Medina County Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Official Contact

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If you are planning any kind of construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence, roof replacement, pool, solar installation, or other building work in unincorporated Medina County, Ohio (or in participating townships and villages outside city limits such as Medina, Brunswick, or Wadsworth), you will need a building permit from the Medina County Building Department.

Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in Medina County, what the fees are in 2026, and how to use the PCS Permit Portal for online applications, plan uploads, fee payments, status tracking, and inspection scheduling.

This guide explains the entire process in simple language so you can understand what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems that slow things down.

Whether you are a homeowner doing your own work or a contractor handling a larger job, the steps are the same and the goal is to get your permit approved smoothly and on time.

Medina County Building Department Contact Information 2026

  • Address: 144 N. Broadway Street, 3rd Floor, Medina, OH 44256 (County Administration Building)
  • Phone: (330) 722-9220
  • Email: Use department contacts via the county website
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (permit applications accepted until 3:30 PM)

Official Page: Medina County Building Department

144 N. Broadway Street, 3rd Floor, Medina, OH 44256

Official Portal: PCS Permit Portal (Medina County Building Department)

  1. Go to the PCS Permit Portal on the Medina County Building Department website.
  2. Search by property address, permit number, contractor, or owner.
  3. View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history.

How to Apply for Medina County Building Permits 2026

Here is the clear step-by-step process that most people follow to get their permit approved as smoothly as possible.

  1. Visit the Medina County Building Department website and use the PCS Permit Portal to start your digital application.
  2. Verify your project address is under county jurisdiction (not inside city limits of Medina, Brunswick, or Wadsworth).
  3. Complete the residential or commercial application form, upload drawings/plans and site plot.
  4. Submit the application digitally (email or portal upload as directed).
  5. Pay the required fees (including 1% state fee for residential and $10 technology fee on all permits).
  6. Monitor your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
  7. Once approved, display the permit at the job site before any work begins.
  8. Schedule inspections by phone or through the portal (notification required by 3:00 PM the business day prior).

Medina County Building Permit Fees 2026

  • Official Fee Schedule (Effective January 1, 2026): Download the latest Residential and Commercial Fee Schedules from the county website.
  • All residential permits include an additional 1% state fee and a $10 technology fee.
  • Residential building base fee: $80.00 + $0.11 per square foot (new, addition, or alteration).
  • Residential electrical base fee: $80.00 + $0.09 per square foot.
  • Residential mechanical (HVAC) base fee: $80.00 + $0.06 per square foot.
  • Commercial fees follow a tiered square footage schedule with higher base rates (e.g., $180.00 base + $0.13 per square foot for new construction).
  • Re-inspection fees and other charges may apply. Work started without a permit can result in doubled fees plus possible fines or a Stop Work Order.

Required Documents Checklist

  • Completed digital permit application via PCS Portal
  • Detailed construction drawings and specifications
  • Site plot/plan showing existing structures and proposed work
  • Proof of contractor license and insurance (state license required for HVAC and electrical)
  • Owner-Builder forms if applicable
  • Any required trade permit applications

How to Schedule Inspections in Medina County

Schedule inspections by phone or through the PCS Permit Portal. Notification must be given no later than 3:00 PM the business day prior to the desired inspection day. Have your approved plans and the permit ready when the inspector arrives. Re-inspection fees may apply for failed or missed inspections.

Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder

The department no longer registers contractors. HVAC and electrical contractors must provide a current state license when applying for a permit. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety. The department enforces the Ohio Building Code and Residential Code of Ohio.

Local Insider Tips That Really Help

  • All permit applications are now fully digital — use the PCS Permit Portal to submit, track progress, and make payments.
  • Submit complete drawings and a site plot the first time to avoid delays.
  • Review the 2026 fee schedule (including the 1% state fee and $10 technology fee) before submitting to budget accurately.
  • Call (330) 722-9220 during business hours for questions or status checks.
  • Verify your project address is under county jurisdiction before applying (cities like Medina have their own departments).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search for existing building permits in Medina County?

Use the PCS Permit Portal on the Medina County Building Department website by address, permit number, contractor, or owner.

How to apply for a Medina County building permit?

All applications are digital. Complete the residential or commercial form, upload drawings and site plot, and submit via the PCS Permit Portal or as directed.

What are the Medina County building permit fees in 2026?

Residential base fee $80.00 + $0.11 per square foot (new, addition, or alteration). All residential permits include 1% state fee and $10 technology fee. Commercial fees follow tiered square footage schedules. Download the latest 2026 fee schedule.

Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in Medina County?

Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Medina County?

Processing time depends on the completeness of your submission. Simple projects can move faster with complete digital submittals.

Official Resources

Updated April 2026 using only official Medina County sources. Use the PCS Permit Portal for faster digital submission and real-time tracking.

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