Move From Zoning Check to Accela, ePlan and Final Inspection Without Using the Wrong Dublin System
Dublin uses different online tools for different permit stages. Accela starts the application, payment and inspection process. ProjectDox/ePlan handles electronic plan review after the application is accepted. Planning handles many fences, patios, sheds, driveways and signs through a Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval.
This guide shows homeowners, contractors and business owners exactly where to begin, what documents to prepare, which trade inspections are handled outside the city and how to prove the permit is finally closed.
Choose the Dublin Building Department Task You Need
Dublin Building Standards Phone Numbers, Address and Hours
Which Dublin Online System Should You Use?
System or office |
Use it for |
What happens next |
|---|---|---|
Accela Citizen Access |
Create applications, pay fees, register contractors, search permits, schedule Dublin building inspections and initiate revisions |
Save the record number and monitor email and portal status |
ProjectDox / ePlan |
Upload drawings, receive review comments, submit corrected sheets and download approved plans |
Enter through the automated invitation after Accela accepts the application |
Planning / CZPA |
Fences, patios, small accessory structures, driveway changes, temporary signs and zoning plan approval |
Apply in Accela under Planning → Administrative Applications |
Building Permit Search |
Permit status, record details and inspection history |
Enter only the Record/Permit Number when possible |
JustFOIA |
Formal requests for records not available through permit search |
Describe the property, date range and exact records requested |
Franklin County Public Health |
Plumbing inspections |
Call 614-525-3160 between 7:00 and 8:30 AM |
Washington Township Fire |
Fire alarm rough, witness tests and sprinkler inspections |
Call 614-652-3920 before coordinating the related Dublin inspection |
Match the Project to the Correct Dublin Permit Route
Project |
Start with |
Extra review to check |
|---|---|---|
New one-, two- or three-family home |
Residential building permit |
Site, zoning, Engineering, electrical, HVAC, gas, plumbing, sewer/water and occupancy |
Residential addition or structural remodel |
Residential alteration/addition |
Zoning/site plan, ePlan, separate trades and residential fee schedule |
Basement finish |
Residential building permit |
Egress, smoke/CO alarms, electrical, HVAC and plumbing; site plan only if footprint or window well changes |
Attached deck of any size |
Deck building permit |
Site plan, setbacks, footing, framing, stairs, guards and final inspection |
Unattached deck over 200 square feet |
Deck building permit |
CZPA/site review, structural drawings and inspections |
Residential shed or accessory structure under 200 square feet |
CZPA first |
Building permit if attached; electrical, gas, HVAC or right-of-way permit when applicable |
Residential accessory structure 200 square feet or larger |
CZPA + building permit |
Scaled site plan, setbacks, materials, foundation and trade permits |
Fence, patio or driveway expansion |
Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval |
Building or right-of-way permits where the work triggers them |
Swimming pool or hot tub |
Pool building permit |
Pool barrier submitted with the pool permit, electrical, zoning and occupancy inspection |
Solar energy system |
Residential or commercial alteration permit |
ProjectDox plans, electrical permit, zoning and equipment specifications |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Commercial alteration permit |
Planning, Engineering, Washington Township Fire, accessibility, trade permits and occupancy |
Permanent sign |
Planning review + commercial sign permit |
Permanent signs are filed electronically through Dublin ePlan after zoning review |
Temporary sign |
Planning permit |
Location, dimensions, duration and applicable sign-code limits |
Apply Through Accela and ePlan in the Correct Order
Confirm zoning and project category
Identify whether the work needs a building permit, CZPA, sign review, Engineering permit, Planning approval or board review.
Create or sign into Accela Citizen Access
All Dublin planning and permit applications are processed online. Register with an email address you will continue monitoring throughout review and inspections.
Choose the correct record type
Building applications include residential, commercial, demolition, site and fire permits. Over-the-counter permit categories include electrical, plumbing, gas and HVAC.
Complete property, owner and contractor information
Use the exact project address and parcel information. Confirm that each contractor’s Dublin registration, insurance and state qualification certificate are active.
Submit the Accela application and save the record number
The record number is used to check status, pay fees, schedule inspections and identify the project in communications.
Wait for the ePlan invitation
Once the application is accepted, Dublin sends an automated ProjectDox/ePlan message so the applicant can create access and upload drawings.
Upload organized drawings and documents
Use readable sheets, consistent revision dates and clear file names. Make the application scope, site plan, construction drawings and trade work agree.
Answer review comments directly
Dublin’s Review Services team can include Building Standards, Planning, Engineering and Washington Township Fire. Correct every discipline’s comments before resubmitting.
Pay fees and confirm permit issuance
Approval is not the same as issuance. Construction may begin only after fees are paid and the permit is formally issued.
