Ohio, Union County HVAC Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

In Union County, Ohio, HVAC permit requirements are handled by the Union County Building Department. For properties in unincorporated areas, the county's building department has jurisdiction. Generally, replacing or installing a new HVAC system requires mechanical and electrical permits to ensure compliance with current energy and safety codes.

Permit Application Process

Applications must be completed through the Union County Building Department's online portal.
Simple permits for items like furnace replacements may not require detailed drawings.
For projects requiring construction drawings, these must be submitted with the application.
Plan approval is a necessary step before obtaining a building permit.
Zoning approval from the applicable township or municipality is also required.
For properties with a well and/or septic system, site plan approval from the Union County Health Department is necessary.
All applicable plan review and permit fees must be paid.

Timeline and Fees

Permits that do not require drawings are typically issued within one week.
Permits requiring construction drawings are subject to a state law review period of up to 30 days.
The overall processing time for HVAC installation permits in Union County is estimated to be between 1 to 3 weeks.
Plan review fees are non-refundable and are due at the time of application.
Permit fees are based on the project's square footage and applicable trades (building, electrical, mechanical).
A 1% fee is collected on behalf of the Ohio Board of Building Standards for all permit fees.

Unincorporated Areas

The Union County Building Department oversees permits for all areas within the county, including unincorporated areas. If construction begins before a permit is issued, additional fees may be assessed, and work may be required to be removed.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Ohio, including Union County.

Ohio Hvac Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Ohio HVAC Building Codes and Legislation

The state of Ohio regulates heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems through a comprehensive framework of building codes. As of March 1, 2024, Ohio has adopted the 2024 editions of its state building codes, which are based on the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC), modified with specific Ohio amendments.

Key components of this regulatory framework include:

Ohio Mechanical Code (OMC): This code governs the design, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems, including ductwork, combustion air, exhaust systems, hydronic piping, boilers, and refrigeration. It is based on the 2021 International Mechanical Code.
Ohio Building Code (OBC): This code covers structural and fire-safety aspects that intersect with HVAC, such as equipment clearances, shaft construction, and fire/smoke damper requirements. It is based on the 2021 International Building Code.
Residential Code of Ohio (RCO): This code provides the standards for one-, two-, and three-family dwellings.
Statutory Authority: The legal foundation for these construction standards is established in Chapter 3781 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).

Primary Regulatory Agency

The Ohio Board of Building Standards (BBS), which operates under the Ohio Department of Commerce, is the primary agency responsible for adopting and amending the state's construction codes. The Board is tasked with establishing the rules that govern the erection, construction, repair, and alteration of buildings across the state. While the BBS sets these statewide standards, enforcement is often carried out by certified local building departments.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Union County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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