The City of Fairborn Building Inspectors are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. to review plans to determine if they are properly completed.  After they are deemed properly completed, plans will be placed in the rotation of plans to be reviewed.  Once plans are reviewed, they can then be approved.  Please call the office to arrange a time to meet with an inspector.

Requests for inspections can be made at 754-3050.

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. 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:

2011 Ohio Building Code - OBC
2011 National Electric Code - NFPA70 (OBC Projects)
2011 Ohio Mechanical Code - OMC
2011 Ohio Plumbing Code - OPC
2009 International Energy Conservation Code (OBC Projects)
2009 International Fuel Gas Code
2006 Residential Code of Ohio-RCO (1, 2 & 3 Family)
2008 National Electric Code-NFPA70 (RCO Projects)
2006 International Energy Conservation Code (RCO Projects)
2006 International Fuel Gas Code (RCO Projects)

State of Ohio Free E Codes

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.