Building Inspection
Contact the Division |
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Community Development Contact Information
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| Community Development | (937) 754-3056 |
| Building Inspection Division | (937) 754-3050 |
| Neighborhood Betterment Division | (937) 754-3060 |
| Planning Division | (937) 754-3056 |
Requests for inspections can be made at 754-3050.
NOTE: Effective January 1, 2009 The 2008 Edition Of The National Electric Code NFPA70 Will Be Used For All Building Projects Commercial and Residential.
The Building Inspection Division ensures development in the City of Fairborn meets the necessary minimum building and occupancy requirements. Our full-service division provides thorough and timely plan review, construction inspections, and offers assistance to homeowners and business owners alike.
Many of the requirements for construction in the city are outlined in the following sections. This information helps residents understand the various codes and ordinances of the City of Fairborn. Much of this information is also detailed on our Building Inspection “Answerline” (754-3141). Individuals are encouraged to consult with an architect or engineer if they are considering a complex residential or commercial project.
Current Building Codes:
2007 Ohio Building Code-OBC
2008 National Electric Code-NFPA70 ( OBC Projects )
2007 Ohio Mechanical Code-OMC
2007 Ohio Plumbing Code-OPC
2006 Ohio Energy Conservation Code ( OBC Projects )
2006 Ohio Fuel Code-OFC
2006 Residential Code of Ohio-RCO ( 1, 2 & 3 Family )
2008 National Electric Code-NFPA70 ( RCO Projects )
2006 Ohio Energy Conservation Code ( RCO Projects )
Zoning
The first step in the development process is to determine if the property’s zoning is compatible with the proposed use. The city has several zoning districts for residential, commercial and industrial land in the City of Fairborn, including Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). Each zoning district strives to accommodate similar or compatible uses. The uses are identified in each district as either a Principal Permitted Use or a Conditional Use. In addition, if a property owner has a particular hardship or difficulty imposed by the Zoning Code, they can seek a Variance or apply for a Rezoning. For an overview of the city’s zoning districts, please see our Zoning Map. Text descriptions of each zoning district are available in the Codified Ordinances of the City of Fairborn.
Principal Permitted Use
A permitted use may be lawfully established in a particular zoning district as long as it meets all requirements, regulations and standards of the applicable district.
Conditional Use
In addition to permitted uses, the city’s zoning code also establishes conditional uses for each district. This is a use that cannot be classified as a permitted use due to its unique or more intensive characteristics. However, if the use meets certain standards, the use may be allowed by the city. A Conditional Use requires an application, complete with adequate plans and documentation, showing how the conditional use will meet all applicable standards. After the application has been reviewed by staff, the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing regarding the request and make a recommendation to City Council. The City Council will then hold a Public Hearing on the request and vote to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application.
Variance
A variance may afford a property owner relief from a particular hardship or practical difficulty that the Zoning Code may impose on a specific parcel of land making compliance with the regulations in a district extraordinarily difficult. These circumstances are limited to the property’s condition, such as its unusual shape or topographic make-up. The owner of the property, or his agent, must initiate the request with the Building Inspection division. A Variance Application must be completed by the applicant. Along with the application, the applicant must submit specific justification(s) for the variance, a site plan of the proposal for which the variance is requested, a list of names of property owners immediately adjacent to the property (this information is available at the Greene County website – www.co.greene.oh.us.), an application fee and any other information as the City may deem necessary in order to make an informed decision. The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on the request and approve, approve with conditions, deny or recommend the applicant modify and resubmit the request.
Rezoning
In cases where the property use is not listed as a principal permitted or conditional use, the owner of a property or his agent may initiate a rezoning. Rezoning is typically initiated when sufficient land is not available within the city for the desired use. The Rezoning Application must be completed by the applicant. Along with the application, the applicant must submit justification for the rezoning, a site plan of the property for which the rezoning is requested, a list of names of property owners within a minimum 250’ radius of the property (this information is available on the Greene County website – www.co.greene.oh.us), an application fee, and any other information as the City may deem necessary in order to make an informed decision. After the application has been reviewed by the Planning division, the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing regarding the request and make a recommendation to City Council. City Council will then hold a Public Hearing on the request and vote to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application.
Building Code
Communities chose to enforce building codes to provide minimum requirements to safeguard the health, safety and general welfare of its citizens. Codes may also control the design, quality of materials, construction, installation, repair and occupancy of commercial structures, residential dwellings and accessory structures, like detached garages and sheds.
The City of Fairborn’s Building Inspection uses the most current State of Ohio Codes. The Residential Building Code of Ohio (RBO) was established By the Ohio Building Officials Of Ohio (OBOA) and the Ohio Board of Building Standards (BBS) from the International Residential Building Code. The State of Ohio Codes are enforced locally by the Chief Building Official.
Application, Permits & Fees
The City of Fairborn requires a permit for many improvements such as the construction of fences, sheds, detached garages, additions to homes as well as decks, patios and patio covers to name a few. Many of these permits are obtained through the Building Inspection Division. Others, like driveway approaches and work in the public right-of-way, are coordinated through the city’s Engineering Division. The permit ensures the construction complies with all applicable zoning and building codes. For some projects, individuals should consult with a contractor and/or architect depending on the difficulty of the project.
Submission of Drawings
For new residential buildings, residential additions, residential garages, patio enclosures, decks, and shed/accessory buildings, the application for construction requires two (2) complete sets of plans. The plans must be drawn to scale.
The plans should include the following information:
- Site plans (showing the lot dimensions, drainage path, size and location of existing and proposed structures and all easements)
- Exterior Elevations and Orientation (North, South, East, West)
- Foundation Plans
- Floor Plans
- Structural Information (trusses, joists, rafter sizes, beams)
- Wall Sections
- Insulation Information
- Mechanical System Layout
- Electrical System Layout
- Gas Piping Layout
Plan review typically takes 10-15 business days. Unusually complex projects or incomplete applications may require significantly longer plan review.
When a Permit is Required
It is important to keep in mind that many, but not all, projects require a permit from the City of Fairborn. Please review the chart of Permit Requirements for Common Projects.
Permits and Fee Schedule
Applications are available for Electrical, HVAC/Mechanical, Building and Zoning, Fence/Sheds, and Signs and can be found in the Forms section of the website.
Schedule an Inspection
All work authorized by a permit will be inspected by the Building Inspection division. Inspections are conducted Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and should be requested by the permit holder at least 24 hours in advance. Please note inspection requests are scheduled in the order in which they are received and may not be available until the next business day.
Requests for inspections can be made at 754-3050.
Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement
The City of Fairborn enforces a property maintenance code to maintain the character of our community. The code outlines general provisions for property upkeep and applies to all residential, commercial and business properties in the city. Examples of property maintenance issues include:
- Parking vehicles in the yard area
- Material storage on property
- Trash, car parts, furniture, appliances and other debris on the property
- General maintenance condition of the structures on the property, such as exterior siding, broken windows, gutters and downspouts in disrepair, peeling paint, roofs, walls or foundations in disrepair, deteriorated entrance or storm doors, deteriorated sidewalks, sheds, garages and fences in disrepair, or unsanitary conditions on or about the property
The city has property maintenance and code enforcement officers to review and enforce the appropriate property maintenance and zoning code regulations adopted by the City of Fairborn. If you are aware of property maintenance or zoning code violation, you may wish to Submit a Property Maintenance Complaint. More information, including commonly-used terms, is available in the Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement section of our website.