Use a CZPA for Small Site Projects Before Installation
Projects commonly routed through CZPA
- Residential fences
- At-grade patios
- Accessory structures under 200 square feet
- Driveway expansions or material changes
- Temporary signs
- Exterior HVAC equipment locations
What to submit
- Correct Accela Planning application
- Scaled site plan
- Property lines and setbacks
- Proposed dimensions
- Material specifications
- Online fee payment
Approximate review
5–7 business days after a complete submittal.
Spring and summer demand can affect processing.
Approval life
CZPA approvals are generally valid for one year.
Residential fence fee
The current administrative-permit page lists $150.
Nonresidential fence: $305.
Prepare the Plans Reviewers Actually Need
Project |
Useful documents |
Frequent missing item |
|---|---|---|
New home |
Application, parcel and lot information, scaled site plan, construction drawings, mechanical systems description, energy report, light/ventilation schedule, electrical load calculations, sealed floor and roof truss profiles, contractor registration or homeowner affidavit and separate elevations |
Incomplete grading, lot coverage, easement, landscape or trade information |
Basement finish |
Application, complete construction drawings, contractor registration or homeowner affidavit; site plan only if the footprint changes or a window well is added |
Bedroom egress, smoke/CO alarm, HVAC or electrical information |
Deck |
Application, scaled site plan, footing/foundation layout, framing sizes and spacing, structural connections, stairs, handrails and guards |
Distance to property line, easement, no-build zone or no-disturb zone |
Pool or hot tub |
Site plan, pool plans, equipment, barrier design and electrical information |
Barrier details were not included with the pool application |
Solar |
Site plan, panel and mounting specifications, inverters and disconnects, single-line electrical plan and efficiency analysis when panels are proposed on the front |
Equipment listing, electrical diagram or contractor registration |
Commercial alteration |
Code summary, existing/proposed plans, use and occupancy, accessibility, egress, fire protection, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy and site information |
Planning, Fire or Engineering scope is not coordinated with Building drawings |
Permanent sign |
Planning approval, sign dimensions, location, mounting, illumination, elevations, electrical details and commercial permit application |
Sign was ordered before zoning/design review |
Project-Specific Dublin Rules to Check Before Buying Materials
Decks
- Attached decks require a building permit regardless of size.
- Unattached decks over 200 square feet require a building permit.
- Show posts, footing sizes, framing, connectors, stairs and guards.
- Do not pour footings before the required inspection.
Basement finishes
- A building permit is required for construction needed to finish the basement.
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits may also apply.
- A site plan is normally unnecessary unless the footprint changes or a window well is added.
- Resolve egress and sleeping-room questions before framing.
Accessory structures
- Small residential structures generally start with CZPA.
- Residential structures 200 square feet or larger need a building permit.
- Any attached accessory structure needs a building permit.
- Nonresidential threshold is 120 square feet.
Swimming pools
- Submit the required pool barrier with the pool building application.
- The barrier may be installed by a subcontracted fence contractor.
- Barrier compliance is checked as part of final pool occupancy.
- Coordinate electrical and zoning inspections.
Solar
- Residential and commercial systems require permits.
- Applications use Accela and ProjectDox.
- A Dublin-registered contractor is required.
- Completed applications are targeted for review within 14 days and not more than 30 days, but this is not guaranteed.
Permanent signs
- Contact Planning before ordering or installing a sign.
- Permanent signs need zoning compliance.
- Building Standards reviews them as commercial building permits.
- Electronic plan filing uses ePlan.
Verify the Contractor Before the Permit or Inspection Is Delayed
Current registration requirements
- Registration fee: $75.
- Registration expires one year after application.
- Minimum combined liability coverage: $300,000.
- City of Dublin, 5200 Emerald Parkway, must be shown as certificate holder.
- Required Ohio trade qualification certificates must remain current.
- Sign contractors must maintain a $10,000 bond.
Who normally must register
- General contractors
- Deck, basement, remodel and home-building contractors
- Pool and fence contractors
- Electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire-protection contractors
- Excavators and concrete contractors
- Landscaping and structural-framing contractors
Dublin Residential Permit Fees You Can Budget Before Applying
Permit or service |
2026 published fee |
Practical note |
|---|---|---|
Contractor registration |
$75 |
Valid for one year from application |
Conditional occupancy agreement |
$465 per six-month period |
Approval and possible bond are separate decisions |
Plumbing permit |
$135 administrative fee plus $20 per fixture |
Plumbing fees are not subject to the residential 1% surcharge |
Plumbing plan review |
$175 minimum per review round |
Additional review rounds may add cost |
Building plan revision |
$120 |
Initiate revisions through Citizen Access |
Building permit extension |
$40 |
Request before relying on an expired approval |
Building/MEP reinspection |
$190 |
Correct every cited item before rescheduling |
Engineering reinspection |
$100 |
Site and infrastructure inspections can be separate |
Sanitary sewer inspection |
$185 |
Sewer and water capacity charges are additional |
Electrical plan review |
$100 |
Separate from permit and inspection fees |
Electrical permit |
$115 for first 1,000 sq. ft. plus $40 per additional 500 sq. ft. |
State of Ohio 1% surcharge applies |
HVAC permit |
$140 for first 1,000 sq. ft. plus $75 per additional 500 sq. ft. |
HVAC replacement permit is listed at $140 |
Gas line permit |
$135 |
Separate inspection may be required |
Demolition permit |
$470 |
Review and inspection are included in the published line item |
Home improvement up to 1,000 sq. ft.
