1. Planning & Development Department
  2. Do I Need a Permit?

Do I Need a Permit?

When is a Permit Required?

• When the owner/agent wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move change the occupancy of a building or structure, or portion thereof
OR
• When the owner/agent wants to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing system, other building service equipment or piping system.

Choose your project type:

• Residential Construction
• Commercial Construction
• Related Construction
– Mechanical
– Electrical
– Plumbing
– Gas
– Fire Protection Systems
• Work in Right of Way
•Other

Residential Construction
Residential Construction Page
City of Kettering Permit Forms and Fees
Requires a permit Does not require a permit
• New homes
• Additions
• Detached garages
• Ramps and stairs
• Sheds
• Decks
• Patios
• Interior remodeling
• Basement remodeling
• Attic remodeling
• Structural changes
• Any new walls
• Demolition
• Fire damage repair
• Fences
• Swimming pools
• Driveway extensions or additions
• Signs
• Window and door replacement
• Minor house repairs
• Replacement of electrical switches and receptacles
• Replacement of same type light fixtures
• Faucet replacement and minor plumbing repairs
• Driveway replacement
(replacement of existing only, does not apply if the driveway is being enlarged)

 

Retaining walls may not need a building permit. Contact building official to review.

Site retaining walls will require zoning review.

Commercial Construction
Commercial Construction Page
City of Kettering Permit Forms and Fees
Requires a permit Does not require a permit
• New buildings
• Additions
• Interior alterations
• Demolition
• Tenant improvements
• Door hardware
• Ramps, stairs, handrails, guardrails
• Load-bearing walls
• Non-load-bearing walls or partitions
• Fire-rated assemblies
• Canopies, awnings
• Change of occupancy (a change in the purpose or level of activity that involves a change in the application of code requirements)
• Change in the Use Group classification for all or part of the building; Certificate of Occupancy
The following commercial construction projects do not require a permit:
• Repair or replacement of finishes (carpet, tile, paint etc.)
• Glass repair
• Roof replacement
• Other routine building maintenance or repair
Requires a zoning permit only:
  • Fences, accessory structures less than 200 sq. ft.
  • Tents over 120 sq. ft.
  • Siding Replacement
Retaining walls may not need a building permit. Contact building official to review. Site retaining walls will require zoning review.

Related Construction: Mechanical
Related Construction Page
City of Kettering Permit Forms and Fees
Requires a permit Does not require a permit
• New, replacement or alteration of
– mechanical systems
– mechanical equipment
– furnaces, condensers, boilers, roof-top units, combination units, etc., exhaust fans, hoods, make-up air units, wood stoves,
fireplaces
– controls
– smoke detection dampers, vent dampers on flue pipes, flue liners
– ductwork, distribution devices
– VAV boxes, reheat units
– alterations to existing systems
– minor ductwork extensions
• Replacement of any part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
• Routine maintenance
• Other portable HVAC
• Dedicated gas piping to and part of heating systems of less than 150,000 BTUs per hour, per input system
• Process equipment and associated piping; glycol-based water piping systems
• Portable evaporative coolers

Related Construction: Electrical
Related Construction Page
City of Kettering Permit Forms and Fees
Requires a permit
Does not require a permit
• New installation, replacement or alteration of:
– any electrical system
– equipment or component that is regulated by the National Electric Code such as
– new electrical service, service changes
– wiring, replacement wiring, removals
– CT boxes, electrical panels, meters
– new fixtures, electrical boxes
– lighted signs
– hard-wired electrical smoke detectors
– hot tubs, permanent swimming pools
• Replacement of outlets and switches
• Lamps, minor repair work
• Electrical wiring devices or appliances at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy, unless specifically addressed by the code
• Process equipment and associated wiring on the load side of the power disconnect to the equipment

Related Construction: Plumbing
Related Construction Page
City of Kettering Permit Forms and Fees
 Requires a permit Does not require a permit
• New installation, replacement or alteration of:
– water supply piping
– sanitary drain piping, traps
– vent piping
– valves, backflow prevention, other safety devices and fixtures regulated by the Ohio Plumbing Code
– Fixtures include: water closets (toilets), urinals, sinks, dishwashers, water heaters, water softeners and filters
• Repair of leaks or clearance of stoppages (Note: replacement of any fixture including water closets, piping or valves associated with such repairs requires a permit)
• Faucet replacement
• Process equipment and associated piping

 Related Construction: Gas
Related Construction Page
City of Kettering Permit Forms and Fees
 Requires a permit Does not require a permit
– fuel gas systems
– storage
– piping
– meters
– valves or other controls
– safety devices, etc.
• Portable heating appliance
• Replacement of any part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
• Dedicated gas piping to and part of heating systems of less than 150,000 BTUs per hour, per input system

Related Construction: Fire Protection Systems
Related Construction Page
City of Kettering Permit Forms and Fees
Requires a permit
 Does not require a permit
• New sprinkler installation
• Replacement or alteration of sprinkler systems, “arm-overs”
• Other fire suppression systems
• New fire alarm systems
• Fire alarm modifications
• Alarm panel replacement
• Adding/removing alarm devices
• System repairs
• Testing and maintenance

Other Required Permits

Fire Department Permits
• The Kettering Fire Department issues permits for temporary fuel gas tanks (single or multiple) over 100 lbs., underground tank removal, and torch-applied or hot mopped roofing operations.
Tent Permits
• Includes tents over 400 sq. ft. used for commercial operations, festivals or seasonal sales. Tents used for large mercantile or assembly purposes require lighted exit signs and multiple exits. Seating chart required for assembly uses.
Demolition
• Includes demolition of any part or whole building unless approved in conjunction with a building permit. Foundations must be removed and the site restored to its original paved or landscaped condition (grass).
Signs
• Includes all temporary or permanent signs. Must conform to the City of Kettering Zoning Ordinance. Lighted signs must be UL- approved and require an Electrical Permit.
Montgomery County Combined Health District
If you are planning to begin construction of a new food service operation (restaurant), retail food establishment (grocery), or transient accommodation (motel), you must submit plans for the work to be completed to the Montgomery County Combined Health District. Plans are also required when planning any substantial alteration to any of the those types of  facilities.  For more information you may call their offices at 937-225-6150.
Note: Some projects do not conform to the City of Kettering Zoning Code. Those applicants will be advised by the building or zoning staff to apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for approval before permits for the job will be issued.
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