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Planning, Zoning, and Building Department
Commercial Building: Ten Steps for Success!
[Click to go to that Step.]
Step 1 -- Have You Selected the Site for Your Building?
Step 2 – Have You Hired an Architect or Engineer?
Step 3 – Have You Set Up a Pre-Application Meeting?
Step 4 – Have You Applied for a Certificate of Zoning Approval?
Step 5 -- What Fees Are Necessary?
Step 6 – Are You Ready for Your Plan Review?
Step 7 – How Do You Get Your Plans Approved?
Step 8 – How Do You Get Your Building Permit?
Step 9 – Inspections: Who Does Them and When?
Step 10 – How Do You Get a Certificate of Occupancy?
Steubenville Planning and Community Development Office
115 South Third Street,
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: (740) 283-6000 Ext. 1700
Fax: (740) 283-6082
E-Mail:
Steubenville Comprehensive Plan
Urban Projects Director: Christopher J. Petrossi (more info on site)
City of Steubenville’s Codified Ordinances
Step 1
Have You Selected the Site for Your Building?
#1. Is the property zoned for the kind of building you want to construct? Look at the zoning sites map.
If YES – go to question 2
If NO – You may apply for a change of zoning for your property
through the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.See Application forZoning Map Amendment (Rezoning).
#2. Is the site ready for your project?
If YES – go to question 3
If NO – What site issues need to be addressed? Soil erosion
control, storm water management, asbestos abatement, soil
conditions, etc.?
#3. Steubenville follows the Ohio Building Code.
#4. Are you aware of Steubenville zoning ordinances, in addition to the Ohio Building Code, that will have a bearing on architectural drawings?
If YES – go to question 5
If NO – take time to assess any special requirements –
helps to avoid surprises!
#5. Is it in an historic district?
If NO - you are ready to meet with your architect – Go to Step 2.
If YES – Approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission will be
required.
#6. Is it part of a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA)?
The City provides incentives to property owners within a specified designated Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) for rehabilitation of existing buildings, construction of new facilities, or for real property tax abatements on any increase in property valuation. The CRA includes LaBelle, Pleasant Heights, the downtown, Lincoln Heights, and Lincoln Valley.
The Planning and Community Development Office processes applications for CRA abatements. The Community Reinvestment (CR) Council meets as needed, on less than annually, to review and act on CRA abatement applications.
- CRA Property Improvement Tax Abatement Information
- CRA Tax Abatement Application
Step 2
Have You Hired an Architect or Engineer?
#1. Is this a person who is familiar with the Ohio Building Code?
#2. Is this person licensed to work in Ohio?
#3. If this is a historical structure, is this person familiar with Ohio Building
Code?
#4. Is this a person who will see you through the entire process?
#5. Is this a person with good references?
#6. Are the costs for the work clear?
#7. What is the architect’s or engineer’s time frame for the project?
#8. Be sure that all plans are properly stamped and signed by the
architect.
Step 3
Have You Set up a Pre-Application Meeting?
#1. Contact the Planning and Zoning Office to ask any questions you may
have and schedule a pre-application meeting.
#2. Contact information for all department heads ishere. Please contact all individuals to ask any questions you may have.
#3. Invite the architect or engineer to come with a preliminary sketch of the project.
#4. After the pre-application meeting, the architect or engineer should be
able to work on detailed drawings to submit for the plan review
application.
#5. If you have a contractor who is not licensed in Steubenville, that person should register with the City. It includes the following:
- proof of liability insurance
- proof of Workers’ Compensation
- names and state license numbers
- Application for Contractors Registration
- The completed applications can be returned by fax, mail, email, or in person.
#6. If the contractor is using sub-contractors, are those sub-contractors registered with the City?
If not, they also must register. The applications are available online. They can also be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the person or picked up from the Building Department.
Step 4
Have You Applied for a Certificate of Zoning Approval?
#1. While your architect or engineer is designing the specs, now is a good time to submit the Application forCertificate of Zoning Approval & Sample Plot Plan. You need to know that the project is permitted, according to zoning ordinances, before you invest a lot of money.
#2. If you know that this business will need a sign, include the Application for Certificate of Zoning Approval for Signs.Be sure the architect or engineer includes the placement and size of the sign on the detailed drawings.
#3. Allow about 1 week for notice about zoning approval.
#4. If you receive zoning approval, let the architect or engineer know, so that progress can be made on the detailed drawings.
