Franklin County

Home permits and project costs in Columbus, OH

Steady growth with mid-range labor costs; Columbus Building and Zoning Services permits inside the city while townships use Franklin County.

Model reviewed August 2026

Local cost index

+0%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+2%

vs national baseline

Population

905,748

Homeownership

46%

Do you need a permit in Columbus?

For most structural work, yes

Columbus enforces ohio residential code, based on the irc through Franklin County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Columbus

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$9,900 – $33,300	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$5,300 – $15,900	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,400 – $11,200	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,200 – $5,500	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$39,100 – $118,300	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$7,800 – $35,200	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$2,000 – $7,000	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$6,700 – $22,500	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$15,400 – $49,200	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$18,100 – $92,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$9,100 – $42,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$4,300 – $19,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$3,500 – $16,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$5,600 – $28,600	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$1,800 – $12,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$4,600 – $16,400	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$800 – $4,300	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$3,300 – $18,700	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$9,300 – $43,400	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$7,700 – $28,900	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$9,400 – $43,700	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$900 – $6,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,400 – $7,700	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$8,200 – $39,000	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$900 – $16,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$1,800 – $11,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$900 – $6,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$400 – $4,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$6,200 – $29,000	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,200 – $7,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,600 – $12,300	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,500 – $12,800	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,500 – $20,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$1,800 – $16,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,500 – $9,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$2,800 – $15,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$400 – $4,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$4,500 – $20,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,200 – $12,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$3,600 – $16,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$900 – $7,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,200 – $10,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$500 – $5,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$6,100 – $45,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$8,300 – $98,500	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$9,300 – $88,100	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$5,700 – $25,700	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,500 – $15,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,200 – $6,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$46,700 – $290,400	required	Cost·Permit
Heat Pump Replacement	$6,600 – $22,500	required	Cost·Permit
Furnace Replacement	$3,300 – $11,800	required	Cost·Permit
Foundation Repair	$2,800 – $32,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Basement Waterproofing	$3,000 – $18,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Drain Field Replacement	$6,100 – $25,600	required	Cost·Permit
Toilet Installation	$300 – $1,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Hot Tub Installation	$5,600 – $22,400	usually required	Cost·Permit

Columbus permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Columbus, Franklin County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Homeowner permits allowed on owner-occupied one- to three-family homes
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Ohio Board of Building Standards before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.