00 AM.
Common stage |
What should be ready |
Do not do this first |
|---|---|---|
Footing |
Excavation, dimensions, forms and reinforcement visible |
Pour concrete before approval |
Foundation |
Foundation work complete and visible with required site-location information |
Backfill before approval |
Underground electrical or mechanical |
Conduit, wiring, gas piping or underground systems exposed and tested |
Cover trenches or pour slabs |
Rough Building |
Framing, structural connections and approved plans onsite |
Install insulation or wall finishes |
Rough Electrical / HVAC |
Complete trade work visible under the correct permit |
Conceal or energize regulated work prematurely |
Insulation / energy |
Rough approvals complete and insulation or air-sealing details visible |
Install drywall before required inspection |
Building final |
All approved work complete and earlier corrections resolved |
Request final while trade or Health finals remain open |
New-home occupancy |
Building, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, septic and water finals passed as applicable |
Move in before final occupancy approval |
Before scheduling
- Permit is issued and active
- Correct inspection type selected
- Work complete for that stage
- Work remains visible
- Approved plans available
- Safe access provided
Inspection-result codes
- P: Passed
- P W/C: Passed with comments
- F: Failed
- C: Cancelled
- S: Scheduled
- A: Assessment
- UI: Unable to inspect
- PV: Pending verification
Protect the Approval From Expiration or Long Construction Delays
Current extension fee triggers
- Construction not started within 12 months of plan approval: $100 extension fee.
- Construction delayed or suspended for six months: $100 extension fee.
- A new plan-review fee can apply when the original approval expires or the approved plans are abandoned.
- Extension approval is not automatic.
Keep the project active
- Track plan and permit dates in RoadMap.
- Schedule required inspections as work progresses.
- Do not change approved plans without submitting the revision.
- Contact the county before the inactivity deadline.
- Do not restart expired work without written direction.
Search the Permit, Review Status and Inspection History
Search by address
Enter the building number and a useful portion of the street name. The search instructions recommend using consecutive letters when a full road name does not return a result.
Search by project type or township
Use the residential or commercial filter, project type, permit type, date range and township fields.
Search by contractor
This can help locate work when the owner does not know the permit number or when reviewing a contractor’s county project history.
Use the RoadMap link
The RoadMap sent by email acts as the online folder for the permit, inspections and results.
Check separate permits
Search Building, Electrical and HVAC records separately, then confirm Health plumbing, septic and Sanitary water or sewer approvals.
Verify every failed inspection was corrected
A later passing result should follow each failed or unable-to-inspect entry before closeout.
Confirm final occupancy
For a new home or occupied commercial space, confirm that all county and outside-agency finals were accepted and the correct Certificate of Occupancy was issued.
Fix Common Medina County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Application cannot be processed |
Missing field, invalid address, wrong owner, no project value or no parcel information |
Complete every field and verify the legal address through Tax Maps |
Upload is delayed |
All documents were combined or plans were uploaded as many individual pages |
Upload one plans PDF and separate application, site plot and approvals |
Completed PDF appears blank |
Chrome saved the unfilled version of the form |
Download first and complete in a compatible PDF reader, or print to PDF |
Building permit is waiting on zoning |
County Building cannot approve local setbacks, use or site placement |
Contact the township, village or city zoning inspector |
Septic property remains on hold |
Health Department site-plan approval is missing |
Obtain and upload the Health approval under the Septic document type |
Payment link was not received |
Submission is incomplete, email is wrong or the review fee has not been calculated |
Check upload confirmations and contact the Plans & Process Coordinator |
Electrical or HVAC permit rejected |
OCILB license or qualifying homeowner affidavit is missing |
Upload the current state license or execute the owner-occupant affidavit |
Next-day inspection is unavailable |
Request was made after 3:00 PM or the permit is not ready |
Choose the next available business day and verify permit status |
Inspector could not complete visit |
No access, unsafe site, incomplete work or missing approved plans |
Correct the readiness issue before scheduling reinspection |
Final occupancy is blocked |
Building, Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, septic, water or reinspection fees remain open |
Request a department-by-department final-status check |
What to Say When You Contact Medina County
“I am planning [exact project] at [full address and parcel]. Can you confirm whether Medina County handles the building permit and which township, village or city handles zoning?”
