Bexley Building Department 2026: Permits, Inspections & Services

Bexley Building Department: Address, Phone & Hours

Official Department

City of Bexley Building and Zoning Department

Office Address

2242 E. Main Street, Bexley, OH 43209

Building Department Phone

(614) 559-4240

Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (Eastern Time)

Director, Building & Planning

Matt Klingler

Official Department Page

bexley.org/building

The department is certified by the State of Ohio to review and inspect residential and commercial construction. Its responsibilities also include local zoning coordination, architectural reviews, contractor registration, and building maintenance enforcement.

Which Building Projects Need Permits in Bexley?

Bexley requires permits for many construction activities, including additions, remodeling, demolition, electrical and plumbing work, heating and cooling equipment, fences, driveways, swimming pools, and other improvements. Some exterior projects require architectural approval even when a separate building permit is not required.

Important exception: A new exterior window opening may require Architectural Review Board approval and a building permit, even though replacing an existing window normally follows the simpler MA-1 process.

Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, pools, and other specialized work may need additional permits. If your project combines several trades, ask which separate approvals are required.

Official reference: Bexley’s project-by-project approval guide.

How to Apply for a Bexley Building Permit Online

The city uses OpenGov for permit applications and contractor registration. The following process helps homeowners and contractors avoid submitting the wrong application.

1. Confirm the property location. Make sure the worksite is within Bexley city limits and identify whether the project involves residential or commercial construction.
2. Choose the correct application. Open the city’s Building and Zoning page and review its project table to identify MA-1, MA-2, MA-3, ARB, BZAP, or the appropriate building/trade permit.
3. Access OpenGov. Visit the Bexley permitting portal. Sign in or create an account if prompted.
4. Prepare project documents. Provide the property address, project description, applicant and contractor information, and any required site plans, drawings, elevations, specifications, or supporting approvals.
5. Complete and submit the application. Enter the requested details, upload required documents, review the information, and follow the portal’s submission and payment instructions.
6. Respond to review comments. Monitor your application and provide corrections or additional documents requested by the city.
7. Obtain the required approvals. Wait until the building permit is issued before starting work that requires a permit. Arrange inspections at the required construction stages.

Direct Applications for Common Projects

Application forms and document requirements may change. If an application category does not fit your project, call the building office before submitting another form.

Bexley Building Inspections: Scheduling & Requirements

Construction inspections help confirm that permitted work complies with applicable safety and building requirements. Bexley schedules on-site inspections on weekdays, Monday through Friday.

How to Schedule an Inspection

1. Have your permit number, project address, contact details, and requested inspection type ready.
2. Open the city’s official Inspection Scheduling Form.
3. Enter the requested information and submit the inspection request.
4. For scheduling questions or assistance, call (614) 559-4240.

What Inspections Might Be Required?

Depending on the approved project, inspections may cover foundations, framing, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical installations, insulation, or completed construction. The city determines which inspections apply to your permit.

• Keep approved plans and permit documentation available at the worksite.
• Arrange inspections before covering work that must remain visible to an inspector.
• Provide safe access to the area requiring inspection.
• Correct any deficiencies and arrange follow-up inspections when required.
• Confirm final approval before treating the permitted project as complete.

Bexley Building Permit Fees in 2026

Bexley publishes residential and commercial fee schedules covering building, zoning, trade, and administrative permits. The amounts below are selected charges from the city-linked fee schedule; your final amount may include additional reviews, state assessments, or other applicable fees.

The published schedule also lists a 1% State of Ohio building standards fee on residential permits. Commercial permits generally have a 3% state assessment, with the plumbing exception specified in city code. Plumbing permit fees follow the Franklin County Board of Health fee schedule.

Example: The listed base fee for a new 2,000-square-foot one-family dwelling is $700 ($500 plus $200). This is not a final permit quote: plan review, zoning fees, state assessments, and other applicable charges may increase the total.