$101 total
$100 base plus $1 State of Ohio surcharge.
1,001–1,500 sq. ft.
$202 total
$200 base plus $2 State surcharge.
1,501–2,000 sq. ft.
$1,075.65 total
Includes plan review, inspection, occupancy certificate and 1% surcharge.
Small new-home example
Dublin’s 2026 Schedule B lists $8,460.20 for a new home up to 1,000 square feet.
The schedule states this does not include City of Columbus water fees or separate electrical, HVAC and plumbing fees.
0.75-inch utility example
2026 Dublin water capacity: $1,890.
Published total sewer capacity due to Dublin: $6,287, including the $185 inspection fee and Columbus sewer capacity.
City of Columbus water capacity charges remain separate.
Schedule Dublin Inspections Before Work Is Covered
Building inspection cutoff
Submit the request by 6:00 AM for a same-business-day inspection.
Plumbing inspection
Call Franklin County Public Health at 614-525-3160 between 7:00 and 8:30 AM.
Fire inspection
Call Washington Township Fire at 614-652-3920 for fire alarm rough and related fire inspections.
Inspection stage |
What should be ready |
Do not do this first |
|---|---|---|
Footing |
Excavation, dimensions, reinforcement and approved location visible |
Pour concrete before approval |
Foundation |
Foundation work and required survey certification available |
Backfill before required approval |
Electrical rough |
Boxes, wiring and rough electrical work exposed |
Install insulation or wallboard |
Plumbing rough |
Piping exposed and Franklin County inspection arranged |
Cover walls, ceilings or floors |
Gas piping rough |
Gas work and test setup complete |
Conceal piping before approval |
HVAC and frame |
Required electrical, zoning, plumbing and related rough approvals completed; engineered truss drawings on site |
Request frame before prerequisite rough inspections pass |
Insulation |
Insulation installed and visible with energy documentation available |
Cover with drywall |
Engineering final |
Grading, elevations, erosion control, curb, walk and approach completed |
Assume building final covers site work |
Zoning final |
Appearance, landscaping and approved site placement complete |
Change approved materials or location without review |
Final HVAC and occupancy |
All required building, electrical, plumbing, gas, zoning and Engineering finals complete |
Move in before occupancy is granted |
Keep on site
- Issued permit
- Approved plans
- Sign-off card
- Permit paperwork
- Truss drawings when required
- Site access and contact number
Scheduling limits
- Specific times may be requested only for sewer, final gas-line test or concrete inspections.
- Other time requests depend on availability.
- Cancel by calling 614-410-4670 during permit-window hours.
- The inspector will not enter a home without the owner or representative present.
Separate Permits and Inspectors Can Control the Final Approval
Electrical, HVAC and gas
Apply through the over-the-counter permit categories in Citizen Access.
Keep contractor registration and state qualifications current.
Plumbing
Apply through Dublin’s listed plumbing-permit workflow, but schedule plumbing inspections with Franklin County Public Health.
Fire systems
Washington Township Fire performs fire alarm rough inspections and participates in witness-test and sprinkler inspections.
Search the Permit and Confirm It Is Actually Final
Search with the permit number first
Dublin’s Building search instructs users to fill only the Record/Permit Number field when searching for a building permit.
Open the complete record
Review record status, description, fees, plan-review activity and inspection results. Do not rely only on the search-results row.
Check related permits
A building project may have separate electrical, HVAC, gas, plumbing, fire, zoning or site records.
Initiate approved-plan revisions through Accela
Do not upload a field change into ProjectDox without the correct revision task or Citizen Access record.
Request public records when online search is incomplete
Use Dublin’s JustFOIA portal for older plans, correspondence, certificates or records that are not available through Accela.
Save final proof
Keep final inspection results, occupancy approval, zoning or Engineering finals and the permit record with the property documents.