#5. If it is not permitted, ask the architect or engineer to wait. You may
have to apply for a variance or obtain conditional use approval to proceed further.
a. Once you receive a variance, contact the architect or engineer to
continue with the detailed drawings.
b. Application for Zoning Variance
c. Application for Conditional Use Approval
Step 5
What Fees Are Necessary?
#1. Consult the Building Department for the specific fees due. Fees can be paid in cash, or by money order, check or credit card.
Certificate of Zoning Approval
For new construction, remodeling, or additions on existing residential buildings with 4 or more dwelling, boarding, or rooming units under the same roof, including fences, walls, driveways, and accessory buildings:
IF applied prior to commencement of remodeling or construction $20.00
IFapplied for after the commencement of remodeling or construction $40.00
Existing buildings or uses
IF requested by property owner for existing buildings or uses $10.00
Temporary Construction/Office Trailer Permit
Active construction sites only: $25.00 per trailer for 6 months
Portable Storage Unit$25.00 per storage unit
Copy of Subdivision and Zoning Code
May downloadfree from City Council’s Codified Ordinances of Steubenville,or
A copy can be requested and mailed $25.00 plus postage
Zoning Maps Small Map (22” x 34”) or Large Map (40” x 64”),available from the Engineering Department for a fee. Call for price.
Contractor License Fees:
Commercial work over $100,000 including B & C, annual fee$100.00
Residential and commercial work up to $100,000, annual fee$ 75.00
The plan review fee and processing for commercial, industrial, and residential construction consisting of more than 3 units, for public assembly structures, churches, schools, hospitals, and other, including complete erection, electrical, heating and air conditioning work covered under the Ohio Building Code (OBC), but not including plumbing, shall be as per the adopted fees contained in the OBC.
Sidewalk Work Permits (Sidewalks in Right-of-Way)
$0-$250 Cost of Construction, permit fee$ 0.00
$251-$1000 Cost of Construction, permit fee$ 3.00
$1001 or over Cost of Construction, permit fee$ 3.00 plus
$1 per $1000 fraction thereof in excess of $1000
Plumbing Fees
Building Permit Fees – New Construction
$250 to $500 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee$ 15.00
$501 to $1000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee$ 36.00
$1001 to $50,000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee$ 36.00
plus $7 per $1000 fraction thereof in excess of $1000
$50,001 to $250,000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee$379.00
plus $3.50 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $50,000
$250,001 to $500,000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee$1079.00
plus $2.00 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $250,000
$500,001 and over Cost of Construction, Permit Fee$1579.00
plus $1.00 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $500,000
Building Permit Fees – Alterations; Demolition and Wrecking
Alterations – more than $250 but not more than $1000, Permit Fee$ 22.00
Alterations -- $1001 or more, Permit Fee$ 22.00
Plus $3.50 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $1000
Demolition & Wrecking up to 2500 sq ft , Permit Fee$ 36.00 Per structure, including basement & cellar
Demolition & Wrecking over 2500 sq ft, Permit Fee$ 36.00
Plus $3.50 per 1000 sq ft or fraction thereof of floor surface, measuring outside dimensions of each floor, excluding basement and cellar
Structures other than buildings, Permit Fee$ 36.00
Plus $3.50 per 1000 cu ft or fraction thereof of cubic contents based on the outside dimensions of the structure
Building Permit Fee – Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning
$250 to $1000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee $ 22.00
More than $1000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee$ 22.00
Plus $3.50 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $1000
Electrical Safety Inspection$90.00
For the cost of commercial electrical inspections, see Electrical Fees.
Re-inspections
Due to commercial, industrial and residential construction consisting of more than 3 units, for public assembly structures, churches, schools, hospitals, and other, including electrical, heating and air conditioning work, covered under the Ohio Building Code (OBC), shall be per the re-inspection fees contained in the OBC.
Special Inspections
Any fees related to third party special inspections per the Ohio Building Code are the responsibility of the owner.
Certificate of Occupancy
4 or more Residential Dwellings, Commercial and all other, Fee per unit $25.00
Electrical Safety Inspection (when required), Fee per unit $ 90.00
State Assessment
When mandated by the Ohio Board of Building Standards, a State assessment in the required amount will be added to fees as required by law:
- current assessment for residential work consisting of 4 or more units, commercial and all other work is 3%.