“I uploaded the application, plans and site plot for [address] using [email]. Can you confirm whether zoning, septic, stormwater, driveway, energy or another document still prevents review?”
“I need the [Building/HVAC/Electrical inspection type] for permit [number] at [address]. The work is complete, exposed and safely accessible, and the approved plans are onsite.”
“The permit at [address] does not appear final. Which inspection, outside approval, fee or Certificate of Occupancy requirement remains?”
Do Not Consider the Medina County Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- County jurisdiction confirmed
- Legal address and parcel verified
- Local zoning route confirmed
- Septic or sewer/water route checked
- Flood, driveway and stormwater reviewed
- Current application used
- All fields completed
- One complete plans PDF prepared
- Site plot uploaded separately
- Every outside approval uploaded separately
- Energy compliance included when required
- OCILB license or affidavit provided
- Plan-review payment notice received
- Corrections uploaded as Revised Plans
- Permit formally issued before work
- Inspections requested by 3:00 PM
- Approved plans kept onsite
- Work kept visible until inspection
- All county and Health finals passed
- Certificate and closed records saved
Medina County Building Department Location
Phone: 330-722-9220.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. No permits are issued after 4:00 PM.
Open the Correct Medina County Portal, Form or Approval Page
Medina County Building Permit FAQs
Where do I apply for a Medina County building permit?
Use the official Medina County PCS Permit Center. Download the current application, prepare the plans and site plot, and upload each PDF under the correct document type. The county emails the plan-review fee after checking the submission.
What is the Medina County Building Department phone number?
Call 330-722-9220. The Permit Center is at 791 W. Smith Road, Medina, Ohio 44256. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is the Medina County Building Department the same as the City of Medina Building Department?
No. The City of Medina has its own Building Department. Medina Township and many other townships and villages use Medina County Building review while retaining their own zoning authority. Confirm jurisdiction through Tax Maps before applying.
What three documents are needed to start county plan review?
The county’s PCS instructions identify the completed application, drawings or plans and a site plot as the three starting documents. Upload all plan pages as one plans PDF, but keep the application and site plot separate.
Is septic approval required before a Medina County building permit?
Yes, when the property is served by a septic system. Every building project on a septic-served property must provide a site plan and an approval document from the Medina County Health Department before the building permit can be issued.
What is the cutoff for a next-day Medina County inspection?
Request the inspection no later than 3:00 PM on the business day before the desired inspection date. Requests made after the cutoff are not eligible for next-business-day scheduling.
Can I request a morning or afternoon inspection?
No. The county’s online inspection guide says AM and PM requests are no longer accepted. Be ready for the full inspection day and use the RoadMap link around 8:00 AM for the inspector’s estimated route time.
Does Medina County register building contractors?
The county no longer registers contractors. Electrical and HVAC contractors must still provide a current Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board license. Sprinkler and alarm companies must include their company license with every applicable submission beginning March 1, 2026.
Can a Medina County homeowner obtain an electrical or HVAC permit?
A qualifying owner and occupant of a single-family dwelling may personally perform certain work after completing a witnessed or notarized homeowner affidavit. Rentals and investment properties do not qualify, and the exemption cannot be used to hire an unlicensed contractor.
How do I prove a Medina County permit is closed?
Search the permit and RoadMap inspection history, confirm that every failed inspection has a later passing result, and verify all required Building, Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, septic and water finals. For occupied projects, save the issued Certificate of Occupancy when required.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Medina County, Ohio.
This page was rebuilt using the Medina County Building Department, PCS application and upload pages, public permit search, inspection scheduler, current contact directory, 2026 Building Regulations, 2026 fee schedule, residential and trade applications, New Home Builder Guide, Energy Compliance Guide, septic-approval notice, Health Department, Sanitary Engineer, Highway Engineer, Tax Maps and zoning-contact directory.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Applications, fees, staff, jurisdiction agreements, state codes and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements with the Medina County Building Department and the applicable local zoning or outside agency before filing, paying or beginning construction.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.