What Common Dublin Permit Statuses Mean
Fix Common Accela, ePlan and Inspection Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
No ProjectDox email |
Application not accepted yet or automated message went to spam |
Check Accela status and spam, then call Review Services at 614-410-4608 |
Cannot find permit |
Too many search fields were entered |
Clear the form and enter only the Record/Permit Number |
CZPA delayed |
Site plan does not clearly show setbacks, dimensions or materials |
Submit a scaled site plan and compare it with zoning requirements |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Contractor registration, insurance or state certificate expired |
Update contractor credentials before requesting again |
Frame inspection fails |
Electrical, zoning, plumbing or another required rough inspection is incomplete |
Complete prerequisite rough approvals before rebooking |
Field work differs from plan |
Contractor changed layout, product or structure without an approved revision |
Stop affected work and initiate the revision through Citizen Access |
Pool final is blocked |
Barrier, electrical, zoning or occupancy condition is incomplete |
Check every pool and barrier requirement before final inspection |
Open permit found during sale |
Final inspection or occupancy approval was never completed |
Collect plans and permit history, then ask Building Standards for the current closeout path |
What to Say When You Contact Dublin Building Standards
“I am planning [exact work] at [full Dublin address]. The property is [residential/commercial]. Can you confirm whether I need CZPA, a building permit, ePlan review, separate trade permits or Engineering approval?”
“Accela record [number] for [address] shows [status], but I have not received the ProjectDox invitation. Can you confirm whether the application has been accepted for electronic plan review?”
“I need the [inspection type] for permit [number] at [address]. The permit and contractor registrations are active, the work is exposed and approved plans are on site.”
“Permit [number] at [address] does not show final. Which building, electrical, HVAC, gas, plumbing, zoning, Engineering or occupancy approval remains?”
Do Not Consider the Project Finished Until These Are Confirmed
- Correct permit and Planning route selected
- CZPA obtained when required
- Accela record number saved
- ProjectDox invitation received
- Complete coordinated drawings uploaded
- Contractor registration and insurance active
- Required trade permits issued
- Permit formally issued before work
- Approved plans and sign-off card on site
- Inspection requested before 6:00 AM cutoff
- Plumbing inspection coordinated separately
- Fire inspections coordinated when applicable
- Work kept uncovered until approval
- Corrections and revisions resolved
- All trade, zoning and Engineering finals passed
- Occupancy or final approval saved
Dublin Building Standards Office Location
Permit Window: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Call 614-410-4670 before visiting for a specific reviewer, record or permit issue.
Open the Correct Dublin Permit Portal or Guide
Dublin Ohio Building Permit FAQs
Where do I apply for a Dublin Ohio building permit?
Start in the City of Dublin Accela Citizen Access portal. Select the correct residential, commercial, demolition, site, fire or over-the-counter trade application. After a plan-review application is accepted, the city sends access to ProjectDox/ePlan for document upload.
What is the difference between Accela and ProjectDox?
Accela is used to create the application, pay fees, search records, register contractors, initiate revisions and schedule Dublin building inspections. ProjectDox/ePlan is used to upload drawings, receive plan-review comments and submit corrected plan sheets after the application is accepted.
What are the Dublin Building Standards permit-window hours?
The City of Dublin lists permit-window hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The permit-window phone number is 614-410-4670.
How late can I request a same-day building inspection?
Dublin states that building inspection requests submitted by 6:00 AM may be performed that same business day. Plumbing inspections are scheduled separately through Franklin County Public Health.
Who schedules plumbing inspections in Dublin?
Franklin County Public Health performs plumbing inspections. Call 614-525-3160 between 7:00 and 8:30 AM to schedule.
Do Dublin fences, patios and sheds need permits?
Many fences, at-grade patios, driveway changes and accessory structures under 200 square feet require a Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval. Residential accessory structures 200 square feet or larger, or attached to the home, also require a building permit.
Does every deck need a Dublin building permit?
All attached decks require a building permit regardless of size. An unattached residential deck requires a building permit when it is more than 200 square feet. Zoning and site-plan review may also apply.
How much is Dublin contractor registration?
The current published registration fee is $75 for one year. Required contractors must also maintain at least $300,000 combined liability coverage and current Ohio trade certificates where applicable.
How do I search for a Dublin building permit?
Use Dublin’s Accela Building Permit Search. The search page instructs users to enter only the Record/Permit Number when searching for a building permit. Use JustFOIA when records are not available through the online permit record.
How do I prove a Dublin permit is closed?
Confirm that required building, electrical, HVAC, gas, plumbing, fire, zoning and Engineering inspections passed, any occupancy approval was issued and the Accela record shows the final project status.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Dublin, Ohio.
This page was rebuilt using Dublin’s current Applications & Permits hub, Building Permits & Applications page, Accela Citizen Access, ProjectDox/ePlan, Inspection Scheduling page, Administrative Permits page, Contractor Registration page, June 2026 residential fee schedules, residential project packets and public-record portal.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fees, staff, portal fields, codes and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements with Dublin Building Standards, Planning, Engineering, Franklin County Public Health or Washington Township Fire before filing or beginning work.
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.