Plan on about one to two weeks for a typical home project with complete drawings. Columbus estimates roughly one week for one- to three-family plans, Hilliard says most projects take two weeks, and Upper Arlington lists 7 to 10 business days. Corrections, zoning issues or historic review add time. Ohio law gives a department 30 days to act.
Those are review times, not start dates. Add time for drawings before you file, and for any zoning variance or design review. Many offices do not publish a figure at all, so treat these as a planning guide for your address.
Published Review Times
As published by each office as of November 2026. We found no published figure for Dublin, Gahanna or Grove City.
| Office | Published time |
|---|---|
| Columbus (1–3 family) | About one week. The reviewer has up to 20 business days from assignment |
| Hilliard | Most projects take two weeks for plan and zoning review |
| Upper Arlington | 7–10 business days for residential review |
| Pickerington (decks) | 7–10 business days |
| Franklin County | Permit issued 7–10 days after full plan approval, on public water and sewer |
How Long a Permit Lasts in Ohio
State rules that apply across Ohio, from the Revised Code and the Residential Code of Ohio.
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Department does not act within 30 days of filing | Counts as a denial you can appeal, not an automatic approval |
| Work has not started within 12 months | Approval lapses. One 12-month extension, requested at least 10 days before expiry |
| Work is suspended for more than 6 months | Approval lapses. Two 6-month extensions are available |
What Slows a Permit Down
- Incomplete or unclear drawings, which bring a corrections letter
- A plan that misses setbacks or lot coverage, which means a redesign or a variance hearing
- Historic district or design review before the building permit
- Septic or well review when you add bedrooms or plumbing
- Filing in the wrong office because the address looked like the city
How to Plan for It
For a straightforward deck or addition, allow a few weeks from signed contract to permit in hand. For anything needing a variance or historic approval, ask your contractor about board meeting dates before you commit to a start date.
Also watch the corrections clock. In Columbus, not responding to a corrections letter within six months voids the application.
Questions, Answered
How long does a residential permit take in Columbus?
Columbus estimates approximately one week for one-, two- and three-family plans, and the reviewer has 20 business days from assignment to issue an approval or corrections letter. No response to a corrections letter within six months voids the application.
What happens if the building department takes more than 30 days?
Under Ohio law, failing to approve plans within 30 days of filing counts as a denial, which you can appeal. It does not mean the plans are approved, so do not start work.
How long is a building permit good for in Ohio?
Approval lapses if work has not started within 12 months. One 12-month extension is available if you request it at least 10 days before expiry, for a fee of up to $100. It also lapses if work is suspended for more than six months, with two six-month extensions available.
How long does a permit take in Hilliard?
The city says most projects take two weeks for plan and zoning review. Contractors must be registered first.
Planning a project with a real timeline?
See how we build them, with real project photos and reviews, on our Home Additions page, or request a free written estimate.