Fairfield County Permit & Zoning Guide
Before you call a contractor, it helps to know who actually reviews your project. In Fairfield County that depends on whether you live inside a city or village, in Violet Township, or in one of the other townships. Here is the plain-English version, with links to the offices that make the final call.
Who Reviews What in Fairfield County
There are four kinds of offices involved in a residential project here. Most jobs touch two or three of them.
City of Lancaster
Building permits for houses and commercial work inside city limits, plus a zoning clearance from city Planning & Zoning. (740) 687-6649.
Violet Township
The township around Pickerington runs its own residential building department and zoning office. Building (614) 575-5556, zoning (614) 575-5560.
Other townships
Zoning permits come from the township. 11 of 13 townships have zoning; Clearcreek and Madison do not. There is no county zoning.
Fairfield Department of Health
Plumbing permits and septic (sewage treatment) permits across the county. 1550 Sheridan Dr., Lancaster. (740) 652-2800.
Fairfield County Building Department
Commercial buildings only in the unincorporated county, outside Violet Township. One-, two- and three-family houses are excluded. (740) 652-7130.
Regional Planning Commission
Lot splits, subdivisions and floodplain permits in the unincorporated county. (740) 652-7110.
Township Zoning Contacts Near Lancaster
Setbacks, accessory building rules and fees are set by each township. Call before you plan anything near a property line.
Bloom Township
(614) 837-4387. Residential additions need a township zoning permit with set front, side and rear setbacks.
Amanda Township
(740) 777-0826
How the Permit and Inspection Process Usually Runs
- Confirm jurisdiction: city, village, Violet Township or another township, from the parcel address
- Zoning first: a zoning clearance or township zoning permit showing the project meets setbacks and use rules
- Site plan: where the work sits on the lot, distances to property lines, and for additions a grading or drainage plan
- Building permit, where one applies: drawings, framing and energy details reviewed by the building department
- Health department: a plumbing permit for new plumbing, and septic review when the project affects a septic system
- Call Ohio811 at least two working days before digging, so buried utilities are marked
- Inspections at footing, framing, rough plumbing and electrical, insulation and final, as the permit requires
This is a guide, not a ruling
Rules here vary by address and change over time. This page reflects published guidance as of October 2026. The office with jurisdiction over your parcel has the final say, so confirm with them, or let us do it as part of your estimate.
Fairfield County Permit Questions, Answered
Do I need a building permit in Fairfield County, Ohio?
It depends where you live. Inside Lancaster, Pickerington, Canal Winchester and Violet Township, residential building permits are issued locally. The Fairfield County Building Department does not review one-, two- or three-family houses, so in most other townships a residential project needs a township zoning permit and health department plumbing or septic permits rather than a county building permit. Confirm with your township or the Regional Planning Commission.
What projects are exempt from a permit in Ohio?
The Residential Code of Ohio exempts one-story detached sheds and playhouses of 200 square feet or less, fences up to 6 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet that are not holding back a load, sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade, finish work like painting, tile, cabinets and countertops, and small freestanding decks. Zoning rules can still apply to exempt work.
Does a deck need a permit in Fairfield County?
A deck is exempt under the Residential Code of Ohio only if it is 200 square feet or less, 30 inches or less above grade at every point, not attached to the house, and not serving the required exit door. Most attached decks need a permit where a building department has jurisdiction, and a zoning permit almost everywhere that has zoning.
Who handles zoning in Fairfield County?
Cities and villages handle their own. In the unincorporated county, each township runs its own zoning. There is no county zoning, and Clearcreek and Madison townships have no zoning at all. The Regional Planning Commission advises townships but does not issue zoning permits.
Do I need a permit for a shed or pole barn?
A one-story detached accessory building of 200 square feet or less is exempt from the building code. Larger buildings need review where a building department has jurisdiction, and townships like Violet require a zoning permit for every accessory building regardless of size. Agricultural buildings can be treated differently, so ask.
Who issues plumbing and septic permits?
The Fairfield Department of Health issues plumbing permits and sewage treatment system permits in the county. If you are adding a bathroom or bedrooms on a septic system, check with the health department early, because the system may need to be evaluated.
Does my contractor need a license in Ohio?
Ohio has no state license for residential general contractors. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics and refrigeration contractors are licensed by the state for commercial work, and cities like Lancaster and Pickerington require contractors to register locally, usually with a bond and proof of insurance. Ask any contractor for their local registration and certificate of insurance.
Do I need a permit to split my lot or build a second house on it?
In the unincorporated county, lot splits and subdivisions go through the Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission. A minor subdivision is five lots or fewer with no new streets. Zoning then decides what you can build on each lot.
How long does a permit take in Fairfield County?
Neither the City of Lancaster nor the county publishes a standard review time. A zoning permit for a simple project can be quick, while an addition with drawings and health department review takes longer. We build permit time into your schedule and give you a start date once the applications are filed.
Do I have to call before I dig?
Yes. Ohio law requires notifying Ohio811 at least two working days, and no more than 16 calendar days, before digging, not counting weekends and holidays. Call 8-1-1. We make the call on every job that involves digging.