City Building Department Moves to the County

Beginning January 1, 2020, the City of Painesville Building Department will move its administration and enforcement of building code to the Lake County Building Department, located at 105 Main Street on Painesville Square.

The decision was approved by Painesville City Council after a thorough review of building fees and revenues as well as difficulty in hiring staff with the necessary licenses to operate a certified building department. City administration met with the Lake County administrator and chief building official to discuss best options for a partnership with the county. Many surrounding communities already use the Lake County Building Department for their building code needs and the savings is estimated at $100,000 a year for the city.

As a result of the change, all contractors will be required to obtain their general building permits, HVAC permits, electrical permits and plumbing permits through the Lake County Building Department. The county will perform all inspections for work within the City of Painesville limits.

However, prior to a permit being issued by the county, contractors and residents are still required to obtain zoning and engineering approvals through Painesville City’s Community Development Department for items including fencing, decks, roofing, accessory structures, driveways/sidewalks, additions and new structures. Site plans for new development will also still need to be presented to the city prior to obtaining building permits.

For more information, please reach out to the Painesville City Community Development Department at 440-392-5931 or the Lake County Building Department at 440-350-2636.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Contractors Working in the City of Painesville:

1. Complete application to register as a contractor, provide bond and insurance to both the City of Painesville (66 Mentor Ave) and the Lake County Building Department (71 N Park Place).
2. If required, complete zoning application with the City of Painesville. Obtain zoning and engineering approval.
3. Please note for new residential housing, contractors will need to submit a permit to the City of Painesville for sanitary sewer tie in, flat work, sidewalks, etc.
4. If required, present plans for plan review to the Lake County Building Department. Obtain plan approval.
5. Contact the Lake County Building Department for all building permits, inspections and finals.
6. Apply for and obtain certificate of occupancy from the City of Painesville.