Subdivision/Lot Splits
Preliminary Subdivision Plats (where applicable): $25.00 plus $2.50 per lot or parcel
Final Subdivision Plats (where preceded by a required preliminary plat): $15.00 plus $1.00 per lot or parcelFinal Subdivision Plats (where preliminary plats are not required): $25.00 plus $2.50 per lot or parcelRequest for Alteration of Requirements or Appeal of Staff Decisions: $50.00
Recording Fees: Established by the Office of the Jefferson County Recorder
Conditional Use Approval No fee
Deposit to cover City costs made payable to Clerk of City Council $500.00
Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning fees)
P ………………………………………………….…………..……..$100.00
C-1 or C-2 ………………………………………………………….$100.00
R-1 or R-1A ……………………………………………….……… $100.00
R-2 or R-2A …………………………………………………………$125.00
R-3 or R-3A …………………………………………………………$150.00
R-4 ………………………………………………………………….$175.00
B-1 …………………………………………………………………..$275.00
B-2 or B-2A …………………………………………………………$275.00
B-3 …………………………………………………………………..$250.00
B-4 …………………………………………………………………..$225.00
B-5 …………………………………………………………………..$200.00
I-1 or I-1A …………………………………………………..……….$300.00
I-2 ……………………………………………………………..……..$325.00
I-3 ……………………………………………………………..……..$350.00
Plus deposit to cover City costs made payable to Clerk of City Council$500.00
Zoning Appeals’ Fees
Commercial, industrial, and other$150.00
Plus deposit to cover City costsmade payable to Planning and Zoning Commission. $500.00
Vacant Property Registration for All Property Owners
All property owners, including executors and mortgagees filing foreclosure, must file vacant properties [1199.03] with the City of Steubenville and with Jefferson County within 90 days of becoming vacant or 30 days of the Property Maintenance Code Official’s assessment of vacancy, whichever comes first:
- Steubenville Vacant Property Registration Form.
- Steubenville Vacant Property Registration Ordinance
Registration should include reason for vacancy and plans for building’s future.
Vacant commercial and other buildings, first year of vacancy $400.00
Increases every consecutive year building remains vacant+ $75.00
maximum of 5th year fee of $700.00
Failure to register results in a late fee; it’s a fourth degree misdemeanor.
The late fee is equal to the annual fee or $1000.00, whichever is less.
Include explanation for building’s vacancy with plan for building’s future.
Call the Planning and Community Development Office to confirm if building may qualify for an exemption from registration requirements.
Step 6
Are You Ready for Your Plan Review?
#1. Has the architect or engineer given you completed detailed drawings, adding his or her professional stamp? You may include your sign drawings at the same time, if you choose to do so.
#2. Have you filled out the Application for Plan Review?
#3. Plans are submitted electronically at this stage; three printed copies
are not needed until they are approved.
#5. The plan review fee will be determined by the City and you will be
notified.
Step 7
How Do You Get Your Plans Approved?
#1. Submit the following to the Building Department:
the electronic version of your architectural drawings,
your completed Application for Plan Review,
and your fee.
#2. Allow up to 30 days for the process to be complete.
#3. If the Building Department gives you changes that need to be made, look them over with your architect or engineer, and resubmit the drawings for approval.
#4. Once your drawings have been approved, you are ready to apply for your building permit – Step 8.
Step 8
How Do You Get Your Building Permit?
#1. Applications are available in the office between 8 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. They can be emailed or mailed, and they are available online.
#2. Submit the Application for Building Permitalong with three sets of the detailed, stamped and signed architectural drawings when required.
#3. You will be notified by the Building Department of the fees that need to be paid to complete the application process.
#4. If the application is complete and the fee is paid, usually the turnaround time is about one week.
#5. This is a good time to apply for a permit for either a construction trailer permit or a portable storage unit. Be aware of the time limitations either
can be parked at the site.
#6. You can pick up the Building Permit or have it mailed to you. Permits are valid for different lengths of time:
a year for new construction;
6 months for an addition;
45 days for alterations.
Step 9
Inspections: Who Does Them and When?
#1. Call the Building Department, as work progresses, to schedule inspections when you know you will be done with the work that needs to be inspected. Have your permit number ready. Generally, the following
inspections are required: Footer; Rough-in/Framing; Electrical; Plumbing;
HVAC; Fire Suppression; and Final.
#2. Three inspections are included in the price of the Plan Review Fee. If more inspections are needed, there may be more fees. Utility companies do not do inspections.
#3. If something is not found to code, you may be issued a stop work
order work until that issue is resolved. Once it is re-inspected, work
can resume.
Step 10
How Do You Get a Certificate of Occupancy?
#1. Schedule a final inspection, when the project is finished.
#2. Submit anApplication for Certificate of Occupancy.