View Bexley’s Official Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)

For the legal fee provisions, see Bexley Codified Ordinances §244.01. Confirm the current charge before paying because the linked PDF and city ordinances may be updated.

Architectural Review, Zoning & Board Approvals

Bexley has an additional design-review process that matters for many exterior improvements. Even apparently small changes to a home’s appearance may require city review.

Minor Architectural Review

MA-1 typically covers replacement roofs, existing windows, and siding. MA-2 applies to projects such as decks and pergolas; MA-3 is used for solar projects. Staff may handle eligible minor reviews without a full board hearing.

Architectural Review Board (ARB)

Major exterior changes—including new homes, many additions, porches, garages, and certain architectural alterations—can require ARB review.

• Regular meetings: Second Thursday of each month.
• Application deadline: Four weeks before the intended meeting.
• December: The board normally recesses.

Board of Zoning and Planning (BZAP)

Projects requiring zoning variances, special uses, or conditional uses may need BZAP review. An addition that requires a zoning variance generally follows a different approval route from an addition that complies with zoning.

• Regular meetings: Fourth Thursday of each month.
• Application deadline: Six weeks before the meeting when an ARB recommendation is required.
• December: The board normally recesses.

Incomplete applications may be removed from the meeting agenda. Submit drawings early and verify the applicable meeting deadline with staff.

Architectural Review Board · Meeting Agendas & Records

Contractor Registration & Required Documents

Contractors working in Bexley must register with the city. This includes construction trade contractors. Bexley’s published registration charge is $125.

Registration is handled through the city’s permitting system. Before hiring a contractor, verify their current city registration and any applicable Ohio trade-license requirements.

Documents to Prepare Before Applying

• Accurate worksite address and applicant contact information.
• Clear project description and scope of construction.
• Site plan showing the proposed location of exterior improvements, if required.
• Construction plans, dimensions, elevations, and specifications appropriate to the project.
• Contractor registration details and supporting documentation requested by the city.
• Architectural or zoning approval documentation when applicable.
• Structural calculations or other professional documentation for projects that require them.

Not every application needs every document. Review the specific OpenGov form before preparing extensive drawings.

Application resources: Official Building Department and Application Resource Center.

Building Codes, Zoning Rules & Code Enforcement

Bexley administers construction requirements under applicable Ohio building regulations and local ordinances. Residential and commercial projects may be subject to different code provisions. Ohio’s building-code system includes building, residential, mechanical, plumbing, and other applicable requirements.

For the correct edition and any relevant amendments, consult the Ohio Board of Building Standards code resources and Bexley’s Codified Ordinances.

Report a Building or Property Code Problem

Bexley’s Code Enforcement Department addresses conditions such as deteriorating exterior structures, property maintenance violations, obstructed sidewalks, and other local code concerns.

1. Visit the Bexley Code Enforcement page.
2. Choose the city’s complaint-reporting option or contact Code Enforcement.
3. Identify the property, describe the condition, and provide relevant details.
4. If you received a violation notice, use the city’s records-search instructions to review the notice and required corrections.

The city may issue notices allowing correction before further enforcement action. For routine questions, contact the Building and Zoning Department.

Common Permit Problems & What to Do

For projects in other Ohio cities, see our Avon building permit guide and Avon Lake building permit guide. These guides describe separate local procedures, so verify requirements with the office serving your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Bexley Building Department Resources

• Building and Zoning Department — City services, applications, inspections, and project guidance.
• OpenGov Permit Portal — Online permit and registration applications.
• Inspection Scheduling Form — Request on-site construction inspections.
• Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF) — Residential and commercial fees.
• Architectural Review Board — Architectural review resources and applications.
• Code Enforcement — Property complaints and violation information.
• Bexley Codified Ordinances — Officially published municipal code.
• Ohio Building Codes & Interpretations — State building-code resources.

Information reviewed: October 9, 2026. This guide concerns the City of Bexley, Ohio. Permitting rules, office details, fees, deadlines, and forms may change. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or operated by the City of Bexley. For binding project requirements and current charges, contact the city directly.