Building Inspection

The Building Inspection Division has the responsibility to insure all residential construction meets all local and state building codes.

Contractors

Contractors must be registered by the City. Since the term "contractor" includes "sub-contractor", they cannot legally work under a "homeowner" permit unless they are doing work for which a permit is not required (i.e., floor tile work under the owner's bathroom remodel permit). Homeowners need not be registered to obtain a permit to personally perform work upon their established residence, provided that it is a single-, two-, or three-family property.

Inspections

Inspections are a part of the permit process. All work for which a permit is required must be inspected to insure it meets code. Electrical, plumbing and heating work must be inspected prior to enclosure in walls, floors, or ceilings. A final inspection should be made before final payment to a contractor. As the Contractor, you can set up the appointment for inspection by calling the Building Department at 419-784-2195, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Please call 48-hours prior to the requested inspection.

Property Owner's Responsibility

It is the Property Owner's responsibility, ultimately, to see that permits are obtained at the:
City Service Building
631 Perry Street
Suite 101
Defiance, OH 43512

If your work is being contracted, the contractor must obtain the permit(s) - this can be made clear in your contract. Permits must be posted during the period of construction.

Building Department Requirements

Please be sure you, or your contractor, check with the building department before starting any repair or construction work! 419-784-2195

Building permits are required for the following:

  • To demolish, alter or make major repairs to any existing building structure, or any portion of that structure, or to build any new structure/addition. New roof coverings, window replacements, new siding (except small areas of replacement), decks, new steps (or rebuilding steps), all require permits.
  • To do any electrical (other than minor fixture replacements), plumbing, heating, or air conditioning work.
  • To do any concrete work involving replacement or any paving work (brick walls, etc).

In general, permits are required for most construction activities except minor repairs, exterior/interior painting, gutters and downspouts installations.

If in Doubt, Contact the Building Department!

All construction debris must be removed from the premises and taken to an appropriate landfill. The City's Service Department will not pick up construction debris. If doing your own work, check the Yellow Pages under "Landfills" or "Rubbish and Garbage Removal", and make appropriate arrangements for disposal of debris.

The City of Defiance is zoned. Setback information may be taken from the Zoning Code Section(s). Please note: The Building Inspection Department deals with properties within the City limits. Any questions or information concerning outside the city limits should be directed to the Township Zoning Inspector.

Call Before You Dig - It's The Law

Call When You Dig (811) - Visit the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) WebsiteFor Water, Sewer, Electricity and Gas in Ohio call 800-362-2764 or 811.

Ohio law requires that anyone digging contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and legal holidays) prior to beginning their work. Failure to contact OUPS could result in fines or penalties.